New York State Week
The week beginning October third was set aside by the Exposition
authorities as New York week; Monday, October third, being designated
"New York City Day," and Tuesday, October fourth, "New York State Day."
NEW YORK CITY DAY
New York City Day was observed with exercises in the City Building on
the Model street at eleven o'clock in the morning, which were presided
over by Thomas W. Hynes, the Commissioner officially representing the
city. Mayor McClellan was represented by Charles V. Fornes, President of
the Board of Aldermen. There were also present an official delegation
representing the city. Addresses were made by Archbishop J. J. Glennon,
of St. Louis; Right Reverend Bishop McNamara, of New York city; Walter
B. Stevens, Secretary, and F. J. V. Skiff, Director of Exhibits of the
Exposition; Howard J. Rogers, Chief of Department of Education and
Social Economy, and others. Luncheon was served at noon at the Tyrolean
Alps, and from three to five in the afternoon a reception was held in
the City Building, which was attended by exposition officials, national
and state representatives, St. Louis society and many New Yorkers. In
the evening a sumptuous banquet was served in the Town Hall of the
Tyrolean Alps, which was presided over by Commissioner Hynes.
SERENADE TO GOVERNOR ODELL
Governor Odell and staff and invited guests reached St. Louis Monday
morning, October third. At noon the Governor was tendered a serenade by
the Philippine Constabulary band of 100 pieces. On Monday evening a
dinner was given at the State building by the New York State Commission
in honor of the Governor and Mrs. Odell, and President and Mrs. Francis.
Owing to a death in the family, President and Mrs. Francis were unable
to be present. Mr. D. M. Houser, of the Board of Directors, represented
President Francis. There were no formal speeches, Governor Odell simply
regretting that President Francis could not be present.
PROGRAM FOR NEW YORK STATE DAY
The program for New York State day was as follows:
11 A.M. Concert by the Garde Republicaine band, of
Paris, France, on the Plaza in front of the State
building
12 M. Formal exercises of the day in the grand entrance
hall, Col. Edward Lyman Bill presiding
Invocation by Rev. Dr. William W. Boyd, of St.
Louis, formerly of New York
Address of welcome by Col. Edward Lyman Bill.
Address of greeting in behalf of Exposition Company
by Hon. Franklin Ferriss
Address by Governor Benjamin B. Odell, Jr.
Organ recital by S. H. Grover, of New York city
9 to 12 P. M. Reception and ball given by the New York
State Commission in honor of Governor and Mrs.
Odell. Dancing after ten o'clock
While not marked by the presence of militia and other spectacular
features which generally accompany the celebration of a State Day, the
exercises in the State building which were held at noon were most
dignified and impressive. The day opened clear and cool, and the
spacious verandas of the State building were well filled long before the
time set for the concert.
THE GARDE REPUBLICAINE BAND
The Garde Republicaine band is composed of 100 skilled musicians and is
considered by many to be the finest band in the world. No musical
organization which visited the Exposition during the entire season
received more compliments or more flattering press notices than those
accorded this band. They played the following program:
1. March, "Lisbon"--L. Planel
2. Overture, "La Princesse Jaime"--C. Saint-Saens
3. Fantasie On the Opera "LeCompte Ory"--G. Rossini
Soloists, MM. Paradis, Laforgue, Joseph Barthelemy,
Morfaux, Couilland, Fournier
4. Three Celebrated Menuets--
(a) Menuet--L. van Beethoven
(b) "Ox" Menuet--J. Haydn
(c) Menuet Favori--W. A. Mozart
5. March, "Egyptian"--J. Strauss
At the conclusion of the formal exercises they were entertained at
luncheon by the State Commission. Through their leader, M. Gabriel
Pares, they expressed hearty appreciation of the courteous treatment
accorded them by the State of New York, and attested the same by playing
a second concert in front of the State building between the hours of two
and four in the afternoon. It was worthy of note that the building of
the State of New York was the only State building at which this band
played during its entire stay at the Exposition, their concerts being
invariably given either in Festival Hall or in the grand bandstand in
Machinery Gardens.
THE FORMAL EXERCISES
At twelve o'clock the assemblage was called to order by Colonel Edward
Lyman Bill. There were present Governor and Mrs. Odell, the Governor's
staff, a joint committee of the Legislature, members of the State
Commission, invited guests, several representatives of the Exposition
Company, representatives of State and foreign commissions, and a large
audience, many of whom had journeyed all the way from New York State to
be present at the ceremonies.
