yet to be done could only be accomplished by a
people known and respected as the incarnation of intelligent,
ennobling enterprise.

The occasion which will bring us together is the precursor of
the most marvelous exhibition the world has ever seen. The
wealth, the ingenuity, the forethought, and the ability of all
nations will contribute to this magnificent result. The
masterful statesmanship of Thomas Jefferson builded better than
even he could know when he purchased from the Emperor Napoleon
this vast domain--the connecting link between the fair country
skirting the Atlantic coast, which had only been recently
emancipated from despotic rule, and the rich possession on our
west, extending to the Pacific Ocean.

The Mississippi River marks the eastern limit of this priceless
acquisition. Sweeping away to the west, the south, and the
north, its area of 14 States and Territories embraces great
cities, beautiful towns and villages, farms and gardens, mighty
waterways, vast railway systems, and a wealth of gold, silver,
and other resources which a wise Providence provided for His
people. Can the mind of man conceive a more resplendent
territory? And when it is remembered that the Louisiana Purchase
States are only a part of the still more glorious whole, is it
any wonder that the American people are proud of their country
and true to their Government?

Nature, with regal prodigality, has lavished gifts on this fair
land, and its people are especially endowed with those
qualifications which can not fail to produce the greatest
excellence in everything.

But to return to the coming exposition. Everywhere during this
pageant of entertainment have we seen evidences of the progress
of this enterprise so mighty in its conception as to be
astounding. Sites have been assigned to each State and foreign
country, and the result already accomplished is spread out
before you in brilliant panorama. There is no longer any
question about anything but the magnitude of the success of the
undertaking. This has been made possible only by the intelligent
cooperation of all the people, and to you, as representatives of
sister States, I extend most grateful acknowledgment.

The selection of our own metropolitan city as the proper place
in which to hold this exposition seems peculiarly f