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STATEMENT
iMADE BY THE
A'o-iatialn for the f r6Ibitirnt
OF THE
INDUSTRY OF ALL NATIONS,
IN REGARD TO THE
ORGANIZATION AND PROGRESS
OF THE
E N TE 1RP1R I S E.
NEW-YORK:
CARR & HICKS, STATIONERS AND PRINTERS, 31 MAIDEN LANE.
1853.








STATE MENT.
TiIS pamphlet is published under the direction of the
Association which is preparing the Industrial Exhibition, to take place in the city of New-York, in the
spring of the year 1853; and is drawn up for the
purpose of preserving and communicating to all parties
interested in the enterprise, a detailed account of the
origin, purposes, organization and progress of the enterprise, up to this time.
The undertaking is still far from its completion. The
Directors are perfectly aware how much severe labor
yet remains before their task is performed. They ale
especially desirous to avoid all boasting and vain-glorious language, but it seems not too much to affirm
that their ultimate success is now certain. It is convenient for the Association to have, in a condensed
form, a narrative of all that has been hitherto done;
and it appears due to those public-spirited persons who
have lent their aid to the enterprise in its infancy, to
preserve a record of their co-operation.
The brilliant success of the London Exhibition
turned the minds of the industrial world to the propriety and expediency of repetitions of that effort in different parts of Europe. Thus, steps have been taken to




4
organize one in Dublin for the next year; and preparations are mnaking for one on a very extensive scale
in Paris in the year 1854.
It was natural that those citizens of the United
States who were in London in 1851, who witnessed
the triumphs that our people achieved during that year,
and who also saw the peculiarly popular character of
expositions of this kind, and their beneficial tendencies
in regard to the working classes, should early have entertained the idea of repeating the Exhibition on this
side of the water. Accordingly, shortly after the close
of the London Fair, steps were taken for the purpose.
It was manifest, however, on its face, that the enterprise was one of great magnitude, and calculated severely to tax the energies of all who embarked in it.
The form of our political system, and the co nstitutional.restrictions imposed on our State and Federal action, rendered it impossible that the affair should be, as
it was in England, taken up and carried on by Government; and it therefore became necessary to rely upon
individual enterprise and activity. But it was plain
that no amount of vigor, nor any sum of money, would
effect the object, unless the affair was so managed as
not to subject it to the jealousy which a private enterprise is liable to encounter. It was necessary to inspire entire confidence as to the liberal objects of the
managers; to satisfy the people of our own country
that no sordid motive was the incitement to the
scheme, and that it would be conducted so as truly to
subserve the general interests of Industry; while it was
equally necessary to create in foreign countries a confi



5
dence that no local prejudice and no personal interest
would warp the undertaking from its. true aims. To
any one at all familiar with the. multitudinous currents
of opinion in our own country, the inumerable conflicting interests of trade and of locality, the great difficulty
of the enterprise will be at once apparent; but when to
these are added the obstacles arising from international
rivalry, distance, difference of language, and the as yet
imperfect intercourse of the most highly civilized countries of the world, it will not be considered surprising
that the managers of the.enterprise thought it indispensable to secure all the aid that could properly be
asked, from the public authorities.
In regard to the locality of the Exhibition, if the object had been to make a representation of American
Industry only, it might have been considered expedient
to select some one of the great manufacturing centres, as
Boston and Philadelphia; but a display of European
products being a necessary part of the scheme, it seemed
indispensable to choose New-York; all the considerations which give that city its commercial pre-eminence as the chief entrepot of European goods and the
principal financial centre of the Union, tended to this
result.
New-York, therefore, was selected, and on the 3d of
January, 1852, the municipal authorities of that city,
perceiving the benefits that must flow from the enterprise, if properly conducted, not only to the commerce
and prosperity of the city, but to the cause of popular
instruction and healthful entertainment, granted a lease
of Reservoir Square for the object for five years, upon




two conditions: one that the building should be constructed of iron and glass, and the other, inspired by a
proper regard for the interests of the public, that no
single entrance-fee should exceed fifty cents.
The Legislature was then applied to, and that body,
on the 11th of March, granted a Charter of Incorporation to the AssOCIATION FOR THIE EXHIBITION OF THE
INDUSTRY OF ALL NATIONS.
The principal provisions of the Act were as follows:
The Association was incorporated with a capital of
two hundred thousand dollars, leave being given to raise
the sum to three hundred thousand dollars.
The Directors were authorized to occupy any real
estate that might be granted them, and thereon to
erect a building for the purpose of the Exhibition of
the Industry of all Nations. They were further empowered to award Prizes, and to do every thing necessary to carry out the general object.
it is not however to be supposed that these steps
were taken with as much ease as they are here related.
On the contrary, as was indeed to be expected, somewhat both of indifference and of hostility was at the
outset manifest'ed.
The charter, in particular, was not obtained without
contest, and the managers of the enterprise found here
something of the opposition that they were aware they
m-ust encounter. It was urged that the enterprise was
hostile to the interests of Domestic Industry; and finding that this suggestion met with little favor, technical
difficulties founded on the terms of the Constitution of
the State were sought to be interposed. But if the




7
friends of the enterprise encountered opposition, they
also found a cordial support and efficient aid, which
satisfied them  of the ultimate popularity of the undertaking, and the charter was passed in a space of time
far more than usually short.*
On the 17th of March, the Board of Directors met,
and organized by the election of THEODORE  SEDGWICK,
EsQ., President, and WILLIAM  WHETTEN, ESQ., as Secretary; and the Association immediately published the
following general statement of the objects of the enterprise:
ASSOCIATION FOR THE EXHIBITION OF THE INDUSTRY OF ALL NAATIONS.-A charter having been granted by the Legislature of this State,
for the purposes of an Industrial Exhibition; and the Corporation of the
city having, with great liberality, granted the use of Reservoir Squa-re
for five years, the parties associated in the enterprise are now prepared to
invite the cooperation of their fellow-citizens.
In doing this, they think it proper to state, at some length, the motives which guide them, and the objects which they hope to attain.
It is scarcely necessary to say that the idea was suggested by tiec
brilliant success that attended the London Exhibition of last year.
That Exhibition, prompted by enlarged and liberal views, and carri(ed
out with energy and skill, was crowned with the most triumphant results; and a just pride authorizes us to assert that, in all that vast array
of the triumphs of genius and industry, no nation gave more striking
proofs of intellectual capacity and vigor, applied to the useful arts, than
were manifested by our own people.
It was, therefore, a natural suggestion of patriotic and national feolings, that we should not only wish to see a like Exhibition in our ownl
country, but that we should desire to reproduce in it the beneficial effeeik
that had resulted from its great prototype.
It is generally acknowledged that the London Exhibition marks tar
era in the progress of the world-an era of which the distinctive cha.:neteristics are the advance of those arts which increase the comforts and
heighten the delights of life, the spread of amicable relations among
* The Charter will be found in the Appendix, (A.)




rival countries, and, above all, the elevation of labor to its proper
dignity.
The difficulties apparent at the outset of the enterprise have been
overcome; the liberality of the English Government has been emulated
by the respective authorities of olur country; and a correct appreciation
of the objects of the Association seems to be entertained by those to
whom they have been communicated; and we are satisfied, that the
more generally these objects are made known, the more favorable will
be their acceptation by our fellow-citizens, whose sagacity can foresee, as
their cooperative energy can achieve, the results at which we aim.
In an edifice which, of itself, will be a noble monument of skill, we
hope to bring together the choicest productions of the Old World's Industry; thus not only opening a fair field for the competition of the productive talent of America, but enlarging its scope and multiplying its
aims; and, at the same time, presenting to all classes of the community such rare and novel objects of attention as cannot fail to widen
the sphere of general knowledge.
It is well known that in London a great portion of the building was
occupied by objects of but little interest, and that American Industry
entered into the competition to a very small extent. It is believed that
by a more careful selection of articles, and by a larger introduction of
our own products, the interest of the Exhibition, in these two essential
particulars, can be greatly increased.
In a statement of this kind it is impossible to introduce full details,
but we may say, in general terms, that we have such assurances, not
only from England, but from the principal countries of the Continent, as
justify us in the expectation of bringing under the eyes of our fellowcitizens not only such specimens of the industrial arts as shall generally
interest the practical American mind, but such rare products of industry
and skill as have never been seen among us.  Some of these were
among the choicest articles of the London Exhibition, and others are
now being prepared abroad expressly for exhibition here. And, more
than this, we hope to bring within the reach of all such wonders of the
Fine Arts as have hitherto been approached only by those of our counatrymen who have been able to seek them abroad.
The corporation is authorized by its charter to award prizes among
the exhibitors; and in discharging this part of their duty the Directors
will hereafter invite the cooperation of the most eminent and capable of
their fellow-citizens.
If we effect our object, we shall not only have imparted a fresh impetus to the career of our great metropolis, but we shall have given an
impulse to mechanical skill and manufacturing industry; we shall have




