Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 December 1884 — STARTING THE MACHINERY. [ARTICLE]

STARTING THE MACHINERY.

President Arthur Opens the Exposition hy Wire at the Executive Mansion. At a few minutes past 3 o’clook on the afternoon of Dec. 16, President Arthur touched an electric button whioh 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, Deo. 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 less than 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 qf their duties. At an early date, however, it became manif At 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 gencrons assistance which has so materially contributed to the accomplishment of tlfe purpose contemplated. From the commencement It was determined that nothing should give a local or character to this great work, but that ft should be, as it truly is, a national or international exposition. “Hoifr 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 inake the Exposition a success. It was signed by Edmund Richardson, President, Immediately after the telegram was read the President read the address formally opening tne Exposition, and it was afterward telegraphed direct to the Exposition Building in New Orleans. It is as follows:

In the name ot the people of the republic I congratulate the citizens of the Southwest in their advancing prosperity as manifested by the great International Exposition now about to open. The interest of the nation in that section of onr commonwealth has found expression in many ways, and notably in appropriations for the improvement of the Mississippi and by national loan to promote the present Exposition. Situated as it is at the gateway of trade between the United States and Central America and South America, it will attract the attention of the people of neighboring nations to the American systems, and they will learn the importance of availing themselves of the products as we will of theirs, and thns 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 oloeer together, will find in this exposition of competitive industries, motives for strengthening the bonds of brotherhood. Railroads, telegraph lines, and submarine cables have draWh much nearer the nations of the earth, and an assembly like this, of the representatives of different nations, is promotlve 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 us 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 the Speaker of the House ot Representatives, of the Chief Justice and Aesooiate Justices of the Supreme Court, of the committee from each house of Congress and of the members of my Cabinet, I again, aud’in their name, congratulate the promoters of the Exposition upon the anspacioos 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 cei emonies concluded with music and general enthusiasm. A joint congratulatory telegram from 'he Senate and Hotue Committees was telegraphed to New OrleanvOver the wire used by the President.