"In these great halls, in these magnificent buildings devoted to art, to education, to mechanics and to agriculture, exhibits are to be found which are on a par if they do not excel, those of other nations. The advancement of New York, however, is but typical of every other State in the Union, in the continued prosperity of which all are equally interested. A nation of separate States, there is no dividing line of envy between them, no wish except for the prosperity and development of each, a common hope for a common country. How necessary it is, therefore, that in all that has to do with society a broad catholic spirit should dominate and control. Ours is not a country of classes, but one of equality--a country whose aim is the education of its citizens. It is our common object to perpetuate the principles of American independence. Anything that retards human progress, or that would make of a man a mere machine without brains, is to be deprecated. Our object should be to encourage and to promote thrift, and to instill into the mind of every citizen a desire for advancement. In this direction our State will be found always in the forefront and the evidence of her greatness will be measured rather by the intelligence of her citizens than by mere accumulation of wealth. Therefore, that which protects labor, which encourages capital, should be the aim of modern legislation. While we participate in the celebration of this great national event, as we mark our progress along every line, we feel a natural pride in all that has been done in other States, in all that has been accomplished by other people. As we look into the future, as we consider its possibilities, let us hope that our nation will never forget that this government is one by the people, and that its power and influence among the nations of the world will continue only so long as due weight and consideration is given to the rights of individuals. While rejoicing as citizens of New York, let us hope for the continuance of those policies and principles which have made our nation prosperous, and let us not forget that moderation and conservatism should be the measure of our efforts, and all that we do shall be for the advancement of all the people. "The citizens of New York extend their congratulations to the people of the west and northwest. We hope that from this great Exposition there shall come a closer communication between all the people of the earth, a broadening of human effort, the advancement of civilization and a growing respect for our country and our flag which will make us a power for the good and peace of the world. "It is a great pleasure for me to accept on behalf of the State of New York this magnificent building, and again to congratulate you as the President of the Commission, and the architect who has wrought this wonderful work, for the painstaking care that you have exercised in the development of New York's interests in this great Exposition."