THE CRYSTAL PALACE.

they have been and will be, can hardly be expected to reach this amount, so that the stockholders can hardly expect the return of all their investment. The stock is now (Dec. 15th) selling at about fifty cents on

THE first general Exhibition of Industrial siderate, or more adventurous, a World's Machinery and Products, to which all Na- Exhibition Company was formed toward tions were invited to contribute, was given the close of 1851, which obtained from the in London, in the year 1851-the idea Common Council of New York city the having been suggested at an exposition lease, for five years, of Reservoir Square, of the products of French Art and Labor Jan. 3d, 1852, and a charter from the held in Paris two years before. The Lon- Legislature on the 11th of March ensuing. don show was patronized from its original On the 17th the Board of Directors met inception to its close by the Queen, and chose THEODORE SEDGWICK, Presi whose active personal interest doubtless dent. The original capital of the Comcontributed largely to the abundance and pany was fixed at $200,000, to which sum richness of its collections of diamonds, the cost of the building was restricted, but jewelry, and rare works of Art, the con- it was soon found necessary to increase tributions of royal and noble houses, which, both those sums; and it is understood that while they added little to the practical va- the entire cost of the building alone is very lue, yet did much to enhance the popular- nearly $800,000, which incidental expenses ity of the Exhibition. The edifice which of opening the Exhibition have swelled to contained it was erected for the purpose about $900,000. The receipts, large as in the famous Hyde Park, at the west end of the great Metropolis, was mainly constructed of iron and glass, and was notable as the first great public building ever composed of those materials. It was over onethird of a mile in length, perhaps one- the dollar. fourth as wide, with a transept or cross at The construction and fitting of the edithe middle of the main building, under fice were pushed forward with energy, and which two stately and graceful elms flour- at no time delayed for lack of means; but ished in all their natural luxuriance and some miscalculations were made, some beauty. The height of the roof from the disappointments encountered, and the magground was one hundred and seven feet, nitude and difficulties of the enterprise so and the entire area of the edifice about far outran the expectations of the projectwenty-two acres. The Exhibition was tors that the Exhibition, which was to opened on the first day of May, and closed have commenced by May 1st, 1853, did late in November, having meantime been not actually open till the 14th July, and visited repeatedly by more than fifty thou- then in such a state of unreadiness that sand persons in a day, and in one day by hardly half the goods were in place and more than one hundred thousand. visible. But the waste places were steadThe success of the London Exhibition ily and rapidly filled up and beautified; so naturally incited emulation, and France re- that, by the middle of September, the New solved to hold one in Paris, for which, York Crystal Palace enclosed the most however, it was decided that ample time comprehensive and magnificent collection should be taken, so that it will not open of the trophies of Art and Industry ever till 1855. In our own country, less con- (save once) seen on the face of the globe.