The personal party of the Governor consisted of Governor Benjamin B.
Odell, Jr., Mrs. Odell, Mrs. William Kelly, Mrs. S.L. Dawes, Mrs. Hall
and Miss Odell.
The Governor's staff comprised Brigadier-General Nelson H. Henry,
Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff; Major Harrison K. Bird, Military
Secretary; Lieutenant-Colonel Charles H. Sherrill, Aide-de-camp;
Lieutenant-Commander Alfred Brooks Fry, Naval Militia, Aide-de-camp;
Major Charles C. Davis, Thirteenth Regiment, Aide-de-camp; Major Richard
H. Laimbeer, Second Brigade Staff, Aide-de-camp; Major Amos E. McIntyre,
First Regiment, Aide-de-camp; Captain John T. Sadler, Thirtieth Separate
Company, Aide-de-camp; Captain Edwin W. Dayton, Twenty-second Regiment,
Aide-de-camp; First Lieutenant William L. Thompson, Twelfth Separate
Company, Aide-de-camp; First Lieutenant Chauncey Matlock, Third Battery,
Aide-de-camp; First Lieutenant Thomas Barron, Seventh Regiment,
Aide-de-camp; First Lieutenant Augustus S. Chatfield, Eighth Regiment,
Aide-de-camp; First Lieutenant Cornelius Vanderbilt, Twelfth Regiment,
Aide-de-camp.
The joint committee of the Legislature comprised Hon. Jotham P. Allds,
Norwich; Hon. S. Frederick Nixon, Westfield; Hon. James T. Rogers,
Binghamton; Hon. Edwin A. Merritt, Potsdam; Hon. Robert Linn Cox,
Buffalo; Hon. Thomas D. Lewis, Oswego.
Colonel Bill called upon the Rev. W. W. Boyd, of St. Louis, formerly of
New York, to invoke the Divine blessing.
Dr. W. W. Boyd:
"Our Father, we thank Thee for this beautiful day and this assembly of
the loyal sons and daughters of our native State. We rejoice that Thou
hast gathered us into families, and so into communities, commonwealths
and the perfect union of all the states.
"We bless Thee for the history of this great State, its part in the
glorious Revolution, in the preservation of the Union, its development
in every branch of human industry, its material prosperity, but above
all, for its humanities, its growth in philanthropy, education and
religion.
"Bless, we beseech Thee, His Excellency the Governor, and all associated
with him in making, interpreting and executing the laws.
"Bless the President, Directors and all who have helped to create and
develop this marvelous Exposition, especially the Commissioners of the
State of New York, who have erected this splendid building, and by the
varied exhibits in the palaces of the Exposition portrayed the wonderful
progress of the Empire State.
"And grant, O most merciful Father, that the fruits of this great
Exposition may be enlarged national prosperity, international comity and
peace, and the strengthening of the ties of human brotherhood throughout
the world.
"May Thy special blessing be upon the exercises of this hour; may the
words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Thy
sight, O Lord, our Strength and our Redeemer. Amen."
Colonel Bill then delivered the following address:
ADDRESS OF COLONEL BILL
"On behalf of the New York State Commission I extend greeting and hearty
welcome to the official representative of President Francis, to Governor
Odell, our distinguished guests, to the sons and daughters of New York,
and to all who have honored us with their presence here to-day. It was
on this site, upon May 2, 1903, Governor Odell lifted the first spadeful
of earth where this beautiful structure has since been erected. Upon
that occasion New York was represented by our Chief Executive, his
staff, and troops numbering nearly fifteen hundred men from all branches
of the military and naval service of the State. On last April thirtieth
this building, sumptuously appointed, was formally opened to the public.