raised higher the standard of taste; we shall have extended and diffused the knowledge of the various families of the Old World; and, in so
doing, we shall have strengthened the great bonds of peace and goodwill.
The Association is incorporated, by an Act of the Legislature of the
11th March, 1852, for the term of five years.
The capital of the Company is $200,000, to be divided into shases of
$100 each, and may be increased by the I)irectors to $300,000.
The price of admission to the Exhibition is limited to fifty cents, and
the cost of the building is restricted by the charter to $200,000.
The Act of Incorporation provides that, for one day at least, the
children and scholars of the schools of the Public School Society, of the
Ward Schools, and of the Free Academy, of the Deaf and Dumnb and
Blind Institutions, and of the Orphan Asylums in the City of NewYork, shall be admitted free of charge.
It also provides, that the net proceeds of one day's exhibition shall
be appropriated and paid over to the Treasurers of the Fire Department
Fundl, for the benefit of Widows and Orphans of deceased Firemen in the
cities of New-York and Broollyn, and divided between them  in the
proportions of three-fourths to the former and one-fourth to the latter.
THEODORE SEDGWICK, President.
WM. -WHETTEN, Secretary.
This was accompanied by the following call for subscriptions to the stock:
ASSOCIATION FOR THE EXHIBITION OF TI-IE INDUSTRY OF ALL NATIONS.-.
Capital $200,000, with liberty to increase it to $300,000.
This Institution being organized under a Charter granted by the
Legislature of the State of New-York, the Company is now ready to
receive Subscriptions to the Stock. The Books will be opened at. the
office of Messrs. DuNCAN, SHERMAN & CO., of 48 William street, Bankers to this Company, from and after Friday, the second day of April,
1852.
Ten per cent. on the anount of subscriptions to be paid at the time of
subscribing.  No subscription to exceed Five Thousand Dollars.,
THEODORE SEDGWICK, President.
WM. WHETTEN, Secretary.




10
The stock was gradually subscribed. There was not,
at this time, any great eagerness manifested by our
moneyed classes generally in regard to it, and in the
commercial quarter perhaps not much confidence felt
in the result. This was, in fact, an advantage, as it
enabled the Directors easily to carry out the design
declared as above, of dividing the stock and distributing it into many hands; and the result has
been that the capital was taken by so large a number
of persons, and the interest so widely extended, that
the obnoxious character of a speculation has been completely avoided. The capital of two hundred thousand
dollars was taken by, and divided between upwards of
one h-undred and fifty persons and firms.
The next important step was to secure the co-operation and countenance of the Federal Government. It
was essential in order to obtain extensive support from
the manufacturers of Europe that their goods should be
admitted duty free. The proper Department of the
Government of the United States treated the matter
with cordial liberality; and on the 24th day of May,
Mr. MAXWELL, Collector of the Port of New-York,
made a written communication to the President of the
Association, stating that the building, when erected,
would be made a bonded warehouse, so as to receive the
goods free of duty, while on exhibition.*
It now became necessary to organize the Foreign Department of the enterprise, and in doing this it at
once appeared indispensable that the affairs o' the
* Mr. Maxwell's letter will be found in the Appendix, (B.)




Association in Europe should, for the sake of order,
be conducted by some one competent Agent. The
Association felt that this was a most important trust,
and one involving the greatest responsibility. To engage at once the co-operation of the producing classes,
and to secure the confidence and support of the European governments, required talents, knowledge and
experience, both of a commercial and a diplomatic character, and it seemed difficult to find any one person
combining the requisite capacity. The Directors,
however, succeeded altogether beyond their expectation, and engaged Mr. CHARLEs BUSCHEK, of London,
whose experience as Commissioner of the Austrian Department at the London Exhibition of 1851, high
character, long commercial life, and excellent social
position, pointed him out as eminently fitted for the
place. Arrangements were thereupon entered into by
which Mr. BuscHREK was authorized to secure the cooperation of the manufacturers of Europe. The appointpnent of Mr. BUSCHEK was made on the 25th of
June.
As soon as this was effected, the Association turned
their attention to the organization of the staff of Architects and Engineers, to whom the construction of the
building was to be confided; and very shortly after, Mr.
C. E. DETMOLD was appointed Superintending Architect
and Engineer; Mr. HORATIO ALLEN, Consulting Engineer; and Mr. EDMUND HIunRY, Consulting Architect.
The plans of the Directors had by this time obtained sufficient development to render it certain that
the objects of the Association would be accomplished,




12
and on the 12th of July the following circular was
issued:
OFFICE OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE EXHIBITION OF THE INDUSTRN )
OF ALL NATIONS, NEW-YORK, July 12th, 1852.
THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE EXHIBITION OF THE INDUSTRY OF ALL NATIONS give notice, that the Exhibition will be opened, in the City of NewYork, on the 2d day of May, 1853.
The Municipal Authorities have granted to them the use of Reservoir
Square, and they are proceeding to erect thereon a building worthy of
the purpose to which it is to be devoted.
The Association desire to make the Exhibition, in fact as well as in
name, a Representation from other countries as well as their owvn, of Raw
Materials and Produce, Manufactures, Machinery, and Fine Arts.
To this end, they have made arrangements with CHARLES BUSCHEK,
Esquire, late Commissioner of the Austrian Empire at the Industrial
Exhibition of London, whose skill, experience and high character offer
the most satisfactory security to Contributors from abroad.
Mr. Buschek is the authorized Agent of this Association, for all countries other than the Continent of America, and as such has received its
instructions.
All communications from Contributors abroad must be addressed to him
at "The Office of the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations in NewYork," No. 6 Charing Cross, London. He will state to them the nature
of the powers given and authority conferred, and will also explain the
great inducements offered by this enterprise to European Exhibitors.
This Association will correspond with all persons in the United States,
the Canadas and British Provinces, the West Indies, and this Continent
generally, who may desire to contribute to this Exhibition.
All such communications must be addressed to " The Secretary of the
Association for the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations, NewYork."
The Association is now ready to receive applications, and it is desired
that they be sent in immediately. Due notice will be given, hereafter,
when the building will be ready for the reception of articles.
Application for the admission of Objects to the Exhibition must
represent intelligibly their nature and purpose, and must also state
distinctly the number of Square Feet, whether of Wall, Floor or Counter,
required.
Machinery will be exhibited in motion-the Motive Power to be furnished by the Association-and applications for the admission of Ma



13
chinery, to be so exhibited, in addition to the general description and
the requisition for space, must set forth the amount of Motive Power
required.
The Association deem it proper to announce, that Paintings in Frames
will be exhibited.
As, notwithstanding the magnitude of the proposed building, there
must, necessarily, be a limitation of space, the Association reserves the
right to modify or reject applications, but, in so doing, will be governed
by strict impartiality, looking only to the general objects of the enterprise.
The Association also reserves the right of determining the length of
time, not to exceed in any case one season, during which objects shall,
severally, form part of the Exhibition.
Exhibitors are requested to designate an agent, to whom their contributions shall be delivered when withdrawn from the Exhibition.
Prizes for excellence in the various departments of the Exhibition, will
be awarded under the direction of Capable and Eminent Persons.
With this statement the Directors solicit the co-operation of the Productive Intellect and Industry of their own and other countries.
THEODORE SEDGWICK, President.
WM. WHETTEN, Secretary.
The issuing of this circular furnished a good oppertunity to test the disposition of the Old World to take
part in the undertaking. It was at once communicated
to the Foreign Ministers at Washington  and the Consuls at New-York; and the replies of the representatives
of some of the principal Powers of Europe  are subjoined, as showing the cordial interest manifested in the
enterprise from the outset.
The leading Foreign Papers also manifested a cordial
desire to forward the objects of the undertaking. The
Handels-Zeitung, the Abend-Zeitung, and  other German papers, the Courrier des Etats Ufni8 and the Eco
l'Italia, were prominent in lending their services to
the cause.




