Final Report of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition CommissionLouisiana Purchase Exposition Commission
History
Final Report of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission
Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission
Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904 : Saint Louis, Mo.)
We hope this exposition will be an epitome of the progress of
the world from the beginning of history. The nineteenth century
was characterized by unprecedented and almost incomprehensible
industrial advancement. The earth was made to reveal its hidden
treasures. The unknown forces of nature were harnessed and
utilized. Lines of commerce were established which encircle the
earth.
Sections of the globe remote and almost unknown to each other
were brought into close communication and friendly relation. It
would seem that there is little to be done in the field of
scientific effort. But every discovery and every advance opens a
broader plane for the exercise of human ingenuity.
The problems, however, that seem to confront us most prominently
to-day, and that require for their solution not only experience
and intelligence, but fraternal sentiment as well, are those of
a social character. The aggregation that we call society is
bound together by ties of sympathy, strengthened it may be by
culture, but often strained by selfishness and pride. The
relation of man to nature and her physical forces commands the
highest functions of the mind, but the relation of man to his
fellows not only enlists the highest intellectual effort, but
requires that it be tempered by impulses of human kindness.
Those who have as the mainspring of their actions the elevation
of their fellows live and move upon a higher plane and are
better members of society than those who subordinate sentiment
and sympathy to gain and power.
The earth in its fertility and resourcefulness furnishes
material sufficient to maintain in comfort all of its sons. If
their genius and energy could be devoted to the utilization of
that material instead of to a continuous struggle between
themselves for occupation and possession, the destiny of the
human race would be higher and nobler and nearer in accord with
the immortal principles enunciated by Him whose life and
teachings have for nearly two thousand years been a rule of
conduct for man, while broadening his usefulness and enhancing
his happiness.
That this exposition may be a powerful aid in the elevation and
advancement of the human race is the prayer of those who
organized and have brought it to its present stage of progress.
That the countries for which you stand may unite with us in
promoting an undertaking fraught with much good to humanity is
the earnest wish of the local management and the sincere hope of
every right-thinking citizen of the American Republic.
Again, I welcome you as guests whom we delight to honor for your
personal worth, as well as for what you represent.
Fourth. Music, United States Marine Band, "Marseillaise Hymn of
Liberty."
Fifth. Address by the French ambassador, M. Jean J. Jusserand:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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