I may say, with pardonable pride, that the report which the Commission
made at that time showed that not only was our building complete in
every detail, but all of the State exhibits as well were ready for
inspection. The work of our Commission has been along pleasant lines,
and we have been constantly stimulated by hearty support from the
Exposition authorities. It is fitting that we should express our sincere
appreciation to President Francis and the sterling coterie of men with
whom he is surrounded for the aid and assistance which they have so
willingly rendered this Commission in every way. Our Governor has taken
a warm interest in New York's participation at this Fair, and on many
occasions he has made manifest his desire that New York's representation
should be ample and complete in every particular. In many of the
magnificent places, such as Education, Agriculture, Horticulture,
Forestry, Fish and Game, Mines and Metallurgy, our State has collective
exhibits which show her varied resources. In this beautiful structure
will be evidenced further proof of New York's generous participation in
this great Exposition. The Louisiana Purchase Exposition has a deep
interest for New York, for one of the principal figures instrumental in
bringing about that purchase was Livingston, a distinguished son of the
Empire State, and it was he who negotiated the treaty and was first to
sign it. And yet the real authors of that great transaction on this side
of the ocean were neither Jefferson, Madison nor Livingston, and I think
historians will agree with me when I say it was more the influence of
those hardy frontiersmen of Kentucky who demanded free navigation for
the magnificent inland river which rolls by us in its eternal flow to
the Gulf of Mexico. The influence of those men, the vanguard of
civilization, could not be disregarded by those who were at the head of
our governmental affairs more than a century ago. Then, the more we look
at this transaction, the more evident it is that the outcome of it was
due to that man whose shadow even now falls sharply athwart the whole
continent of Europe--Napoleon Bonaparte. It was his ambition which threw
into the grasp of the infant republic the splendid empire out of which
have been carved twelve sovereign States and two Territories. At that
time Napoleon uttered one of those far-seeing expressions which is
important in its prophecy. 'Perhaps,' he said, 'it will be objected to
me that the Americans of two or three centuries hence may be found too
powerful for Europe, but my foresight does not embrace such remote
fears. Besides, we may hereafter expect rivalries among members of the
Union. Confederacies that are called perpetual last only until one of
the contending parties finds it is to its interests to break them. It is
to prevent the danger to which the colossal power of England subjects us
that I would provide such a remedy.' No such vision of the future came
to our American statesmen, many of whom bitterly opposed the purchase of
the Louisiana Territory. When the bill came up for discussion on the
floor of Congress, Josiah Quincy, afterwards mayor of Boston, and for
many years president of Harvard College, said, speaking of the
incorporation in the Union of the territory of Louisiana: 'It appears to
me that this measure would justify revolution in this country. I am
compelled to declare it as my deliberate opinion that if this bill
passes, the bonds of this Union are virtually dissolved; that the States
which compose it are free from their moral obligation, and that, as it
will be the right of all, so it will be the duty of some to prepare
definitely for a separation, amicably if they can, violently if they
must.' He said further: 'If this bill passes, it is a death blow to the
Constitution.' Strange words, indeed, in our ears at this time, and it
shows that the American statesmen of those days had not the imagination
of Napoleon.
"What has this purchase meant to New York to have in this Union this
great empire? What has it meant to the Union itself to have this
splendid territory incorporated in it? It has meant for New York
prosperity and increased commerce to the people of all our land and
furnished homes for the sons and daughters of New York. The States
carved out of that great Empire have all borne their share in the heat
of our national life and they have contributed immeasurably to the
nation's growth and development, and we have come in this country,
notwithstanding the immense separation and diversity of interests, to
work together under one flag, with one interest for a common country,
and this great Exposition should teach not only us of the East but of
all other sections of the country that we should avoid the danger of
finding ourselves separate in sentiment from one another. In this great
western empire we all take a common interest, and the success of this
Exposition redounds to the credit and honor, not only of the men who
have carried it to such successful issue, but upon the whole country. We
all shine in the reflected glory of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition,
which shows the high-water mark of human progress. It is indeed the
greatest of all international fairs and a lasting credit to the artistic
skill of the men who planned and executed it. It is the culmination of
all that has been done in the wide expanse of territory purchased from
France in 1803, and the achievements of all nations in the world since
that day. It is a far cry from the early oriental fairs in the East,
which were perhaps the early ancestors of this great Exposition, and all
honor and credit and glory is due the men who stood shoulder to shoulder
in carrying this great enterprise to such a magnificent culmination. It
represents American skill, American enterprise, American endeavor, and
its influence will be felt upon this country long after those men who
have played their successful part in this great moving drama have passed
from earth. Words are inadequate to fittingly describe the beauties of
this magnificent Exposition. It is individual effort as well as
concerted effort which has brought about these splendid results. It is
one of the brightest pages in American history, and what glorious
memories a perusal of these pages arouse! We can turn the pages of