14
(Translation.)
FRENCH LEGATION AT WASHINGTON, t
NEWPORT, July 30, 1852.
SIR:-I was absent from Washington when the letter which you did
me the honor to address to me on the 16th inst. arrived. I found it at
Newport, and hasten to acknowledge receipt thereof. I feel the importance which the commerce of every nation ought to attach to being
properly represented at the World's Fair, which is to take place next
year at New-York; and in this sense I have written to my government,
inclosing the circular which you addressed to me.
The enlightened Gavernment of the Prince-President will not fail to
appreciate, in a proper manner, the results of this universal exhibition that
may be expected to benefit the commerce of the world. I do not doubt
that my government will afford hearty support to this vast enterprise to
which you are devoting your care. Receive, Sir, the assurance of my most
distinguished sentiments.     (Signed,)              SARTIGES.
To THEODORE SEDGWICK, Esq.
( Copy.)
PRUSSIAN LEGATION AT WASHINGTON, i
July 26, 1852. 
SIR:-I was favored with your letter of the 16th inst., inclosing several
copies of the circular published by the Association for the Exhibition of
the Industry of all Nations, which will take place at New-York, in May,
1853. I have called the attention of my government to this interesting
subject, and have no doubt that the industry of Prussia -will be duly
represented at that Exhibition. I have the honor to be, Sir, respectfully,
your obedient servant,    (Signed,)              F. V. GEROLT.
THEODORE SEDGWICK, Esq., President of the Association for the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations, at New-York.
(Translation.)
BELGIAN LEGATION AT WASHINGTON,
GEORGETOWN, July 24, 1852.
SI:-I will hasten to make known to the government of the King the
Universal Exhibition which is preparing at New-York for next year. You
may rest assured, Sir, that measures will be taken without delay in Belgium, that our industry may be represented in your Crystal Palace in
such a manner as to secure the attention of the American people. As I
still think of going to Eilrope before winter, I shall have the honor, Sir, to
see you on my passing through New-York, and shall be delighted if I can




15
be of any service to you during my stay in Belgium. Receive, Sir, the
assurance of my most distinguished consideration.
(Signed,)                          DE BoscH SPENCER.
THEODORE SEDCGWICK, Esq., New-York.
(Copy.)
IMPERIAL AUSTRIAN CONSULATE, 1
NEW-YORK, July 22, 1852.
SIR: —In due possession of your esteemed favor of the 13th inst., by
which you desire that the subject of your circular of the 12th inst. might
be brought to the notice of the Imperial Government, the Austrian Consul General begs most respectfully to inform you, that he has forwarded
several copies of that circular to his Excellency the Minister of Commerce,
at Vienna, accompanied by such remarks as the high importance of the
subject demands. If the Austrian Consul General is to judge by the
lively interest taken in the London Exhibition, by the Austrian manufacturers and artists, and their great desire to participate in the trade of the
United States, as it manifests itself at every opportunity, he would venture
to say that their contributions to the New-York Fair will be very considerable, and of a character representing the state of manufactures of the
country, as well as tlhe fine arts. There is but little doubt, that the tendency of the New-York Exhibition, towards an important improvement in
the commerce and trade between Europe and the United States, will be
greatly appreciated by public men on the other side of the Atlantic, and
that, in a purely practical point of view, it will be acknowledged to present facilities for the introduction of new articles of merchandise, which
could not possibly be attained by any other means. Your undertaking,
theiefore, enlists of itself the attention of those men whose duty it is to
facilitate the development of the national resources of the country, over
whose affairs they preside; and it invites the enterprising man of business
to exertions in your support, which promise to produce considerable moral
and pecuniary advantages to himself. The Austrian Consul General, in
expressing his conviction that your enterprise will meet the most satisfactory reception on the part of the Austrian manufacturers, has the honor
to subscribe himself,       Your very obedient servant,
(Signed,)                            AUGUST BELMONT.
THEODORE SEDGWICK, Esq., President of the Association for the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations.




16
HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S CONSULATE, 1
TNEw-YoRn, July 14, 1852.
SIR: —I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the
13th inst., accompanied by some copies of a circular setting forth the
objects and plan of your Association, which you request me to bring
before the notice of my government.
I assure you that I have taken great pleasure in complying with your
request, by making known to her Majesty's government the proposed Exhibition, so creditable to those intelligent and courageous inhabitants of
this city, who have conceived and undertaken to manage it, and so well
calculated to advance science and the arts, to promote and improve pro
ductive industry, to excite amicable rivalry, and to establish mutual goodwill among the people of all nations. I have transmitted a copy of your
note, and the copies of the circular with which you furnished me, to the
Earl of Malmesbury, her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs. I have the honor to be, Sir, your very obedient servant,
(Signed,)                             ANTH. BARCLAY.
THEODORE SEDGWICK, Esq., President of the Association for the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations, 53 Broadway, New-York.
An important letter had also been before this received
from the Turkish Ambassador at London, which was as
follows:
(Translation.)
LONDON, June 14, 1852.
SIR: —laving submitted to the Imperial Government the letter which
you did, me the honor to address to me, under date of 24th of March, I
have received a dispatch from his Excellency Ali Pacha, Minister of
Foreign Affairs, in which he announces to me, that the proposition for
Ottoman industry to participate in the Exhibition which is to take place
at New-York, has met with the high approbation of his Imperial Majesty
the Sultan, and that, in consequence, a government steamer will be specially destined to convey from thence the products of the empire. In
communicating to you this imperial determination, I am charged to beg
you, Sir, to be kind enough to give me detailed information as to the formalities which will have to be complied with, as far as regards the forwarding of the products, as well as upon their arrival at New-York, in
order to avoid, by such preparatory measures, all kind of inconvenience
that might result from ignorance of the regulations of the Association.
Accept, Sir, the assurance of my distinguished consideration.
(Signed,)                                C. MUSURUs.
To Mr. C. BUSCHEK, Agent General of the Universal Exhibition at NewYork.




17
In the mean time steps had been taken to obtain
a proper plan for the building to be erected. And
here serious difficulties had presented themselves.
The matter of iron construction on a large scale was
and is almost entirely new  in this country.  No
edifice entirely of iron yet exists in the United States,
and the want of experience on the part of both
architects and engineers presented serious obstacles.
Many ingenious plans were offered. Sir JOSEPH PAXTON,
with great liberality, furnished one of singular beauty,
but the peculiar shape of the ground to be occupied
rendered it impossible to use it. The late lamented
Mr. DowNING-a name dear to this country-offered
another of striking ingenuity, but this was also excluded
by the terms of the grant from the city, which, as has
been said, peremptorily required that the building
should be exclusively of iron and glass. Mlr. LEOPOLD
EiDIaTZ presented a plan with a suspension roof, intended
to obviate the difficulty of spanning great widths by
arches. Mr. JAMES BOGARDUS submitted one of a circular
building consisting of successive colonnades, placed one
over the other, somewhat resembling the Colosseum at
Rome, and involving a new mode of joining for which
he has obtained a patent. Mr. JuLIUS W. ADAMS presented one of a great octagonal vault or dome, supported by ribs made of fasces or clusters of gas pipe.
Several other plans were offered, of great beauty and
originality. The task of selection was diftlcult and
delicate; the Board, however, after much consultation,
finally determined on one submitted by Messrs. CARSTENSEN and GILDEMEISTER. Mr. Gildemeister has been
2




18
some time established among us, and is not only an
architect, but an artist. Mr. Carstensen is the designer
of the Tivoli and Casino of Copenhagen, the principal
public grounds of that city, and had at this time recently arrived here.
The plan was adopted on the 26th of August, and no
time was lost in putting the work under way.
The masonry contracts were signed with Messrs.
SMITH & STEWART and Mr. LorENzo  MosEs, on the 4th
of September; and on the 25th of the same month the
principal part of the iron work was contracted for. By
the masonry contracts, the foundation was to be delivered on the 21st of October, and by the iron agreements
the delivery of castings was to commence at the same
time. In order to secure uniformity, a pattern shop
was established in the city of New-York, under the
charge of Messrs. SHEPARD & PURVIS, and to insure dispatch, the first contracts for the delivery of the iron, castings were divided among Messrs. JACKSON, STILLMAN,
ALLEN & CO., HOGG & DELATMATER, BUCKUP & PUGH,
and F. S. CLAXTON, of New-York; SLATER & STEEL, of
Jersey City; the MATTEAWAN COM3PANY, of Fishkill; the
Messrs. TEMPLINS, of Easton, Pennsylvania; BETTS,
PUSEY, JONES & SEAL, of Wilmington, Delaware; and
MILLER and WILLIAMSON, of Albany.
We shall now go into the details of the site and size
of the building. Reservoir Square, on which it is erected, lies at the northern extremity of the city of [NewYork, west of the Croton Distributing Reservoir, and
between that mighty mass of stone and the Sixth Avenue. The precise distance from the Reservoir to the




19
Sixth Avenue is 445 feet, and the width, north and
south, from Fortieth to Forty-second street, is 455 feet.
It will be observed that this piece of ground is nearly
square.  The shape is unfavorable for architectural purposes. In other respects,'nlo better spot for the purpose
could be found in the city. The Sixth Avenue Railroad runs directly past it; the Fourth Avenue Railroad
runs near it; and it lies immediately in the vicinity of
the Fouth, Fifth, and Sixth Avenues, the main thoroughfares of that part of the city.
The main features of the building are as follows: It
is, with the exception of the floor, entirely constructed
of iron and glass. The general idea of the edifice is a
Greek cross, surmounted by a dome at the intersection.
Each diameter of the cross will be 365 feet 5 inches
long. There will be three similar entrances: one on
the Sixth Avenue, one on Fortieth, and one on Fortysecond street.  Each entrance will be 47 feet wide, and
that on the Sixth Avenue will be approached by a flight
of eight steps; over each front is a large semi-circular
fan-light, 41 feet wide and 21 feet high, answering to
the arch of the nave.  Each arm of the cross is on the
ground plan 149 feet broad.  This is divided into a
central nave and two aisles, one on each side; the nave
41 feet wide, each aisle 54 feet wide.  The central portion or nave is carried up to the height of 67 feet, and
the semi-circular arch by which it is spanned is 41 feet
broad. There are thus in effect two arched naves crossing each other at right angles, 41 feet broad, 67 feet
high to the crown of the arch, and 365 feet long; and
on each side of these naves is an aisle 54 feet broad,




