The Chicago Exhibition was opened by President Cleveland on Monday,
May 1st, as had been long ago arranged. It was not ready, of course, even American energy having been beaten by the destiny which presides over great Exhibitions ; but the ceremonial was imposing, and the sight a grand one. The Presi- dent, surrounded by Ambassadors, Generals, and distinguished personages, among whom, in the place of honour, was the thir- teenth descendant of Columbus, the Spanish Duke de Veragua, touched an electric button which set the machinery of all the buildings going, and caused a firing of cannon, a raisin g of flags, an outburst of music from the enormous bands and universal cheering, and the Exhibition was open. The President, in his speech, called it "a stupendous result of American activity and enterprise," welcomed foreigners bringing with them "the results accomplished by efforts which have been exerted longer than ours," and observed that as his countrymen "had built these edifices, so they had also built the magnificent fabric of a popular Government, whose grand proportions are seen throughout the world,"—a curious little instance of the American admiration for the big. He desired that American "hopes and aspirations should awaken forces which for all time to come would influence the welfare, dignity, and freedom of mankind." Clearly, they will influence them ; but it is still matter of hope that they will influence them for good. The Exhibition will not be complete till June, but Americans are impatient of waiting, and the entrance-money already amounts to 220,000 a day. The drawback of a visit will, it is said, be its excessive fatigue. There are sixty buildings, the total area to be traversed is that of a small county, and it will be necessary to enter trains, steamers,. tramways, and every other device used for carrying great crowds. We may safely recommend the old, the invalid, the impecunious, and all who love seclusion, to read the Chicago. Graphic, and resolutely keep away.
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