recorded history from the time when the boats of the adventurous Genoese
unfolded their white wings in the harbor of Palos and sped across the
unknown seas to bring back upon their return evidence of the existence
of a new world far across the wide waste of waters. In fancy we picture
that sturdy band kneeling with Columbus, richly attired, upon the tropic
sands, while over them floats the blood and gold banner of Spain, as the
priest clothed in vestments of his office asks the blessings of Almighty
God upon the land which Columbus claims in the name of the House of
Castile. In the background we see waving palms and dark-skinned men who
gaze with awe upon the white discoverers. In another scene we see the
cold wintry waves surge and dash around the frail craft fighting its way
across dark tempestuous seas from Plymouth, the little bark tossed like
a feather here and there until she lands on that rock-bound coast known
as New England. We see that little colony--Freedom's seed--germinate and
thrive; first the grain, then the tender plant, ever exposed to severe
conditions, then matured into the oak of a giant nation. We see those
brave colonists who have planted the banner of human liberty upon the
inhospitable shores push ever onward, ever extending the fringe of
civilization, struggling against disheartening obstacles, fighting wild
beasts and savage men, but pushing on with indomitable courage. We see
the historical gathering at Philadelphia, resulting in that document
embodying Jefferson's superb crystallization of popular opinion that
'all men are created free and equal and endowed with certain inalienable
rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness;' that American magna charta which swept away forever the will
of kings in this land. The people became the rulers and the accident of
birth carried no rank, conferred no privilege. We see the loosely joined
colonies building a nation which contained these elements of greatness
little dreamed of by those hardy pioneers who so generously gave up
their offering of blood on Freedom's altar. The kaleidoscope still
turns. We see those intrepid founders of the school of liberty pushing
their lines ever onward across rivers, deserts, over mountains clad with
eternal snow until the golden shores of California gladden the eye of
our valiant explorers. Then a pause, and over land and sea hang dark
clouds of fratricidal war. Four long years through the valleys and over
the mountains of the Southland surges the red tide of battle. The days
were dark and full of gloom, when lo! the clouds parted and the heavens
again were blue. The nation had been born anew, and on the fair pages of
her history appear no longer the dark stain of human slavery. The strong
arm of enterprise quickly washed away the red stain of war. The word
'America' had a deeper and more sacred meaning than before, and the
nation was re-established on the indestructible foundation of national
unity; the blocks were laid in the cement of fraternal esteem. Still the
picture which we see revolves. Across the waters of the Pacific America
sweeps towards the fulfillment of her world wide destiny. The Stars and
Stripes wave over the palace of the kings in Honolulu. Still again the
nation's sword is unsheathed in the cause of human liberty, and the last
vestige of Spanish power is swept from the new world. The thunder of
Dewey's guns awakens us to the fact that the American banner is planted
into the far Orient, there to stay forever, and under its protecting
folds manifold blessings are carried to the people of those islands
lying in the purple spheres of summer seas. While the drum of all
American progress is heard around the world, it too may be truthfully
said that the sun never sets upon the soil over which Freedom's banner
proudly floats, for when the light of the dying day is fading from Porto
Rican hills the golden rays of the morning sun are reflected upon the
shimmering folds of Old Glory on the gray old battlements of Manila.
"It is indeed inspiring, the history of this great nation, guided to its
ultimate issue as a stately ship is wafted over the seas to the harbor
of its destination. I wonder if in this ceaseless struggle for gold and
gain we pause long enough to study the true character of those men to
whose valorous deeds we owe so much, those men who planted the tree of
human liberty so deep that even the shock of revolution of succeeding
wars could not uproot it, those men who demanded of Jefferson a free
Mississippi and who made this Exposition possible. All honor to those
heroes who stood shoulder to shoulder in the days which tried men's
souls, who, in the gloom and suffering of Valley Forge, saw in the
distance the rainbow of hope shining over the dark clouds of defeat.
They saw the light of a great nation which would serve as a beacon in
the world progress and a refuge for the persecuted of the nations of
earth. All races contributed to the founding of this beloved country.
The roster of the Revolution is filled with names which show that the
liberty loving of all European nations gave up a generous offering of
blood on Freedom's altar. In our veins courses blood of all nations, and
it is the healthy commingling of that blood which has produced a race of
world conquerors. It has produced the men who have made possible this
great Exposition. We have been placed in the world's crucible, have been
melted in the glowing heat of a nascent life, and have been forged into
a weapon which shall carve the world. Our ideals are worthy, the hopes
and aspirations of the nation devoted to justice and love; ideals which
shall be the steadfast inspirer of nations and individuals to
uprightness, to justice and to honor."
The presiding officer then expressed regret at the unavoidable absence
of President Francis on account of bereavement in his family. He
introduced judge Franklin Ferriss, General Counsel to the Louisiana
Purchase Exposition Company, who delivered the following address:
ADDRESS OF JUDGE FERRISS
"I regret extremely, for your sake and his, that the brilliant man who
stands at the head of this Exposition cannot be here to-day to greet you
in person. Still I must admit that I am not unmindful of the fact that I
owe to his misfortune and yours the very great privilege of appearing
before you to extend a welcome to the people of my native State.