20
and 45 feet high. The exterior of the ridgeway of the
nave is  71 feet. Each aisle is covered by a gallery of
its own width, and 24 feet from the floor. The central
dome is 100 feet in diameter, 68 feet inside from the
floor to the spring of the arch, and 118 feet to the
crown; and on the outside, with the lantern, 149 feet.
The exterior angles of the building are ingeniously filled
up with a triangular lean-to 24 feet high, which gives
the ground plan an octagonal shape, each side or face
being 149 feet wide. At each angle is an octagonal
tower 8 feet in diameter, and 75 feet high.
Ten large, and eight winding stair-cases connect the
principal floor with the gallery, which opens on the
three balconies that are situated over the entrance-halls,
and afford atmple space for flower decorations, statues,
vases, &c. The ten principal stair-cases consist of two
flights of steps with two landing, places to each; the
eight winding stair-cases are placed in the octagonal
towers, which lead also to small balconies on the tops
of the towers and to the roof of the building.
The building contains on the ground floor 111,000
square feet' of space, and in its galleries, which are 54
feet wide, 62,000 square feet more, making a total area
of 173,000 square feet for the purposes of exhibition.
There are thus on the ground floor two acres and a half,
or exactly 2 52-100; in the galleries one acre and
44-100; total, within an inconsiderable fraction, four
acres.
There are on the ground floor 190 octagonal cast-iron
columns, 21 feet above the floor, and 8 inches diameter,
cast hollow, of different thicknesses, from half an inch




21
to one inch. These columns receive the cast-iron girders. These are 26 1-3 feet long and 3 feet high, and
serve to sustain the galleries and the wrought-iron construction of the roof, as well as to brace the whole structure in every direction. The girders, as well as the
second story columns, are fastened to the columns in
the first story, by connecting pieces of the same octagonal shape as the columns, 3 feet 4 inches high, having
proper flanges and lugs to fasten all pieces together by
bolts. The number of lower floor girders is 252, besides 12 wrought-iron girders of the same height, and
41 feet span over a part of the nave. The second
story contains 148 columns, of the same shape as those
below, and 17 feet 7 inches high.'ihese receive another
tier of girders, numbering 160, for the support of the
roofs of the aisles, each nave being covered by 16 castiron semi-circular arches, each composed of 4 pieces.
The dome is supported by 24 columns, which go up
above the second story to a height of 62 feet above
the floor, and support a combination of wrought-iron
arches and girders, on which rests a cast-iron bed-plate,
so constructed as to receive the 32 ribs of the dome.
The light is communicated to the dome through the lantern, as well as from the sides, on which 32 escutcheons,
in colored glass, representing the arms of the Union
and its several States, or the emblems of the different
nations, form a part of the decoration.
The quantity of iron to be used for the building will
amount to about 1,250 tons. The roof will cover an
area of 144,000 square feet. The glass for the building
will amount to 39,000 square feet, in 9,027 panes, 16 by
34 or 38 inches.




22
On entering this building, the observer's eye will be
greeted by the vista of an arched nave, 41 feet wide,
67 feet high, and 365 feet long; while on approaching
the centre, he will find himself under a dome 100 feet
across, and 118 feet high.
It is certain, therefore, that the edifice will be larger,
and more effective in its interior view, than anything in
the country.
The general mode of erection by base pieces, columns, connecting pieces and girders, is the same with
that of the great Hyde Park building.  But the construction of the arched nave and of the dome is
of course entirely peculiar, and the general effect of
the building  is completely different.  The London
building was certainly deficient in architectural effect.
The form  of the New-York edifice affords the requisite scope, for a pleasing variety of embellishment,
by which all monotony can be avoided, and allows a
very economical use of the ground. The dome, independent of its effect in the interior arrangenment of the
edifice, will give height and majesty to the exterior.
The following are the objects which the architects
appear to have striven to combine in their plan:
1. The greatest possible area compatible with the
ground employed.
2. Perfect safety and elegance of construction.
3. A well calculated and pleasing admission of light.
4. A variety of cop cl'ceil in the interior.
This building will compare, in point of size, and it is
thought of beauty, with some of the greatest edifices of
the old world; and until the extension of the Capitol at




23
Washington is completed, it will be altogether the largest in this country. It is hoped that it will be a great
permanent architectural ornament to the city.
The foreign branch of the undertaking was, as has
been said, intrusted to Mr. BuscaEK; but it seemed to
the Directors that something should be done to bring
the enterprise prominently before the citizens of the
British possessions on this continent, and they consequently, early in September, decided on the appointment of Mr. JAMES WHITMAN as an Agent for the Canadas, Nova Scotia, and New-Brunswick.. Mr. WHITAMAN
immediately entered on the duties of his agency, and
was received with great cordiality in the cities of
Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec, the most ready desire
to. co-operate in the enterprise being manifested on all
hands. Mr. WHITMAN has visited Newfoundland; he
is now in zNova Scotia, and from there he will proceed
to New-Brunswick. He has displayed great zeal and
energy in the performance of the duties intrusted to
him, and there seems good reason to believe that the
people of the British Provinces will take an active part
in the Exhibition.
Having thus secured a corps of competent Engineers
and a plan of great beauty, having intrusted the construction of the edifice to competent hands, and having
also organized the Foreign Department of the enterprise
on a scale commensurate with the dignity and importance of the undertaking, the Association turned its
attention more directly to the business classes of our
own country; and in order to impress upon the great
commercial community how directly their interests were




24
identified with those of the Exhibition, they published
the following circular. It was issued in English, German, French and Spanish, to  a large number of importing houses, and proved of great utility:
OFFICE OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE EXHIBITION OF THE INDUSTRY
OF ALL NATIO NS,
No. 53 BROADWAY, New-York,
28th Sept., 1852.
I address you, in behalf of the Association for the Exhibition of the
Industry of all Nations, for the purpose of securing your co-operation
in the objects of the enterprise.
The building on Reservoir Square is in such a state of forwardness,
and the iron work is so far advanced, that we are able, with entire confidence, to repeat to you the assurance already given to the public, that
the Exhibition will take place in May of the year 1853.
In order to give our enterprise that publicity in Europe which is essential to its success, and at the same time to secure order and uniformity
in our operations, we have appointed as our sole agent Mr. CHARLES
BUSCHEK, of No. 6 Charing Cross, London, who has been long domiciled
in England, and whose experience as one of the Commissioners of the
great London Exhibition of 1851, as well as his social position, capacity
and character, furnishes the most ample guarantees that the work intrusted
to him will be thoroughly done.
We now address you for the purpose of calling your particular attention to the subject, and of inviting your assistance in such manner as
shall seem most practicable to you after our general objects and wishes
are stated.
We have already received from all the authorities in this country,
whether municipal, state or federal, every aid and encouragement in their
power to give, and we have been equally fortunate in securing the
strongest expressions of sympathy and good-will from the principal
representatives of the European powers.
We think, therefore, that we have every reason to expect manifestations
of a similar spirit from gentlemen as intimately familiar as you are with
the condition and wants of both hemispheres, and to whom the interests
of neither can be indifferent. We believe it to be unnecessary to use any
elaborate arguments to persuade you that an Exhibition of this kind,
if made what it ought to be, cannot be productive of other than the best
results to the commerce and peace of the world. We are equally satisfied that your position here must make you wish that it should succeed,
and that your strong European associations and ties must also render you
desirous that the industry of the Old World should be fully represented.




25
But in addition to the general interest which, we have no doubt, as
active men and spirited citizens, you will feel in the general objects of the
enterprise, your position gives you a clear inducement to take such steps
as will give the fullest development to your operations.
Desirous not to avail ourselves in any undue way of its corporate
facilities, this Association has from the outset avowed its determination
to have nothing whatever to do with the sale of articles exhibited; we
do not intend in the slightest degree to interfere with the legitimate occupations and interests of either the retail dealers or importers of our city.
In order that we may know precisely the relative extent of room
required by European and American Industry, it is essential that all applications for space be arranged with Mr. Buschek. And as this Association
advances the freight and insurance on goods sent from Europe, (to be refunded in case of withdrawal,) it is equally indispensable that, if foreign
exhibitors wish to avail themselves of this advantage, the time, mode
and terms of forwarding be also arranged with him. Mr. Buschek is our
general and sole agent for the purpose of securing the co-operatiqn of
European manufacturers, and of settling the necessary details in relation
thereto; but the whole matter of consignment and disposition of the
goods is left, where it belongs, to the regular industry of our citizens; and
it is plain that just so far as our enterprise succeeds, just so far the business
relations of our people will be extended and their interests promoted.
Having already, in our general circular, requested all exhibitors to name
an agent for the receipt of their goods when withdrawn from the Exhibition, it remains with them of course to select their own consignee.
We take the liberty of inclosing a copy of our general prospectus,
which we confirm in all particulars, and which we will furnish you in
French or in any language that you may desire; and our immediate
request is, that you will have the goodness to call the attention of your
correspondents to the enterprise, and impress on them the importance of
availing themselves of this opportunity for the exhibition of the products
of their industry.
If there is any other mode in which we can have your co-operation,
we shall be most happy to know it.
As we are desirous to know how far the views contained in this communication meet with your concurrence, we shall be greatly obliged by
the favor of a reply.
I have the honor to be,
with great respect,
your obed't serv't,
THEODORE SEDGWICK, Pres't.