And, while the London Exhibition un-heart of Whitney must have rejoiced to see doubtedly embraced a far larger range and -for the central idea is his, though very variety of products, good, bad and indif- great improvements have been made upon ferent, and was incomparably superior in it; a Stone-Dresser whereby mouldings, Precious Stones, Plate, Jewelry, Porcelain, cornices, &c., are fashioned of marble Tapestries, and other ministrants to lux- or granite as easily and rapidly as they ury and ostentation, yet it is certain that could be turned out of wood, and far more the proportion of indifferent and worthless smooth and perfect than they could be articles was greater in that than in this, made by hand; a Shoe-Pegging Machine; and it is not improbable that in recent a pair of Flax-Dressers whereby all the inventions of decided utility and value, the line or fibre may be separated from the World's Exhibition in New York is fully woody stalk of a ton of Flax in a day-its equal to that in London. increased value as compared with the reThe Crystal Palace of 1853-4 is prob- sults of hand-breaking and heckling, beably, at least, as rich in Statuary as its pred-ing sufficient to pay the expense of the ecessor, for it has nearly all the master-process; an extension of the Typographic pieces of Powers, with Christ and his Art, whereby Engraving will be largely Apostles by Thorwaldsen, the Amazon by and cheaply superseded, and movable Kiss, the Veiled Maiden, and other re- types, aided by some plastic material, made markable works of Monti, and many other to render important service to cloth-printadmirable productions of the modern chis- ing, die-sinking, inscribing on metals, el. Of Paintings, there is a very large &c., &c. In short, the Crystal Palace is collection, mainly German; but these do not the People's University, whither the young add materially to the interest of the Ex- should repair to study and plan, and the hibition The Porcelain, Cut Glass, &c., old to admire and enjoy. We trust it will of France, Germany, Great Britain, and continue open at least through 1854. the United States, are fairly, though not But this Exhibition suggests even more profusely represented. Of Textile Fabrics than it embodies. Rich and vast as it is, there is an extensive display, much of it it is susceptible of improvement. It ought excellent; the most notable feature, per- to be renovated next season and supplied haps, being the show of American Broca- with many products not now found in ittelles or figured silks woven by steam- with ample and carefully-arranged specithe first instance of raised figures (for mens of the various Ores or Minerals hangings, sofa-covers, &c.) being woven known to Man-with specimens of the in power-looms. various Woods found in America, with the But the department most deserving of Shrubs and Herbs or Grasses of decided study, and that wherein American genius value-with working models of all the and energy best vindicate themselves, is great inventions of the age, including those that of Machinery. Here are exhibited which the inventors do not choose to bear all the practicable Sewing Machines ever the expense of exhibiting — so as to render patented; Pumps that lift hundreds of this the most useful and instructive disgallons of water per minute; Stave-Cutters play ever assembled under one roof. Thus by the help of which four or five men can revised and perfected, we believe the make a hundred barrels per day from the Crystal Palace might forcibly illustrate the log-barrels better finished and more ser- Poet's observation that viceable than if made by hand; an improved Cotton Gin at work, which the

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever."

THE ADMINISTRATION.

INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT PIERCE.

GEN. FRANKLIN PIERCE having been of their energies upon idle and delusive speculaelected President of the United States by an immense majority of the Electoral College, took the oath of office on the 4th of March, 1853, on which occasion he delivered the following Inaugural Address:

MY COUNTRYMEN: It is a relief to feel that no heart but my own can know the personal regret and bitter sorrow, over which I have been borne to a position, so suitable for others, rather than desirable for myself.

tions, but with a firm and fearless step advanced beyond the governmental landmarks, which had hitherto circumscribed the limits of human freedom, and planted their standard where it has stood, against dangers, which have threatened from abroad, and internal agitation which has at times fearfully menaced at home. They approved themselves equal to the solution of the great problem, to understand which their minds had been illuminated by the dawning lights of the Revolution. The object sought was not a thing dreamed of: it was a thing realized. They had exhibited not only the power to achieve, but The circumstances under which I have been what all history affirms to be so much more uncalled, for a limited period, to preside over the usual, the capacity to maintain. The oppressed destinies of the republic, fill me with a profound throughout the world, from that day to the sense of responsibility, but with nothing like present, have turned their eyes hitherward, not shrinking apprehension. I repair to the post as-to find those lights extinguished, or to fear lest signed me, not as to one sought, but in obedience they should wane, but to be constantly cheered to the unsolicited expression of your will, answer- by their steady and increasing radiance. able only for a fearless, faithful, and diligent ex- In this, our country has, in my judgment, thus ercise of my best powers. I ought to be, and am, far fulfilled its highest duty to suffering humanity. truly grateful for the rare manifestation of the It has spoken, and will continue to speak, not nation's confidence; but this, so far from lighten only by its words, but by its acts, the language ing my obligations, only adds to their weight. of sympathy, encouragement, and hope, to those You have summoned me in my weakness: you who earnestly listen to tones which pronounce must sustain me by your strength. When look- for the largest rational liberty. But, after all, the ing for the fulfilment of reasonable requirements, most animating encouragement and potent apyou will not be unmindful of the great changes peal for freedom will be its own history, its trials, which have occurred, even within the last quarter and its triumphs. Pre-eminently, the power of of a century, and the consequent augmentation our advocacy reposes in our example; but no and complexity of duties imposed, in the admin-example, be it remembered, can be powerful for istration both of your home and foreign affairs. lasting good, whatever apparent advantages may Whether the elements of inherent force in the be gained, which is not based upon eternal princi Republic have kept pace with its unparalleled ples of right and justice. Our fathers decided progression in territory, population, and wealth, for themselves, both upon the hour to declare has been the subject of earnest thought and dis- and the hour to strike. They were their own cussion on both sides of the ocean, Less than judges of the circumstances under which it be sixty-four years ago, the Father of his Country came them to pledge to each other "their lives, made "the" then "recent accession of the im- their fortunes, and their sacred honor," for the portant State of North Carolina to the Constitu- acquisition of the priceless inheritance transtion of the United States," one of the subjects of mitted to us. The energy with which that great his special congratulation. At that moment, how-conflict was opened, and, under the guidance of ever, when the agitation consequent upon the a manifest and beneficent Providence, the uncomRevolutionary struggle had hardly subsided, when plaining endurance with which it was prosecuted we were just emerging from the weakness and to its consummation, were only surpassed by the embarrassments of the Confederation, there was wisdom and patriotic spirit of concession which an evident consciousness of vigor equal to the characterized all the counsels of the early fathers.. great mission so wisely and bravely fulfilled by One of the most impressive evidences of that our fathers. It was not a presumptuous as- wisdom is to be found in the fact, that the actual surance, but a calm faith, springing from a clear working of our system has dispelled a degree of view of the sources of power, in a government solicitude, which, at the outset, disturbed bold constituted like ours. It is no paradox to say hearts and far-reaching intellects. The apprethat, although comparatively weak, the new-born hension of dangers from extended territory, malnation was intrinsically strong. Inconsiderable tiplied States, accumulated wealth, and augmentin population and apparent resources, it was up-ed population, has proved to be unfounded. The held by a broad and intelligent comprehension of stars upon your banner have become nearly rights, and an all-pervading purpose to maintain them, stronger than armaments. It came from the furnace of the Revolution, tempered to the necessities of the times. The thoughts of the men of that day were as practical as their sentiments were patriotic. They wasted no portion

threefold their original number; your densely populated possessions skirt the shores of the two great oceans; and yet this vast increase of people and territory has not only shown itself compatible with the harmonious action of the States and Federal Government in their respective con

3

stitutional spheres, but has afforded an additional | all circumstances require, prompt reciprocity. guaranty of the strength and integrity of both. The rights which belong to us as a nation are not With an experience thus suggestive and cheer-alone to be regarded, but those which pertain to ing, the policy of my administration will not be every citizen in his individual capacity, at home controlled by any timid forebodings of evil from and abroad. must be sacredly maintained. So long expansion. Indeed, it is not to be disguised that as he can discern every star in its place upon that our attitude as a nation, and our position on the ensign, without wealth to purchase for him preglobe, render the acquisition of certain posses- ferment, or title to secure for him place, it will be sions, not within our jurisdiction, eminently im- his privilege, and must be his acknowledged portant for our protection, if not, in the future, right, to stand unabashed even in the presence essential for the preservation of the rights of of princes, with a proud consciousness that he is commerce and the peace of the world. Should himself one of a nation of sovereigns, and that they be obtained, it will be through no grasping he can not, in legitimate pursuit, wander so far spirit, but with a view to obvious national interest from home that the agent whom he shall leave and security, and in a manner entirely consistent behind in the place which I now occupy, will not with the strictest observance of national faith. see that no rude hand of power or tyrannical We have nothing in our history or position to passion is laid upon him with impunity. He must invite aggression, we have everything to beckon realize that upon every sea and on every soil, us to the cultivation of relations of peace and where our enterprise may rightfully seek the anity with all nations. Purposes, therefore, at protection of our flag, American citizenship is an once just and pacific, will be significantly marked inviolable panoply for the security of American in the conduct of our foreign affairs. I intend rights. And in this connection it can hardly be that my administration shall leave no blot upon necessary to reaffirm a principle which should our fair record, and trust I may safely give the now be regarded as fundamental. The rights, assurance that no act within the legitimate scope security, and repose of this confederacy, reject of my constitutional control will be tolerated, on the idea of interference or colonization on this the part of any portion of our citizens, which side of the ocean by any foreign power, beyond can not challenge a ready justification before the present jurisdiction, as utterly inadmissible. tribunal of the civilized world. An administra- The opportunities of observation, furnished by tion would be unworthy of confidence at home, my brief experience as a soldier, confirmed in or respect abroad, should it cease to be influenced my own mind the opinion, entertained and acted by the conviction that no apparent advantage can upon by others from the formation of the govern be purchased at a price so dear as that of national ment, that the maintenance of large standing wrong or dishonor. It is not your privilege. as a armies in our country would be not only dangernation, to speak of a distant past. The striking ous but unnecessary. They also illustrated the incidents of your history, replete with instruction, importance, I might well say the absolute necesand furnishing abundant grounds for hopeful confidence, are comprised in a period comparatively brief But if your past is limited, your future is boundless. Its obligations throng the unexplored pathway of advancement, and will be limitless as duration. Hence a sound and comprehensive policy should embrace, not less the distant future than the urgent present.

