The joint committee of the Legislature comprised Hon. Jotham P. Allds,
Norwich; Hon. S. Frederick Nixon, Westfield; Hon. James T. Rogers,
Binghamton; Hon. Edwin A. Merritt, Potsdam; Hon. Robert Linn Cox,
Buffalo; Hon. Thomas D. Lewis, Oswego.
Colonel Bill called upon the Rev. W. W. Boyd, of St. Louis, formerly of
New York, to invoke the Divine blessing.
Dr. W. W. Boyd:
"Our Father, we thank Thee for this beautiful day and this assembly of the loyal sons and daughters of our native State. We rejoice that Thou hast gathered us into families, and so into communities, commonwealths and the perfect union of all the states.
"We bless Thee for the history of this great State, its part in the glorious Revolution, in the preservation of the Union, its development in every branch of human industry, its material prosperity, but above all, for its humanities, its growth in philanthropy, education and religion.
"Bless, we beseech Thee, His Excellency the Governor, and all associated with him in making, interpreting and executing the laws.
"Bless the President, Directors and all who have helped to create and develop this marvelous Exposition, especially the Commissioners of the State of New York, who have erected this splendid building, and by the varied exhibits in the palaces of the Exposition portrayed the wonderful progress of the Empire State.
"And grant, O most merciful Father, that the fruits of this great Exposition may be enlarged national prosperity, international comity and peace, and the strengthening of the ties of human brotherhood throughout the world.
"May Thy special blessing be upon the exercises of this hour; may the words of our mouth and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our Strength and our Redeemer. Amen."
Colonel Bill then delivered the following address: