New York at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis 1904 Part 10

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 const.i.tution 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. Hards.h.i.+p 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 pa.s.sions 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 const.i.tution. 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 const.i.tutional permission for the purchase of territory. The power of the Federal government to perform acts of sovereignty had not yet been pa.s.sed upon, and there was grave doubt as to the wisdom of ratifying the treaty without a const.i.tutional 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 const.i.tution 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 const.i.tutionality, 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 partisans.h.i.+p 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 acc.u.mulation 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 ca.n.a.l 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 a.s.sociations 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 a.s.set, 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 trespa.s.s 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 s.h.i.+rk. 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 s.h.i.+rk 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 p.r.o.nounced 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 a.s.signed 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 j.a.panese lanterns were festooned from the roof line to the veranda bal.u.s.trade. 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. Dore 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 a.s.sORTED SANDWICHES ICE CREAM PEt.i.t 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 t.i.tle of a most gracious and generous host.

[Ill.u.s.tration: COLONNADE OF STATES]

CHAPTER VII

Brooklyn Day

One of the last special days to be observed during the Exposition was Brooklyn Day, the exercises of which were held on November fifteenth. As one of the speakers on the occasion aptly said, it was the only day throughout the Exposition period which was formally set apart by the Exposition management in honor of a political division less than a munic.i.p.ality. A special train bearing a large delegation of representative Brooklynites arrived in St. Louis Monday, November fourteenth. Although the date was late in the season, the weather was ideal, and everything was done for the pleasure and comfort of the visitors. The ceremonies were divided between the New York State building and the New York City building, upon the Model street, and consisted of exercises at 11:30 A.M., followed by a luncheon at one o'clock at the New York State building, and a reception at the New York City building from eight to ten in the evening.

THE PROGRAM

The program for the formal exercises in the New York State building was as follows

Address of welcome, William Berri, Vice-President, New York State Commission

Address, Hon. J. Edward Swanstrom, on behalf of the Committee of One Hundred

Permanent Chairman, Colonel William Hester, president of the Brooklyn Eagle

Response, Major Peter J. Collins

Address, Hon. Rolla Wells, Mayor of St. Louis

Response, Hon. Charles A. Schieren, ex-mayor of Brooklyn

Oration, Hon. Thomas P. Peters, editor of the Brooklyn Times

Aeolian organ recital

Promptly at 11:30 A. M. the a.s.semblage was called to order by Vice-President William Berri, who, in behalf of the State Commission, extended a cordial welcome to all present. He then called upon J. Edward Swanstrom, who made brief remarks in behalf of the Committee of One Hundred.

At the conclusion of Mr. Swanstrom's remarks, Colonel William Hester was installed as permanent chairman. Upon taking the chair Colonel Hester said:

COLONEL HESTER'S REMARKS