sity, of the military science and practical skill furnished, in such an eminent degree, by the institution, which has made your army what it is, under the discipline and instruction of officers not more distinguished for their solid attainments, gallantry, and devotion to the public service, than for unobtrusive bearing and high moral tone. The army, as organized, must be the nucleus, The great objects of our pursuit, as a people, around which, in every time of need, the strength are best to be attained by peace, and are entirely of your military power, the sure bulwark of your consistent with the tranquillity and interests of defence-a national militia-may be readily formthe rest of mankind. With the neighboring na-ed into a well-disciplined and efficient organizations upon our continent, we should cultivate tion. And the skill and self-devotion of the navy kindly and fraternal relations. We can desire assure you that you may take the performance nothing in regard to them so much, as to see of the past as a pledge for the future, and may them consolidate their strength, and pursue the confidently expect that the flag which has waved paths of prosperity and happiness. If. in the its untarnished folds over every sea, will still float course of their growth, we should open new in undiminished honor. But these, like many channels of trade, and create additional facilities | other subjects, will be appropriately brought, at for friendly intercourse, the benefits realized will be equal and mutual. Of the complicated European systems of national polity we have hereto fore been independent. From their wars, their tumults and anxieties, we have been, happily, almost entirely exempt. While these are confined to the nations which gave them existence, and within their legitimate jurisdiction, they can In the administration of domestic affairs, you not affect us, except as they appeal to our sym- expect a devoted integrity in the public service, pathies in the cause of human freedom and and an observance of rigid economy in all deuniversal advancement. But the vast interests partments, so marked as never justly to be quesof commerce are common to all mankind, and tioned. If this reasonable expectation be not the advantages of trade and international inter-realized, I frankly confess that one of your leadcourse must always present a noble field for the moral influence of a great people.

With these views firmly and honestly carried out, we have a right to expect, and shall under

a future time, to the attention of the co-ordinate branches of the Government, to which I shall always look with profound respect, and with trustful confidence that they will accord to me the aid and support which I shall so much need, and which their experience and wisdom will readily suggest.

ing hopes is doomed to disappointment, and that my efforts in a very important particular must result in a humiliating failure. Offices can be properly regarded only in the light of aids for

