"This Exposition stands, not only as a monument to our progress, but to our united and determined effort to take a prominent part in all that means the advancement of mankind and the prosperity of the whole world. We owe that which we are at present to the devotion and heroism of the men of the past, and to protect and guard the inheritance which has come to us should be our aim. To be broad and conservative in our conception of our duties and responsibilities should be our purpose. To instill into the minds of our youth a determination to meet every question with true American courage should be our object. Every effort that makes for the good of humanity is a fitting tribute to that national policy which has taught us that there is no responsibility too great for our citizens to bear, and that in the onward progress of civilization America recognizes her duty and will not fail in its performance." At the conclusion of the Governor's address the benediction was pronounced by the Rev. W. W. Boyd, after which Governor Odell held a public reception, shaking hands with several hundred people, who pressed forward to greet him. During the progress of the reception Mr. S. H. Grover, of New York city, rendered an organ recital. Luncheon was served the Governor and party in the offices of the Commission, and the afternoon was devoted to sight seeing. THE EVENING RECEPTION In the evening was held the grand reception and ball in honor of Governor and Mrs. Odell. Six thousand invitations had been issued for the function, those invited including the President of the United States and his Cabinet, judges of the United States Supreme Court, United States army and navy officers, governors of all the states, New York State officers, members of the New York State Legislature, judges of the Court of Appeals and Appellate Division and Supreme Court, Exposition officials, members of the National Commission, members of State and Foreign Commissions, the Board of Lady Managers and many prominent citizens of the Empire State and St. Louis. In spite of the fact that the day assigned to the State of New York, a year before by the Exposition Company, fell upon the date of the greatest festival of all the year in St. Louis, viz., The Veiled Prophets' ball, which is similar to the Mardi Gras festival at New Orleans, it did not affect the attendance at the reception in the least, many people attending both functions. Throughout the evening the capacity of the building was taxed to the utmost by those who came to enjoy New York's proverbial hospitality.