"The President of the Exposition bids me say to you that there has been
no occasion on these grounds--that there will be none in the future--in
which he would more gladly participate than this.
"The Exposition management feels under peculiar obligations to the State
of New York. We are indebted largely to her prompt and liberal
co-operation for the high stand which the Exposition has taken. We are
indebted to the Governor, to the New York Commission, to the gracious
hostesses of this building, to the splendid woman who has, with rare
tact and dignity, co-operated with the Exposition as President of the
Board of Lady Managers.
"In the building of this Exposition, science, invention, art,
manufacture, the field, the forest, the mine, the air and the water have
contributed their choicest treasures. How well we have succeeded in
presenting them you must judge. But I wish to say to you that no matter
how high a standard we have reached, still more important than all else
is the representation upon these grounds of our splendid American man
and womanhood. No man can walk about this Plateau of States, view these
beautiful structures, see the people coming together from the north and
the south, the east and the west, uniting in common loyalty and respect
for our institutions, without feeling his heart swell with pride and
gratitude.
"It is no disparagement to our sister States, for me, a loyal son of New
York, to say that it is most fitting that the Empire State should be
pre-eminent here also in the beauty of her building, the character of
her exhibits and the magnificent representation of her people.
"I am proud of the State of New York--proud of her history, her
scholars, her statesmen, her soldiers--proud of her material
prosperity--proud of the great metropolis through whose gates thunders
the commerce of the United States.
"I love the State of New York--her broad and fertile valleys, her
stately rivers, the lakes which glisten like jewels on her bosom, her
mountains which rear their tops to the clouds; but most of all I love
the quiet life of the country home--the honesty and industry of the
plain people.
"Our old home! Who can forget it? The great barn with its huge beams and
fragrant mows of hay--the sparkling brook whose shining shallows bathed
my naked feet--the broad meadow with its fence corners of luscious
berries--the old schoolhouse, whose desks are impressed with generations
of jack-knives! Was there ever so sweet a draught as that which we drew
from the shining depths of the old well?
"And yet the country boy grew restless. With his ear to the ground, he
heard the distant hum of industry. He heard the tramp of a million feet
in the great cities. He felt that the battle of life was on, and, that
he must take his place in the struggle. And so he turned his back upon
the old home.
"Ah! how many grave faced fathers and tender, sweet faced mothers have
watched their boys, one by one, go out into the world, and have turned
back in solitude, cheered by an occasional visit, an occasional letter,
to wait until their days should be fulfilled. And how many of us must
now say that their days have been fulfilled, and that a simple stone
marks their last resting place in the village churchyard.
"What have we gained by this? Contentment? They had it. Respect of our
fellowmen? They had it. Success in life? They had it. True, their
fortunes were small--and yet they had no clutching fear that
speculation, fraud or treachery would rob them of the fruit of a life's
toil. And they had an abiding faith that there would be provision for
the years to come. Aye, that there would be provision for the last
journey to that land, where, according to their simple faith: 'The
wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.'
"I will yield to no man in loyalty to the State of my adoption; but who
can chide me if my heart clings to the home of my childhood, to the
graves of my forefathers?
"If we, who have left the old home to build a new one in the West, can
be faithful to the traditions of our childhood--if we can bequeath to
our children the lessons of industry, honesty and economy which our
fathers gave to us--we shall do more to honor the State of New York than
we could do by rearing marble to the skies."
The presiding officer then introduced Honorable Benjamin B. Odell, Jr.;
Governor of the State, who received a great ovation, it being some time
before the Governor was able to proceed with his remarks. His speech was
punctuated with liberal applause.
He said:
ADDRESS OF GOVERNOR ODELL
"The diplomacy which led up to the acquisition of the Louisiana
territory furnishes one of the most interesting incidents in the world's
history. The establishment of a republic devoted to the interests of,
and affording liberty of conscience and freedom of action to its
citizens, was an experiment in government which could not have succeeded
if any restraint had been placed upon that liberty, or if its
constitution had not been broad enough to meet the demands of a growing
country. From the settlement of America down to the Revolutionary War
sanguinary strife had been the lot of the American people. The thrifty
Dutch and the stolid determined Anglo-Saxon sought not in this country a
mere temporary home, for, unlike the Spaniards, their dream was not of
gold, but rather their hope was for a liberty so broad and catholic in
its character that it would grow with succeeding years and make certain
that peace they had sought for in vain in the land of their birth.
