"The Centennial Exposition of Philadelphia, commemorating the foundation of our government, gave our people the first idea of the extent and scope of our labor-saving machinery and the advance made in the manufacture of our American goods. It stimulated the manufacturing interests in our country.
"The Columbian Exposition at Chicago commemorated the discovery of America. It was noted for its excellent foreign exhibits. It gave our people an opportunity to compare the products of America with those of other nations. The so-called White City had a peculiar charm and made a deep impression upon every one. It seemed a perfect dream, ever to be remembered. People declared that it could not be excelled, but hardly a decade has passed when the enterprising, energetic citizens of the commercial metropolis of the great southwest arranged another World's Fair to commemorate the historical events of the famous Louisiana purchase, even upon a larger scale and overshadowing all others in this country. We may exclaim justly—Will there ever be another Exposition greater and more important than the one just about to close?
"We seem to marvel at nothing in this progressive age. We always wonder what other marvellous inventions may be in store for us to necessitate another Exposition upon a gigantic scale, to be held somewhere in this country. Perhaps within another decade, when the Isthmian canal is finished, the golden stream which will connect the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, we may celebrate at the national capital city the greatest event of the twentieth century, bringing to the commerce of the world peace and plenty. At the same time we may hope to celebrate the establishment of our American merchant marine, the one thing needed to carry our American products and goods into the harbors of the world, floating the Stars and Stripes now so seldom witnessed upon the ocean vessels. This country seems to forge ahead at a rapid pace, not only in its material wealth, but in everything that tends to the happiness of our people, even the humblest citizens sharing in the general prosperity. Every section has cause to rejoice—the South with its cotton, the North with its financial resources, the West with its farm products, the East with its industries, all seem to participate in the general welfare of the country. In conclusion let me thank you again for the courtesy extended to our people, and we wish you great success in this stupendous enterprise."
At the conclusion of Mr. Schieren's remarks the presiding officer said: "For many years the Brooklyn Times was owned and edited by the late Mr. Bernard Peters. He was a man of strict integrity, high moral ideals, and a forceful writer. The editorial chair of the Times is now occupied by his son, Thomas P. Peters, a worthy son of a worthy sire. Ladies and gentlemen, I take pleasure in introducing to you the orator of the day, Mr. Thomas P. Peters."
Mr. Peters was greeted with hearty applause as he arose. His oration in part follows:
ORATION OF MR. PETERS
"To speak a word for Brooklyn at this time, I was not the first choice of the Committee of Arrangements. Unanimously that honor was assigned to one of Brooklyn's favorite sons. But sickness of a most serious nature overtook him only a few days ago, and after a brief illness, he was early last Wednesday morning called to his final rest. Although upon pleasure bent, our hearts are sorrowful because of this loss to Brooklyn.
"Joseph C. Hendrix had been prominent in Brooklyn life a quarter of a century, prominent enough to have been nominated at one time for mayor of the old city by one of the great parties. He served Brooklyn for many years as president of its board of education; was its postmaster, and also represented one of its districts in the halls of Congress. Of recent years he had withdrawn from public life and devoted himself to the financial world. There he soon assumed a commanding position as bank president, and his organizing abilities were constantly in demand. He was one of Brooklyn's great men, and I regret that he is not here to-day to fill the position for which he was so well fitted. Our borough is rightly in deep bereavement because of the taking off of this, a faithful servant.
"This party of Brooklynites has come over 1,000 miles to celebrate at this magnificent exposition a day set apart for itself. We come not from a sovereign State. Neither do we come from an independent city. We come from but part of a great city. I will venture to claim that Brooklyn Day at the St. Louis Exposition will be the only day set apart for any municipal body holding a place by law of less dignity than that of a city. Why, then, does Brooklyn send us out to make her name known here and to extend her greetings to St. Louis? Because for years Brooklyn was a city, and with more independent citizens to the total population than were to be found in any other part of the known world, and she is still true to her history. She had then a spirit that was the very personification of municipal patriotism. She could tear down a dishonest political rascal with greater celerity than any other city in the land. She kept her two great parties equally balanced; each a foil to the other, each a stimulant to the other for good government, and upon the average she enjoyed better service than American cities usually obtain.
"It is almost seven years since Brooklyn lost her cityhood. During that time she has been a dependent borough within the great city of New York. Many thought that when that transition took place Brooklyn would lose her old-time spirit, her pride would be humbled and she would sink into the slough of despair, but we are here to-day to make known to these United States that Brooklyn's old-time courage is as high, her spirit is as heavily charged with municipal energy and her pride is the same pride as of old.