May 11,1876
 

The Great Exhibition Open.

Patriotism had full possession of Philadelphia yesterday. Never in the history of our city has there been so brilliant a scene, such an assemblage of distinguished and illustrious visitors, such as a unanimous outpouring of the people. We have had memorable days in Philadelphia, when the population has been strongly moved, when all the principle streets have been thronged, when the highest manifestations of popular favor and respect have been paid to living presidents, soldier and statesmen, when profound homage has been paid to the memory of the patriotic dead, when the city has been gaily decorated and the people have surged through the throughfares, Impelled by all manner of motives, from mere curiosity to the most intense feeling; but never have we had such a day as yesterday. Notable days were those which witnessed the ovation to Lafayette, the centenary celebration of Washington's birthday in 1832, the reception of General Jackson, the welcome home of our soldiers after the Mexican war and the war of the rebellion, the funeral solemnities of General Meade, the incoming of New Year's Day of the present year, and the observance of the last 22d of February- but none of those (rivalled) yesterday , and the 10th of May; 1878, will now stand as the great day in Philadelphia until equalled, if not surpassed by the Centennial Fourth of July, now so near at hand.

This is due to the exalted character of the great event, of which all this is commemorative. It is this which has brought here the grand array of representatives of nations, kingdoms, States, empires, and peoples; it is this which has led to the impressive procession of historic characters, eminent and illustrious men, accompanying the President of the United States, his cabinet, the foreign embassies, the Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, the distinguished leaders of the army and navy, the Legislature of the nation; it is this which made the walls of all houses brilliant with the colors of all countries; it is this which has its hold deep in the hearts of the people, and which packed the streets with multitudes in mass.

The day, beginning with an unfavorable sky, followed by lowering clouds and occasional chilling showers and then bursting into bright sunshine, remaining clear and pleasant until the inaugural ceremonies were over, was perfectly typical of the fortunes of the Centennial undertaking itself. It had its inception under quite discouraging conditions, followed by many adverse events threatening its discomfiture and defeat, all of which were eventually cleared away, the sunlight of success coming out clear, cheery and invigorating. This similitude between the gradually brightening aspect of the skies yesterday, after the preceding rainstorms must have come to the minds of many of those participating in the ceremonies, who had been among the laborers during the unpromising and gloomy days, which have since been crowned by glorious success. When the sun dud break through the clouds yesterday, and, dispersing them, lit up the bright colors of the brilliant and profuse and universal display of (bunting) and decorations, the city was just one glory over all. Nearly every house was ornamented in some way, and the ornamentation ranged through the whole scale of patriotism, from the tiny specimens of the Stars and Stripes on very humble dwellings , to the costly and elaborate displays of the opulent, and upon the more conspicuous private and public buildings. The almost universal decoration of the humbler classes of dwellings in the small side streets and up the little narrow courts was remarkable, and was one of the most pleasing characteristics of this memorable time.

Particulars of all these matters as to the appearance of the city and the events and incidents of the opening ceremonies at the Exhibition Buildings, and of the day elsewhere, will be found in our very full local reports. They are admirably written out, and the collection of them taxed the industry of our strong staff of attaches to the utmost. The scene on the broad space between Memorial Hall and the Main Building, during the ceremonial attending the formal opening of the Exhibition, was of a character to be fully understood only by those who saw it. No pen or, printed description can do justice to it. The presence of the assembled dignitaries of our own country and of the world- the men whose deeds and words make up human history: the splendid instrumental music prepared for the occasion, executed with surpassing skill and effect; the swelling and magnificent harmonies of the grand chorus of human voices, the electrical influence upon the tens of thousands of spectators as the flags were unfurled when the President of the United States pronounced the words, " I now declare this Exhibition open," when the "joy bells" rang out, and the organs pealed, and the multitudinous audience by one spontaneous impulse gave vent to their satisfaction by the waving of myriad of hats and handkerchiefs and enthusiastic cheers and be part of to rightly understand, for the best trained reporter and the most experienced writer is here at fault. Just as no writer has ever been able to reproduce in (cords) the mighty grandeur of Niagara Falls or of the Yosemite Valley, so none can give verbal expression to the feeling and emotion produced by scenes and events like those of yesterday.

S owe leave the subject for the present, with brief mention of two other points. It should be acknowledged of record that the Emperor and Empress of Brazil have done a most grateful and welcome act in coming to the United States as a private gentleman and lady to grace this occasion with their presence. The American people will not forget that.

And now the great Exhibition of the products, the industries and the arts of the world is open to exert its refining and civilizing influences, and to do that work of education which the President made such pointed mention of yesterday. The Centennial Commissioners and the American people should not forget this while discussing the subject as to what days the Exhibition shall or shall not be open.