"The earlier colonial and Indian wars had drawn upon the resources and
heroism of our forefathers. Hardship and toil had imbued them with a
consciousness of their strength and instilled into them that spirit of
independence which enabled them, after long years of strife, to
establish our republic. It was this people, after having gained their
independence, in the belief that foreign complications were forever at
an end, who, at the close of the Revolution, turned their attention to
peaceful pursuits and endeavored to meet every requirement of a growing
country. With characteristic skill and industry they began the
development of those tremendous resources of our country, the measure of
which is almost beyond human conception. Here, under liberal laws and
wise administration, the people found that which had been heretofore
lacking in the government of the world. Invention had not yet made
possible the intercommunication facilities which we of the present
enjoy. Upon water transit, therefore, they were obliged to depend for an
outlet for the commerce of their western territory. The barriers which
were sought to be interposed to communication over the mighty river
which rises in the northwest brought forth vigorous protests from those
who had just begun to cultivate its fertile fields. Angry passions were
aroused, and the people of our country who had been so successful in
carving out the republic demanded that this barrier should be removed.
Livingston and Monroe, clothed only with power to effect a treaty which
should insure this right of transit, with no possible opportunity of
quick communication with their government, took upon themselves the
responsibility which brought to a successful consummation the
relinquishment of this vast territory.
"Thus was brought to the people of the United States a question which
had never been contemplated by the framers of the constitution. That
instrument had been the production of the wisest men of the times. They
had successfully met the problem of drawing into an indissoluble union
the thirteen states, many of which were acting under peculiar laws which
were contrary to the Declaration of Independence, under which the
battles for freedom had been fought and won. While there was authority
for the admission of new states, there was no constitutional permission
for the purchase of territory. The power of the Federal government to
perform acts of sovereignty had not yet been passed upon, and there was
grave doubt as to the wisdom of ratifying the treaty without a
constitutional amendment. When we look over the results which have
followed this expansion of our country, when we calculate our manifest
growth in population, in wealth and in industry, all of these appear
insignificant beside the result which was accomplished in showing to the
world that we were living under a constitution broad enough in its
provisions to be so interpreted as to insure success to popular
government. That Jefferson and his advisers acted wisely in so
construing their power at that time is undoubted. If there were no other
achievements of that wonderful administration, then this alone would
suffice to make it a memorable one.
"Doubt, lack of courage and insincere opposition are always the refuge
of a coward. Here was a nation demanding that which was necessary for
its trade, desirous of reaching a solution through peaceful means if
possible, but determined to acquire it at all hazards if necessary.
There was no question as to the consent of those whom we took over, and
to whom we gave the protection of our flag, or as to nice points of
constitutionality, when the greater object in view was the onward
progress of civilization, the building up of hope and the fulfillment of
our destiny as a nation, to perpetuate those principles which mean so
much in the redeeming of the world. The exigencies of a later war found
a precedent in the courage of Jefferson and enabled Lincoln to wipe from
the escutcheon of state the blot of slavery which had too long tarnished
it.
"That the acquisition of this territory was accomplished through
peaceful means rather than by bloodshed was another triumph for
civilization. While wars have come since, and may come in the future,
the plan of arbitration which has been adopted so generally by this and
other nations may perhaps have had its inception in this peaceful
solution of a burning and important question to this country. Our Union
now is one that is composed of commonwealths bound together by all that
means common interest, the common weal and common protection of all the
people. It leads to the hope that when the representatives of all of the
states have decreed by a majority that which is for the best interest of
the whole country, then these questions should no longer be the subject
of partisanship or party differences, but the government should have the
loyal support of all who believe in America and her future. The same
laws govern us, the same protection should be and is accorded to every
citizen, and there is no individual or isolated community that does not
share in the prosperity of all others whose interests are on the same
plane of equality. For a time natural advantages may unduly favor one
section of the country, but the accumulation of wealth brings about the
development of the natural resources by which other sections are built
up, and their people share in the general prosperity. Our State perhaps
has benefited more through the development of the west and the northwest
territory than almost any other commonwealth. The natural valleys which
permitted the building of the Erie canal and the connection of the Great
Lakes with the harbor of New York brought this territory in close
communication with the Atlantic seaboard. The growing demands of the
world led to the cultivation of the fertile fields of the west, the
development of the mines and the building up of cities and manufactures,
until to-day we have other ports whose facilities have been increased by
the improvement of waterways and the building of thousands and thousands
of miles of railroad. While there may be an apparent decrease in some
localities and a corresponding benefit in others, yet so intimate are
our connections and associations that the prosperity of one, instead of
being a menace to the growth of any other locality, really aids in
building it up. So diversified are our interests, so skillful our
people, that we may compare the whole Union to a great workshop, one
vast cultivated field of industry, all laboring, not for the advancement
of separate cities or localities, but for the continued growth of our
common country.