26
This circular was followed by another more particularly addressed to the producing classes of this country. It was of the following tenor:
ASSOCIATION FOR THE EXHIBITION OF THE INDUSTRY OF ALL NATIONS,
OFFICE, NO. 53 BROADWAY, NEW-YORK,
11th October, 1852.
I address you, on behalf of the Association for the Exhibition of the
Industry of all Nations, to invite your co-operation in the general objects
of the enterprise.
The building intended for the purposes of the Exhibition, constructed
entirely of iron and glass, will be, it is believed, the largest and most
beautitfl edifce in the country. It covers, on the ground floor, two
and a half acres, and, with the galleries, tile whole space is four acres.
The mason-work is far advanced, and is to be completed on the 21st
October. The main part of the iron-work is contracted for, and the
castings are to be delivered from the 15th October to the 15th December.
WTe have it in our power, therefore, to assure you, as we have already
stated to the public, that the Exhibition will certainly be open on the 2d
of May, 1853.
You are thus offered an unequalled opportunity of exhibiting to the
vast population of this country such of your productions as you send us,
free of all charge of every kind whatever from the time that they are
delivered into our custody until withdrawn.
The Association has already announced that their objects are limited
exclusively to Exhibition.  They have no interest whatever, direct or indirect, in the final disposition to be made of any article that may be
displayed.
You are, no doubt, aware that we have received all the assistance from
the public authorities that we have desired. The City has given us
the lease of Reservoir Square, the State has granted us a Charter, and
the Federal authorities have engaged that the building shall be made a
Bonded Warehouse for the purpose of receiving foreign articles without
paying duty so long as they remain in it.
We have the stroingest assurances of support from the Representatives
in this country of the principal Foreign Powers; and we are receiving
daily confirmation of the general interest that the subject is exciting
among the manufacturers of Europe. A large number of articles of high
value are already secured, and we have no doubt whatever that we
shall have a very extensive representation of all the branches of foreign
industr,.



27
The measures which we have adopted will thus secure two great objects
we have desired to attain, viz.: the erection of a building which will be
a great architectural ornament to our city, and the exhibition in that
building of the products of the industry of the Old World; still, we
shall fall far short of our mark if we do not equally succeed in obtaining
the fullest and most extensive co-operation of American industry; our
Exhibition would be extremely defective-it would be very inferior, both
in interest and in utility, to what we mean to make it-if the great resources of the people of our own country were not fully displayed in it.
We believe it to be unnecessary to urge upon you the arguments on
this subject, which we are sure will present themselves to the mind of
every intelligent American producer; your position in the world of American industry, your own interest, and what is due to an enterprise devised
and meant to be carried out with no narrow views, but on a large scale
of public usefulness, all entitle us to entertain the fullest conviction that
you will send us some of the choicest specimens of your skill, and that
you will urge your friends to do the same.
We do not doubt that such will be the result when the subject is once
brought fairly and fully before you; and our only reason for addressing
you thus particularly is that the matter may not be overlooked in the
press of daily business, and that you may give the subject attention in
time to be fully prepared.
We inclose our General Circular, and also a Form of Application for
Space,,to which we beg your attention. Copies of these or of this letter,
if you desire them to send to your friends or correspondents, can be had
at this office.
In order that we may know on what extent of co-operation we may
depend, the favor of a reply, on or before the 15th day of December next,
is asked.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obed't serv't,
THEODORE SEDGWICK, President.
The general organization of the enterprise was thus
completed, and  all classes invited to  co-operate in its
objects.  But other steps were deemed  necessary to
render its success certain. For that purpose, early in
October, the  President of the Association  made  to
the late lamented Mr. Webster, Secretary of State of the
United States, a request that he would address the rep



28
resentatives of the Government of the United States in
Europe, and ask them  to  assist Mr. Buschek by their
advice and countenance as far as could properly be
done.
Mr. Wrebster was at the time more ill than was known
by those who addressed him.  But with that activity
of mind  and large comprehension which distinguished
him  to the last, he at once saw  and recognized the importance of this enterprise, and replied to Mr. Sedgwick
as follows:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,    }
WASHINGTON, October 12, 1852. r
SIR:-I have received your favor of Oct. 7, and I have examined with
care the papers accompanying it, as well as the sketch of the building
which you have been good enough to send; the latter appears to me
very beautiful. Your name, and those of the gentlemen associated with
you, are sufficient guLarantees that the enterprise will be conducted with
energy, fidelity and capacity; and there can be no doubt that an exhibition of the kind you contemplate, if properly carried out, will be of very
general interest and utility. You do not overrate my desire to promote
your views. Of course I cannot, as a member of the Government of the
United States, give you any other aid than you have already received
fiom the Customs Department, by making your building a bonded warehouse; but I will write to the representatives of the United States at the
principal Courts of Europe, stating to them strongly my sense of the importance of your enterprise, and the numerous reasons in my mind why
they should give your agent, Mr. Buschek, all the aid and support that
they properly can. I am, Sir, with great respect, your ob't serv't,
DANIEL WEBSTER.
THEODORE SEDGWICK, Esq., New-York.
The promise contained in this letter was fully performed, and on the same day Mr. Webster addressed
the following communication to our Foreign Ministers at
St. Petersburg, London, Vienna, Berlin and Paris.  His
letter was as follows:




29
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,      e
WVASHINGTON, October 12, 1852.
SIR:-I have been applied to by Mr. Theodore Seclgwick, the President
of the Assocition for the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations, in
behalf of the effort now making in New-York, for the erection in that
city, next year, of a World's Fair, analogous to that which was in London
in 1851.
The enterprise is in the hands of some of the most respectable of our
citizens. Their names are to me, as I know they will be to you, a sufficient guarantee not only that the affair will be carried out with energy
and fidelity, but that it will be treated with large and liberal views as a
matter of great public interest and utility.
They have, as they inform me, appointed Mr. Charles Buschek, of
London, the Austrian Commissioner at the Exhibition in 1851, their European agent, and my particular object in addressing you this letter, is to
convey to you my hope that you will do all you properly can to forward
Mr. Buschek's views, and to promote tile general objects of the Association.
The Government, thrQugh the proper department at New-York, have
promised that the building shall be made a bonded warehouse, and of
course can go no further in the way of official aid; but I amn satisfied that
the complete and triumphant success of this enterprise will be a subject
of great satisfaction to all our people, and that it will expect that the Association should be supported in every legitimate and proper way.
I am, Sir, respectfully your obedient servant,
DANIEL WVEBSTER.
Hon. J. R. INGERSOLL.
It is proper here to pause for a moment, and while
recognizing  the  public  spirit and  private  courtesy
which dictated these communications, to  deplore the
loss which  the country has sustained by the death  of
this eminent man.
In the mean time the progress of the erection of the
edifice had been going steadily on.  The masonry, with
its numerous  piers  to  support the  columns, and its
well-arranged  system  of sewerage, was completed in
October at the  period  specified.  The  iron  castings
began to come upon the ground about the same time,




