to its proper development. If our success is what we expect and intend it shall be, we shall claim the honor of it for our institutions--those institutions which enable private individuals to accomplish what in other countries vast governmental efforts are required to effect. We shall claim the honor for the country and for the people; for that mixture of individual energy and practical accommodation which gives such wonderful efficiency to the American character; for that public spirit and private good feeling of which we have such striking evidence here to-day--bringing together at this moment, men of all parties, to work together for a common object of general interest. [Cheers.] Other considerations, sir, yet remain, which, at some other time, I shall ask higher and holier personages to develop, but which I cannot now altogether overlook. When this structure shall be raised--when its lofty dome shall have rushed upward to the point where that flag now floats--when its crystal surface shall reflect in streams of radiance our warm American sun--when its graceful and majestic interior shall be filled with the choicest products of both worlds--our minds will soar upward beyond and above all the material considerations to which I have alluded, and will recognize our own nothingness, and the infinite superiority of the Power by whose favor we are permitted to do what little we effect. And we shall then unite to pour forth our thanks for His mercies, and our supplications for His forgiveness and protection.” [Loud cheers.] The Governor immediately replied as follows: “Mr. President: Availing myself of the invitation so kindly extended to me by the Association over which you preside, I have come to participate in the appropriate ceremonies of this occasion, and to manifest the sincere interest and approval with which I regard your noble undertaking. “You have now reared the first column of an edifice intended to attract the productions of genius, industry, and art from all the civilized [Illustration: CHICAGO IN 1856.] nations of the world. This liberal design is in harmony with the prevailing spirit and tendency of the age in which we live, and its successful completion will form a conspicuous landmark in the history of American progress. It is a generous conception, alike honorable to the public spirit and patriotism of the citizens forming the Association, and important in its influence upon the advancement and happiness of society. “The conquests already made, and the increasing interest evinced by our countrymen in the culture of those useful arts which promote the physical prosperity and moral elevation of a people are a source of just pride and encouragement to the American statesman.