"It is only through ignorance that people have a misconception of these
truths. The development of the human mind is no less important than the
development of the physical condition of man. His education, therefore,
is a paramount duty of the state, and his protection against the
weakening of his physical condition is equally important. That
legislation has recognized these facts is shown in laws, not only of the
nation, but of each individual state, which seek to guard and protect
the youth against unwise labor, which seek to instill into his mind that
intelligence which comes only from wise and broad educational
facilities. Every able bodied citizen of our country is an asset, and
those who through weakness, however painful the admission may be, are
incapacitated from labor, must be entered upon the debit side of the
national ledger. Therefore, the laws that guard against burdensome toil,
too long hours of labor, and against ignorance, are not only
humanitarian in their character, but are best calculated to promote the
interest of all the people. In the division of society, those who labor
and those who represent capital should always be in accord, and the
demands of either should never trespass upon the rights of the other. It
is too frequently the case that through misunderstanding of our laws and
the higher economical conditions that friction does arise between these
two great elements of society. The right of every man to sell his
products or his labor in the best market is unquestioned, and any
interference with this principle of sound government is a menace to the
republic itself. We are reaching a point in our history when
conservative and wise judgment must prevail, and the common sense of the
people dictates such a solution of these problems as will meet every
demand that is in harmony with sound government. Our own State has taken
long steps in advance upon these questions, and to us with whom these
differences more frequently occur the people will look for wise
deliberations and conclusions.
"Every man should be a part of the government. He should feel it to be
as much his duty to respond to civic responsibilities as do those living
under a monarchy, whose early tuition instills in them the belief that
they owe the best part of their lives to the military service of their
government. As they are undeterred by fear of death or disaster, so
should our young men be undeterred from entering public life by calumny,
villification and abuse, which they see too frequently and too unjustly
bestowed upon others.
"New York is here to-day by its official representatives to testify
first to its loyalty to the purposes for which this Exposition was
conceived; to show the people of the West that in their progress we are
interested, and that to them we look for such returns in dividends upon
the stock of patriotism as will give to our nation men of energy, of
right impulses. To you we owe much, and from you we expect much. Our
efforts will be to aid you in every laudable undertaking, to stand
behind you in all that means the prosperity of our common country. You
have here an Exposition of which you may be justly proud. Nothing like
it has ever been known in the annals of the world. Skilled workmen from
all parts of the earth are here to aid in its success. Here you witness
not only the steady progress that has been made in the sciences, the
arts, and agriculture, but you have before you also exhibits from some
of the possessions which have recently come under our control. We may
study here some of the problems which demand solution at the hands of
the American people. Our flag has been planted in a far-off land, and we
must face responsibilities which it would be cowardly to shirk. A
message has come to us as to all other nations, to do the Master's
bidding and to spread christianity and civilization into the remotest
parts of the earth. To us have been intrusted duties that have cost us
the blood of some of the bravest men of the north and of the south, of
the east and west. Here we may see something of that which has been
accomplished, as well as a presentation of those conditions which it is
our duty to correct. It is our privilege to give to others the same
liberty which we enjoy ourselves, to establish some form of government
such as ours whenever these people are ready for it, and it is our duty
to protect them in their weakness until they are prepared for it. It was
the dream of our forefathers that our country should be confined between
these two magnificent oceans, but despite these hopes in later years
additional responsibilities have come, Which the American people are too
proud to shirk and too courageous to abandon. There is no one who has
seen the progress which is here represented who does not believe that
the work for civilization which is ours to perform has already had such
an impetus that the time will come when we shall bless those who had the
courage to stand for it against those who demanded another solution of
this important question. To our credit be it said, that no true American
demands the surrender of these possessions, and that the only question
of difference between the people of our country is whether they shall be
given their independence now, or when they are in a condition to enjoy
it.
"This Exposition stands, not only as a monument to our progress, but to
our united and determined effort to take a prominent part in all that
means the advancement of mankind and the prosperity of the whole world.