30
and  on the  30th  of October the  ceremony of raising
the first column took place.  We give the account of it
that appeared at the time in the daily papers:
The erection of the first columnn of the Crystal Palace took place on
Reservoir Square at noon on Saturday.  The interest in and importance
of the occasion attracted a large concourse of citizens. There mlust have
been at least two thousand persons present.
There was a large number of distinguished citizens upon the platform
erected beside the pillar. Among those present we noticed his Excellency
Gov. Hunt, his Honor the Mayor, Archbishop I-ughes, Felix Foresti,
Gen. Tallmadge, IHenry Meigs, C. Crolius, ex-Senator, J. A. Bunting,
Rev. Dr. Peet, Lainbert Suydam, Hon. Judtge Betts, Senators'McIMurray
and Beelkman, and several other invited guests.  Gen. Tallmadge and
others were present as a deputation from the Amnerican Institute.
Dodworth's Band was present during the proceedings, and played
delightfully.
When the pillar was raised, by means of a derrick, the Governor
directed it to its place, amid the enthusiastic cheering of those present
and the firing of cannon, the band the while playing a national air.
Theodore Sedgwick, Esq., then addressed the Governor in the following terms:
GOVERNOR HUNT: In the name of the Directors of the Association,
I thank you cordially and respectfully for the trouble which you have
taken to honor this occasion with your presence.  Ou'r thlanks are also
eminently due to the City Government, not only for tlieir attendance here
to-day, but more for the sagacious foresight with which they have extended their liberal aid to the enterprise in its infancy.  We are also
proud to see among our friends the officers of two societies-one firol our
own, and one from a sister State —which have done so much to raise the
aims and promote the interests of American Industry, to open the path
in which we are now treading. The general objects to whicl this building
wvill be destined are so familiar to us all that I need not dwell upon them.
Our arrangements are so far advanced that we can speak with confidence
as to our ultimate success. It is sure to strike the mind of thle European
producer that lhe has substantial objects to attain by sending specimens
of his skill here which no European country can afford.  On the other
hand, the American manufacturer, who has compatratively little but honor
to gain by sending the produce of his skill to Europe, has a clear and
distinct inducement to exhibit his goods here.  If no unforeseen event
occurs, we shall have it in our power to make such an exhibition of the
costly, artistic and luxurious products of the Old World as has never yet




31
been seen among us. These considerations will produce their results, and
we are equally confident that the industry of our country,with that fearless energy which, perhaps more than any other one thing, is a distinguishing, trait in our national character, will eagerly enter into a contest
from which, in every respect, nothing but good can flow.  I shall say on
this head no more.  Those whose eyes, like mine, were delighted by the
surpassing glories of the London Exhibition-who know  the power,
opulence and varied resources of the Old WVor]ld-who know what these
creatures of genius, the French, are trying to effect, may well pause before they mlake vaunts for the future. Suffice it, we shall do every thing
that industry and fidelity can accomplish.  Nor shall I enlarge on the
benefits of an exhibition of this kind.  There is no doubt whatever that
there yet exists no similar means for extending the circle of knowledge
and taste-above all, for enlarging and increasing that mutual good-will
and confidence which is the surest bulwark of national independence, and
the only g'uaranty of international peace.  [Cheers.]
Permit me, sir, to say a word respecting the building itself.  We intend; and I believe it is not too much to claim, that the palace itself shall
make an epoch in the architecture of our city.  We believe that it will
give an impulse to construction in the material of iron that will be of the
greatest service to that interest.  Iron constructions have already been
carried far forward by a most intelligent and acconmplished mechanicMr. James Bogardus-and I believe that the experience of this building
will give it a great additional impulse. Its superior lightness, durability,
cheapness and facility of construction, give it immense advantages over
any other material.  We are erecting an edifice that will cover, on the
ground floor, two and a half acres, and it will be done in the winter, in
about six months, for a sum not much varying from $200,000.  If any
one compares this time and the time with what would be required for a
building of any other material except wood, the immense superiority of
iron is most perceptible.  [Applause.]  But there are, sir, ulterior considerations which I wish clearly to state.  The large cities of the elder
world, especially on the Continent, possess great galleries for popular instruction and entertainment.  It is at first siht remarlkable, though in
fact easily intelligible, that in a country reposir)g entirely on popular
power, comparatively nothing is done on a great public scale for the
pleasure and instruction of our adult people.  We have no gldleri*s, no
parks.  This is not the place to say anything in favor of a park, though
an object which should be dear to thle heart of every New-Yorker. But
I desire, in regard to the other objects, to point out how easy it will be
hereafter to convert this buildirg into a great People's Gallery of Art.
Its structure is eminently adapted for the purpose. We stand here on




32
the city's ground, and it will be completely in the power of the City
hereafter to accomplish this result. Long after our Association shall have
disappeared, I hope this building may stand-as long as yonder massive
and majestic creation; and like that, in the hands of the public authorities, be one of those monuments which make the Government dear to
the people. [Cheers.] Allow me to say a few words of our purposes.
The undertaking is a private one-fostered by no governmental aid; but
the interests are so numerous and divided, that not the slightest color is
afforded for the charge of speculation. There are, I venture to say, very
few undertakings of equal magnitude which are represented by so large
a number of parties, and it thus becomes practicable to impress upon the
direction and management of the enterprise, that broad, liberal, impartial,
and, as it were, national character, which is essential to its proper development. If our success is what we expect and intend it shall be, we
shall claim the honor of it for our institutions-those institutions which
enable private individuals to accomplish what in other countries vast
governmental efforts are required to effect. We shall claim the honor
for the country and for the people; for that mixture of individual energy
and practical accommodation which gives such wonderful efficiency to
the American character; for that public spirit and private good feeling
of which we have such striking evidence here to-day-bringing together
at this moment men of all parties, to work together for a common object
of general interest. [Cheers.] Other considerations, sir, yet remain,
which, at some other time, I shall ask higher and holier personages to
develop, but which I cannot now altogether overlook. When this structure shall be raised-when its lofty dome shall have rushed upward to
the point where that flag now floats —when its crystal surface shall reflect
in streams of radiance our warm American sun-when its graceful and
majestic interior shall be filled with the choicest products of both worlds
-our minds will soar upward beyond and above all the material considerations to which I have alluded, and will recognize our own nothingneeSS, and the infinite superiority of the Power by whose favor we are
permitted to do what little we effect. And we shall then unite to pour
fbrth our thanks for His mercies, and our supplications for His forgiveness
and protection. [Loud cheers.]
T[e Governor immediately replied as follows:
MR. PRESIDENT: Availing myself of the invitation so kindly extended
to me by the Association over which you preside, I have come to participate in tihe appropriate ceremonies of this occasion, and to manifest




33
the sincere ilnterest and approval with which I regard your noble undertaking.
You have now reared the first column of an edifice intended to attract
the productions of genius, industry, and art, from all the civilized nations
of the world. This liberal design is in harmony with the prevailing
spirit and tendency of the age in which we live, and its successful completion will form  a conspicuous landmark in the history of American
progress. It is a generous conception, alike honorable to the public
spirit and patriotism of the citizens forming the Association, and imnportant in its influence upon the advancement and happiness of society.
The conquests already made, and the increasing interest evinced by
our countrymen in the culture of those useful arts which promote the
physical prosperity and moral elevation of a people, are a source of just
pride and encouragement to the American statesman.
By the blessing of Providence we are permitted to work out our destiny in a period of profound peace.  For more than a third of a century
the civilized world has been exempt from those destructive wars and
convulsions which had so long wasted the best energies of the human
race. Nobler purposes engage the thoughts of men and the councils of
nations.
Instead of meeting in battle array, and spreading havoc and desolation over the face of the earth, a kindlier rivalry prevails, and Governments cope with each other in a more generous spirit of emulation; in
works of beneficence and improvement; in the expansion of commerce,
the encouragement of industry, and the triumphs of peaceful invention.
People widely separated from each other by intervening seas and
diversities of language and institutions are now drawn nearer together
by rapid and constant commercial intercourse. Remote countries are
enabled to confer inestimable benefits upon each other by a free interchange of useful discoveries and improvements, thus stimulating industry
and skill throughout the world, each imparting to all the fruits of its
own civilization, and (above all) diffusing over the globe the spirit of
universal brotherhood, which, in God's good time, shall unite the human
family by the cordial ties of sympathy and concord.
When considered in a mere political aspect, the wonderful display of
the Industry of all Nations, exhibited in England last year, must be regarded as one of the most important events in modern history.
I rejoice to witness the enlightened efforts of my own countrymen to
emulate so noble an example.
The prosecution and success of the enterprise, now so auspiciously
begun, cannot fail to exert a salutary influence, and to produce the most
valuable results.




