Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 December 1884 — STARTING THE MACHINERY. [ARTICLE]

STARTING THE MACHINERY.

President Arthur Opens the Exposition by Wire at the Executive Mansion. At a few minutes past 3 o’clock on the afternoon of Dec. 16, President Arthur touched an electric button which set in motion the machinery of the New Orleans Exposition. Soon after noon the members of the Cabinet, foreign representatives, and committees representing both houses of Congress assembled in the East Room of the Executive Mansion, into which a telegraph wire had previously been placed connecting with the Exposition Building in New Orleans. There was considerable delay at the New Orleans end of the wire, and it was after 2 o’clock when the President and members of the Cabinet ranged themselves behind the telegraph table. At 2:45 the following telegram was received: New Orleans, Dec. 16. To the President of the United States: The present occasion is the consummation of an enterprise inaugurated in conformity to an act of Congress passed lessthan two years, and authorizing the holding of a, World's Industrial and Cotton Exposition under the joint auspices of the United States, the National Cotton Planters’ Association, and the city of its location. New Orleans was then selected as the site of - this World's Exposition, and in June, 1883, the thirteen commissioners composing the board of management were appointed by the President of the United States, and at once entered upon the discharge of' their duties. At an early date, however, it became manifest that the liberality of individuals of the city and State would be inadequate to meet the requirements of the ever-increasing magnitude of the undertaking. Accordingly an application for aid was made to the United States, through Congress, resulting in obtaining that generous assistance which has so materially contributed to the accomplishment of the purpose contemplated. From the commencement It was determined that nothing should give a local or sectional character to this great work, but that it should be, as it truly is, a national or international exposition. .

“How much of good shall result from the means of instruction here furnished," the telegram continued, “is beyond mortal power to measure.” The telegram, which was quite long, closed bv thanking the people of the United States for their generous assistance, and appealing to them to make the Exposition a success. It was signed by Edmund Riclrardson, President;. Immediately after the telegram was read the President read the address formally opening the Exposition, and it was afterward telegraphed direct to the Exposition Building'in New Orleans. It is as follows:

In the name of the people of the republic I congratulate the citizens of the Southwest in their advancing prosperity as manifested by the great International Exposition rrcrtv about-to open. The interest of the nation in that sectidn of onr commonwealth hks found expression* in many ways, and notably in appropriations for the improvement of the Mississippi and by national’lrnjiji WYrromotethe present Exposition. the gateway of trade between the lmMM*3states and Central America and South'lfntnca, It will attract the attention of the people of neighboring nations to the America* 'systems, and they will letfra the importance of availing themselves of the products as we will of theirs, and thus not only good feeling but profitable intercourse between the United States and the States of Central and South America .will be promoted. The people also of our country thus brought closer together, will find in this exposition of competitive industries, motives for' strengthening the bonds of brotherhood. Bailroads, telegraph lines, and submarine cables have drawn much nearer the nations of the earth, and an assembly like this, of the representatives of different nations, is promotive of good will and peace, while it advances the material welfare of all. The United States extends to those from foreign countries who may visit ns on this occasion a cordial welcome, and now, at the Executive Mansion at Washington, in presence assembled representatives of the friendly nations of the world, of the President of the Senate, of ifbe Speaker of the House of Bepresentatives, of the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, of the committee from each house of Congress and of the members of my Cabinet, I again, and in their name, congratulate the promoters of the Exposition upon the auspacious inauguration of the enterprise which promises such far-reaching results, and with my best wishes for a fulfillment of all its great purposes. I now declare the World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition open. Chester A. Arthur. The transmission of the President’s address was concluded at precisely 3p. m., and, at 3:10 the signal to formally open the Exposition was given, and the ceremonies concluded with music and general enthusiasm. A joint congratulatory telegram from Ihe Senate and House Committees was telegraphed to New Orleans over the wire used by the President. •