We owe that which we are at present to the devotion and heroism of the
men of the past, and to protect and guard the inheritance which has come
to us should be our aim. To be broad and conservative in our conception
of our duties and responsibilities should be our purpose. To instill
into the minds of our youth a determination to meet every question with
true American courage should be our object. Every effort that makes for
the good of humanity is a fitting tribute to that national policy which
has taught us that there is no responsibility too great for our citizens
to bear, and that in the onward progress of civilization America
recognizes her duty and will not fail in its performance."
At the conclusion of the Governor's address the benediction was
pronounced by the Rev. W. W. Boyd, after which Governor Odell held a
public reception, shaking hands with several hundred people, who pressed
forward to greet him. During the progress of the reception Mr. S. H.
Grover, of New York city, rendered an organ recital. Luncheon was served
the Governor and party in the offices of the Commission, and the
afternoon was devoted to sight seeing.
THE EVENING RECEPTION
In the evening was held the grand reception and ball in honor of
Governor and Mrs. Odell. Six thousand invitations had been issued for
the function, those invited including the President of the United States
and his Cabinet, judges of the United States Supreme Court, United
States army and navy officers, governors of all the states, New York
State officers, members of the New York State Legislature, judges of the
Court of Appeals and Appellate Division and Supreme Court, Exposition
officials, members of the National Commission, members of State and
Foreign Commissions, the Board of Lady Managers and many prominent
citizens of the Empire State and St. Louis. In spite of the fact that
the day assigned to the State of New York, a year before by the
Exposition Company, fell upon the date of the greatest festival of all
the year in St. Louis, viz., The Veiled Prophets' ball, which is similar
to the Mardi Gras festival at New Orleans, it did not affect the
attendance at the reception in the least, many people attending both
functions. Throughout the evening the capacity of the building was taxed
to the utmost by those who came to enjoy New York's proverbial
hospitality.
The exterior of the building and the grounds were illuminated on a
lavish scale by the Pain Pyrotechnic Company, of New York city. The
entire building was outlined by means of thousands of fairy lamps, and
many strings of Japanese lanterns were festooned from the roof line to
the veranda balustrade. Fairy lamps were used in profusion about the
grounds, forming unique figures, and at various points spelled the words
"New York." At no other function during the entire Exposition were such
elaborate illuminations attempted on the part of any state commission.
The interior decorations consisted of the National and Exposition
colors, gracefully wound here and there about the pillars, supplemented
by festoons of smilax, which was used in profusion in the entrance
hallway. Special music for the event was furnished by Fancuilli's band,
of New York city, and Schoen's orchestra, of St. Louis, which were
stationed respectively in the south and north galleries of the grand
entrance hall.
THE RECEIVING PARTY
The receiving line was stationed at the foot of the grand staircase, the
guests entering at the south portal of the building and approaching
through the reception rooms.
Receiving with the Governor and Mrs. Odell were Mrs. Norman E. Mack,
Colonel and Mrs. Edward Lyman Bill, Mr. and Mrs. John C. Woodbury, Mr.
and Mrs. Frank S. McGraw, Mr. Frederick R. Green, Mrs. Daniel Manning,
Hon. S. Frederick Nixon, Mrs. Doré Lyon and Hon. James T. Rogers. The
guests were presented to the Governor by Major Harrison K. Bird, his
military secretary, two lines of United States marines guarding the
approach to the receiving party. The Governor's military staff,
resplendent in vari-colored uniforms, formed a line directly in front of
the receiving party, and, while adding eclat to the occasion, prevented
any crowding about the receiving line.
Supper was served at eleven o'clock at small tables upon the verandas.
The following was the menu:
RADISHES CELERY OLIVES
SALTED ALMONDS BONBONS
OYSTERS A LA PAULETTE CHICKEN SALAD
ASSORTED SANDWICHES
ICE CREAM PETIT FOURS
LEMONADE COFFEE CLARET PUNCH
Dancing began at ten o'clock and continued until the wee sma' hours.
CONCLUDING FUNCTION
The final event of State week was a breakfast given by the State
Commission on Wednesday noon in honor of Governor and Mrs. Odell, and
Mrs. Daniel Manning, President of the Board of Lady Managers. The
breakfast was perfectly informal, no set addresses being delivered.
The functions of the entire period were voted by one and all to have
been most successful in every respect, and New York again proved its
right to the title of a most gracious and generous host.
[Illustration: COLONNADE OF STATES]