34
It will elevate the national character abroad, and advance our best
interests at home.
It will stimulate our people to new and higher efforts, until we shall
finally attain to an equality with the older nations in every useful and
ornamental art. It will promote the development and improvement of
those natural advantages, so varied and remarkable, with which our
country is favored; and furnish another proof of the elevating influence
of free institutions.
In conclusion, Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Association, permit
me to congratulate you upon this auspicious commencement. The
whole country will rejoice in the consummation of your great purpose.
Accept my sincere wishes that your labors in the work of civilization
and beneficent progress may be crowned with the success which is due
to so bright an example of disinterested public spirit.
The Mayor, Mr. KINGSLAND, followed, in a few brief remarks expressive of his sense of the importance of the undertaking, and his sincere
desire to see it carried out to a most successful completion.
General TALLMADGE, on the part of the American Institute, offered the
managers of the Crystal Palace his warmest congratulations upon the
raising of the first pillar of their edifice, and that, too, under such auspicious circumstances. The American Institute (he said) was glad to
find such worthy comrades cooperating with them to advance the general
prosperity of the country.
Appropriate airs were then played by the band, and the large assemblage shortly afterwards went their way rejoicing in the event of the
day, with hearty wishes for the successful completion of the New-York
Crystal Palace.
The enterprise was therefore fully under way, and
the Directors might perhaps have contented themselves
with the steps they had taken to give organization and
publicity to the undertaking.
There still, however, appeared to them something more
to be done to secure the fullest co-operation of all classes
of our own people; and on the 10th of November the
following circular was prepared for the organization of
local committees in the  principal manufacturing  and
commercial cities of the Union:




35
ASSOCIATION FOR THE EXHIBITION OF THE INDUSTRY OF ALL NATIONS.
OFFICE, NO. 53 BROADWAY, NEW-YORK, 
10th November, 1852.
SIR:-I take the liberty of inclosing to you, with this, various documents which will give you the details of the undertaking organized in
this city for the purpose of making an Exhibition of the products of the
Industry of all Nations. I forward also a Lithographed Plan of the
Building, which will, I think, serve to show you that the means employed
by us are not unworthy of the end at which we aim.
It is extremely desirable that the Industry of our own country should
be fully represented; for whatever interest the products of the artistic
talent or luxurious taste of the Old World may excite, certainly nothing
within the general scope of the undertaking can exceed in importance
the development of our own products and the advancement of our own
Manufacturing Skill. In order, therefore, to bring the enterprise more
thoroughly and more familiarly to the knowledge of the different sections
of the country, we have adopted a resolution to raise Local Committees
in the principal manufacturing and commercial centres of the United
States; and my immediate purpose is, respectfully, to request your cooperation with us by becoming a member of such Committee for your
section of the Union. The principal places in which we have, thus far,
determined to raise these Committees are Boston, Philadelphia, Charleston, New-Orleans, St. Louis, Detroit, and Cincinnati.
We hope, Sir, that the general interest of the subject and the aid to
which every liberal effort to promote the resources of our People seems
entitled will induce you to give this matter your attention. We can, we
think, give no better proof of our earnest desire to make this Exhibition
both creditable to the country and useful to its great interests than by
endeavoring to secure the assistance of our most eminent and capable
men. I pray the favor of an early reply.
And I am, Sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
THEODORE SEDGWICK, President.
In this case, as in  others, the Directors of the Association met with a ready and cordial response from
all parts of the country.  The Committees thus far have
been organized as follows:
The Committee organized at Boston is intended to
cover a considerable part of New-England, and consists




36
of SAMUEL LAWRENCE, ESQ., Chairman; N. HALE, JAxI-s
W. PAIGEE, OTIS TUFTS, GEORGE S. HILLARD, MARSHALL
P. WILDER, J. T. STEVENSON, Boston; Gov. HUBBARD,
of New-Hampshire; Gov. PAINE, of Vermont; Hon.
RUEL W. MURRAY, of Maine; EzRA LINCOLN, Secretary.
The Connecticut Committee consists of gentlemen
from various parts of the State, and is as follows:
General JAMEs T. PRATT, Rocky Hill; NORMAN PORTER,
Berlin; L. B. PAGE, Hon. PHILIP RIPLEY, Hon. HENRY
C. DEMING, F. A. BROWN, HIon. JAMCES DIXON, SAMUEL
WOODRUFF, SAMUEL ASHBURNER, Hartford; Hon. LA
FAYETTE S. FOSTER, Norwich; JAMES BREWSTER, Hon.
RALPH I. INGERSOLL, Hon. JAMES D. DANA, ELI W. BLAKE,
New-Haven; SAMUEL STEARNS, Middletown; GEORGE M.
LANDERS, New-Britain; P. T. BARNUM, Bridgeport;
PHILO PRATT, R. LINSLEY, Meriden; PHINEAS TALCOTT,
Vernon; S. W. COLLINS, Collinsville; W. H. SCOVILLE,
Waterbury; JOHN TRACY, Willimantic; EDWARD N.
SHELTON, HENRY L. ATTWATER, Birmingham; EDWARD
S. MITCHELL, Wallingford; JOHN S. IMITCHELI, Waterbury; W. De Forest, Humphreysville.
The St. Louis Committee consists of the Hon. LUTHER
M. KENSETT, CHARLES P. CHOUTEAU, LEWIS V. BOGY, Dr.
H. A. PROUT, THOMAS S. O'SULLIVAN, WM. H. BELCHER,
A. B. CHAMBERS, THORNTON GRIMSLEY, A.. SMITCHELL,
THOMAS ALLEN, JAMES HxARRISON, JAMES MCPHERSON,
HUDSON E. BRIDGE.
The New-Orleans Committee consists of LUCIUS C.
DUNCAN, ESQ., Chairman; JAMaIES ROBB, Hon. E. LASERE,
W. A. GASQUET, W. N. MERCER, ALEXANDER WALKER,
H. R. W. HILL, A. HF., AxsON, MAx/UNSEL WIXITE, A. M.




37
HARLBROOK, C. J. LEEDS, NEWTON RICHARDS; J. D. B.
DE Bow, Secretary.
The Baltimore Committee consists of }ROBERT M. McLANE, ESQ., Chairman; JOSHUA VANSANT, WILLIAM
BosE, JOHN H. B. LATROBE, THOMAS WINANS, HENRY
TIFFANY, JAMES MURRAY, WENDEL BOLLMAN, L. A. B.
WALBACH, Captain U. S. A., CHARLES E. WETHERED,
GEORGE W. DOBBIN; WILLIAM PRESCOTT SMITII, Secretary.
The Pennsylvania Committee consists of JOHN PRICE
WETHERILL, Chairman; His Excellency, WILLIAM BIGLER, Governor of the Commonwealth; Hon. Chief Justice J. S. BLACK, Hon. F. W. HUGHES, Secretary of the
Commonwealth; Hon. FIRED. WATTS, Carlisle; Hon. A.
S. WILSON, Lewistown; Hon. JOHN H. EWING, Washington; Hon. A. L. HAYES, Lancaster; Hon. JAMES
M. PORTER, Easton; B. GERHARD, GEORGE H. BURGIN,
M.D., EDWIN GREBLE, WILLIAM N. LACEY, REDWOOD F.
WARNER, MORTON MCMICHAEL, CHARLES E. SMITH,
WILLIAM C. PATTERSON, SAMUEL E. STOKES, J. T.
BAILEY, AARON S. LIPPINCOTT, Philadelphia; H. H.
MUHLE]NBURG, Reading; JAMES C. KEMPTON, Manayunk; CHARLES KELLY, Kellyville; THOi\IAS BAKEWELL, WILLIAM Mn. LYON, JOHN H. SCHO1ENBERGER,
WILLIAM LARIMER, Jr., Pittsburg; DAVID R. STEWART,
Blair County; A. B. MCALPIN, Secretary.
The Cincinnati Committee consists of JOHN P. FOOTE,
ESQ., Chairman; MILES GREENWOOD, SAMUEL FORDICK,
JACOB STRADER, JOHN C. WRIGHT, WILLIAM A. ADAMS,
TIMIOTHY WALKER, GEORGE E. SELLERS.
These names will be recognized as among the most




38
prominent in the sections of the Union to which they
respectively belong. Other Committees are yet to be
organized.
The construction of the edifice having by this time
made considerable progress, and the scope of the enterprise being much extended and developed, the Directors issued a new circular to American Producers, of the
following tenor:
OFFICE, NO. 53 BROADWAY, NEW-YORK,
6th December, 1852. f
I address you, on behalf of the Association for the Exhibition of the
Industry of all Nations, to invite your co-operation in the general objects
of the enterprise.
The building intended for the purposes of the Exhibition, constructed
entirely of iron and glass, will be, it is believed, the largest and most
beautiful edifice in the country.  It covers, on the giound floor, two and
a half acres, and, with the galleries, the whole space is four acres. The
mason work is entirely completed. The main part of the iron work is
contracted for, a large part of the castings are delivered on the ground,
and the construction is going steadily on. We intend, as we have already
stated to the public, that the Exhibition shall be opened on the 2d of
May, 1853.
You are thus offered an unequalled opportunity of exhibiting to the
vast population of this country, such of your productions as you send us,
free of all charge of every kind whatever, from the time that they are
delivered into our custody until withdrawn.
The Association has already announced, that their objects are limited
exclusively to exhibition. They have no interest whatever, direct or
indirect, in the final disposition to be made of any article that may be
displayed.
You are, no doubt, aware that we have received all the assistance from
the public authorities that we have desired. The city has given us the
lease of Reservoir Square; the State has granted us a charter, and the
Federal authorities have engaged that the building shall be made a
bonded warehouse, for the purpose of receiving foreign articles, without
paying duty so long as they remain in it.
We have the strongest assurances of support from the representatives
here of the principal foreign countries. The late lamented Mr. Webster
on the 12th October, issued a private circular from the Department o




