"It was proper, therefore, that our State, in its dignity, with its conservatism and with its intense patriotism, should be among the first to contribute of its means to make of this Exposition the grand success which it promises. With each succeeding international exposition the world becomes wiser, artisans more skillful, the contributions to science and art more valuable; in a word, they raise the standard of civilization and hasten the time when all men shall pay homage to the ruler of the universe. As inventions are developed which make the worker more effective, which broaden the field of usefulness, there come responsibilities and problems which require education and discernment to meet and solve. Under the softened touch of Christianity, religion and education there should come about a universal brotherhood of man broad enough in scope to embrace all humanity. In all the work of the world, in all that is for the development of man, in everything that holds out promise to the future, New York State we may justly say, if not the leader, is at least in the fore ranks. Its broad acres are rich and fertile, and the commerce of the world enters at its ports. The manufacturer finds willing hands with remunerative wages striving to produce that which is necessary for our comfort and which adds so much to the wealth of the nation. Its laws are broad and ample in their scope, with no distinction as between man and man, and beneficent in their operation, while our citizens evince impulses which are worthy of emulation by all those who believe in the future of our republic. We have more of wealth and a greater population than any other State within the Union. Our cities are cosmopolitan in character, made up of representatives of all nations, but so nicely adjusted are our laws that they are assimilated into our population and become Americans among Americans, actuated by a common patriotism and a common desire for the continued development of our land.