the accomplishment of these objects; and as oc- which called me here. My own position upon cupancy can confer no prerogative, nor importu- this subject was clear and unequivocal, upon the nate desire for preferment any claim, the public record of my words and my acts, and it is only interest imperatively demands that they be con- recurred to at this time because silence might sidered with sole reference to the duties to be perhaps be misconstrued. With the Union my performed. Good citizens may well claim the best and dearest earthly hopes are entwined. protection of good laws and the benign influence Without it, what are we individually or collective of good government; but a claim for office is ly? What becomes of the noblest field ever opened what the people of a republic should never rec-for the advancement of our race, in religion, in ognize. No reasonable man of any party will government, in the arts, and in all that dignities expect the administration to be so regardless of and adorns mankind? From that radiant conits responsibility, and of the obvious elements of stellation which both illumines our own way and success, as to retain persons, known to be under points out to struggling nations their course, let the influence of political hostility and partizan but a single star be lost, and, if there be not ut prejudice, in positions, which will require, not ter darkness, the lustre of the whole is dimmed. only severe labor, but cordial co-operation. Hav-Do my countrymen need any assurance that such ing no implied engagements to ratify, no rewards a catastrophe is not to overtake them while I to bestow, no resentments to remember, and no possess the power to stay it? It is with me an personal wishes to consult, in selections for officia! earnest and vital belief, that as the Union has station, I shall fulfil this difficult and delicate trust, been the source, under Providence, of our pros admitting no motive as worthy either of my char-perity to this time, so it is the surest pledge of a acter or position, which does not contemplate an continuance of the blessings we have enjoyed, efficient discharge of duty and the best interests of my country. I acknowledge my obligations to the masses of my countrymen, and to them alone. Higher objects than personal aggrandizement gave direction and energy to their exertions in the late canvass, and they shall not be disappointed. They require at my hands diligence, integrity, and capacity, wherever there are duties to be performed. Without these qualities in their public servants, more stringent laws, for the prevention or punishment of fraud, negligence and peculation, will be vain. With them, they will be unnecessary.

and which we are sacredly bound to transmit undiminished to our children. The field of calm and free discussion in our country is open, and will always be so, but never has been and never can be traversed for good in a spirit of sectionalism and uncharitableness. The founders of the republic dealt with things as they were presented to them, in a spirit of self-sacrificing patriotism, and, as time has proved, with a comprehensive wisdom, which it will always be safe for us to consult. Every measure, tending to strengthen the fraternal feelings of all the members of our But these are not the only points to which you Union, has had my heartfelt approbation. To look for vigilant watchfulness. The dangers of a every theory of society or government, whether concentration of all power in the general govern- the offspring of feverish ambition or of morbid ment of a confederacy so vast as ours, are too enthusiasm, calculated to dissolve the bonds of obvious to be disregarded. You have a right, law and affection which unite us, I shall intertherefore, to expect your agents, in every depart-pose a ready and stern resistance. I believe that ment, to regard strictly the limits imposed upon involuntary servitude, as it exists in different them by the constitution of the United States. states of this confederacy, is recognized by the The great scheme of our constitutional liberty constitution. I believe that it stands like any rests upon a proper distribution of power be- other admitted right, and that the states where it tween the state and federal authorities; and ex-exists are entitled to efficient remedies to enforce perience has shown that the harmony and hap- the constitutional provisions. I hold that the piness of our people must depend upon a just laws of 1850, commonly called the "compromise discrimination between the separate rights and measures," are strictly constitutional, and to be responsibilities of the states, and your common unhesitatingly carried into effect. I believe that rights and obligations under the general govern the constituted authorities of this republic are ment. And here, in my opinion, are the consid-bound to regard the rights of the South in this erations which should form the true basis of respect, as they would view any other legal and future concord in regard to the questions which constitutional right, and that the laws to enforce have most seriously disturbed public tranquillity. them should be respected and obeyed, not with If the federal government will confine itself to a reluctance encouraged by abstract opinions as the exercise of powers clearly granted by the to their propriety in a different state of society. constitution, it can hardly happen that its action but cheerfully, and according to the decisions upon any question should endanger the institu- of the tribunal to which their exposition belongs. tions of the states, or interfere with their right Such have been, and are, my convictions, and to manage matters strictly domestic according to upon them I shall act. I fervently hope that the will of their own people. the question is at rest, and that no sectional, or ambitious, or fanatical excitement may again threaten the durability of our institutions, or ob scure the light of our prosperity.

In expressing briefly my views upon an important subject which has recently agitated the nation to almost a fearful degree, I am moved by no other impulse than a most earnest desire for the perpetuation of that Union which has made us what we are, showering upon us blessings, and conferring a power and influence which our fathers hardly could have anticipated, even with their most sanguine hopes directed to a far-off future. The sentiments I now announce were not unknown before the expression of the voice

But let not the foundation of our hope rest upon man's wisdom. It will not be sufficient that sectional prejudices find no place in the pub. lic deliberations. It will not be sufficient that the rash counsels of human passion are rejected. It must be felt that there is no national security but in the nation's humble, acknowledged dependence upon God and his overruling providence.