39
State to the representatives of this Government at the courts of the principal European powers, requesting their assistance in the objects of the
undertaking, and we are receiving daily confirmation of the general interest that the subject is exciting among the manufacturers of Europe.
A large number of articles of high value are already secured, and we
have no doubt whatever, that we shall have a very extensive representation of all the branches of foreign industry.
The measures which we have adopted will thus secure two great objects we have desired to attain, viz.: the erection of a building which
will be a great architectural ornament to our city, and the exhibition, in
that building, of the products of the industry of the Old World: still,
we shall fall far short of our mark, if we do not equally succeed in obtaining the fullest and most extensive cooperation of American industry;
our Exhibition would be extremely defective —it would be very inferior,
both in interest and in utility, to what we mean to make it-if the great
resources of the people of our own country were not fully displayed in it.
We believe it to be unnecessary to urge upon you the arguments on
this subject which we are sure will present themselves to the mind of
every intelligent American producer.  Your position in the world of
American industry, your own interest, and what is due to an enterprise
devised and meant to be carried out with no narrow views, but on a large
scale of public usefulness, all entitle us to entertain the fullest conviction
that you will send us some of the choicest specimens of your skill, and
that you will urge your friends to do the same.
In making this application, we desire to have it understood that we
intend to call forth a complete representation of the entire resources of
the country, as well of raw materials as of manufactured articles.  We
hope to see abundant specimens of the cereal products of the Northern
and Western States, of the cotton and sugar of the South, as well as of
all the other great agricultural staples of the country. Of similar importance are the mineral treasures of our continent.  We are particularly
desirous that our building should contain a complete collection of the
various ores which the active industry of our people is daily bringing to
light, of the metals produced from them, in their various stages of
development, and also of all other minerals. This would include as well
coal, granite, and other similar substances, as those chemical products
more especially used in the arts. The ores should be accompanied by
the rocks in which they are found, and, if possible, by plans and sections
of the measures in which they lie. It would also be of great interest to
exhibit, either by models or descriptive drawings, the different processes
employed in the reduction of the ores and the manufacture of the metals.
You will readily see the importance and value of a collection of this kind,




40
and if the specimens are forwarded to us, we shall take such measures
for their classification and arrangement as will best subserve the objects
of the Exhibition, and, at the same time, add to the information and experience of our people.
We have heretofore announced, that paintings in frames will be exhibited; and we are very desirous that the sculpture of the country will
be fully represented. If our wishes in these respects are answered, our
building will furnish a complete illustration of the natural resources, the
art and the industry of our people, and the manifestation thus made will,
we are convinced, surprise even those most conversant with the progress
of the Republic.
WVe inclose our General Circular, and also a form of Application for
Space, to which we beg your attention. Copies of these or of this letter,
if you desire them to send to your friends or correspondents, can be had
at this office.
In order that we may know on what extent of cooperation we may
depend, the favor of a reply on or before the 15th day of January, is
respectfully asked. Please address your letter to William Whetten, Esq.,
Secretary.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
THEODORE SEDGWICK, President.
Shortly afterwards, in order to secure more effectually
the object of obtaining a full representation of the
mineral resources of the country, the following special
circular was issued:
OFFICE OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE EXHIBITION OF THE INDUSTRY
OF ALL NATIONS,
No. 53 BROADWAY, NEW-YORK, 
20th January, 1853.
To Proprietors of Mines, Metallurgists, Chemical Manufacturers, Coal
Companies, and owners of Cabinets in the United States.
It is the wish of this Association, in furtherance of the general desire,
already in many ways expressed by them, to render their Exhibition not
a mere display of curious and attractive objects, but practically useful and
conducive to the progress of the Nation, to receive within their building
a full representation of the varied and extensive Mineral resources of the
United States.  It is hoped that the proprietors of Mines and Metallurgists will appreciate the value and importance of such a collection of ores
and minerals to civilization and the prosperity of the country, and that




41
they will respond to it by sending numerous and appropriate specimens,
in order that this department of the Exhibition may fairly exhibit the
present state or advancement of the Mining and Metallurgical Arts among
us. It is only by an exhibition of this kind, in connection with the
various metals and manufactured products from different and distant
sections of the country, that just comparisons of excellence in the manufacture of such metals can be made.
Our vast Mineral resources, and the present advanced condition of
Chemistry, and its applications to Metallurgy and the Arts, demand that
these resources be adequately represented. Europe is not without collections of this kind; the Mining Schools of France and Germany, with
their extensive and increasing collections, exert no small influence on the
prosperity of those countries; the recent establishment of the Museum of
Practical Geology and Government School of Mines in England, has already been productive of great benefit; and should this Association be
instrumental in procuring mineralogical and metallurgical specimens that
would form the nucleus of a similar institution, their desire to benefit the
country would be in one branch at least accomplished.
The value and importance of our mines and ores can be most advantageously shown by a series or suite of specimens of moderate size, taken
from different parts of the veins or deposits, so as to exhibit their average
quality or richness.  This will be effected by taking specimens of the
poor or lean ores, as well as those of unusual richness; the series of specimens from each mine should include specimens of the minerals or associates found with the ore, and specimens of each wall-rock of the vein or
bed. To make the Collection more instructive, it is desirable to have
drawings exhibiting the geological formation of the localities from which
ores are taken.  It is important that all the specimens should be uniform
in size and shape, and distinctly characteristic of the part of the vein they
are intended to represent.  Such a serial representation will facilitate
comparisons, arid combine economy of space with ease of classification and
arrangement.  It will also be more instructive and valuable than the exhibition of a few isolated masses of unusual magnitude or richness.
Specimens of this character, in addition to the smaller specimens, would
however, in some cases, be interesting.
In addition, the Association invites the exhibition of choice American
minerals, possessing peculiar beauty or interest, which may be in public
colleges or private collections. Such specimens will be carefully handled
and arranged by competent mineralogists, so as to insure their safe
return.
The specimens of metals and Chemical manufactures should, when
practicable, be accompanied by samples of the raw material, the fluxes




42
and the residues, including slags, cinder, &c. The metals should be
shown in the different stages of their manufacture, and it is very desirable that all processes employed should be illustrated by drawings and
models.
All the specimens will be arranged under the charge of a competent
scientific superintendent, especially employed for the purpose. They will
be carefully classified, labelled and catalogued; and each exhibitor will
be thus enabled to compare his contributions with those of a similar
character from distant sections of this country, and from foreign countries.
Persons intending to contribute, are referred to the following list of the
more important and valuable minerals, with directions annexed, which
last they are requested to observe with great care.
It is necessary that all persons desirous to act on the suggestions contained in this circular, should immediately address to William Whetten,
Esq., the Secretary of the Association, No 53 Broadway, a statement of
their intention, and of the space in square feet, as near as they can estimate, that their contributions, when arranged, will occupy.
THEODORE SEDGWICK, President.
LIST OF MINERALS DESIRED FOR EXHIBITION.
It is especially important, that the following Metals and Minerals
should be well represented in the Exhibition:
METALS AND ORES.
IRON and its OR.Es-including the Magnetic Ores, Hematites, Bog-iron
ore, Carbonates, Iron-stones of the coal formation, Specular Iron
and Franklinite, Pig-iron, together with the limestones and clays
used for fluxes, and specimens of the slag or " cinder," Bar-iron
and Steel in their various stages of manufacture.
CoPPER. — rative Copper of Lake Superior; Copper-ores, including the
Sulphurets, Carbonates and Oxides, with samples of the ores as
dressed for market; Metallic Copper, in its various stages of
refinement from the mixed ores; together with samples of the
slags and refuse of the furnaces.
LEAD and its ORES. —Lead preparations, including Oxides, Carbonates,
and the various salts and pigments.
GoLD.-Native, together with the gold-bearing quartz and rocks; auriferous Pyrites, residues of the extractive processes, including tailings, black-sand, &c.
SILvER.-Platina, Rhodium and Iridosmine.




43
ZINC OREs-including Oxides, Silicates, Calamines, Blendes, together
with the manufactured products.
MERCURY.- Cinnabar of California, Nickel, Cobalt, and their preparations.
TIN ORES. —Chrome ores and products of Chrome, Iron Pyrites, Manganese.
NON-METALLIC MINERALS.
Sulphur, Bromine, Iodine, Salt, Magnesites, Su7phate of Barytes,
(Barytes,) crude and ground; Graphite, (" Black-lead,") Mica, Precious,
Stones, Corundum, Fire-clays, Porcelain clays, Kaoline, Glass-sand,
Feldspar, Gypsum, Phosphorites, Ochres, and Earthy Paints, Aluminous
Shales, MIarls.
BUILDING MATERIALS.
Sienite, Granite, Porphyry, Sandstones, Limestones; MARBLES, white,
black and colored; Breccias, Statuary Marble, Serpentine, (" verd antique,") Slates, Flagging-stones, Steatite, Hydraulic Limestones, Cements,
Gypsum and Alabaster.
FUELS.
CoALs. —Bituminous, Semi-bituminous, Anthracite, Rhode-Island Coal,
Fossil Coal-plants and impressions, and the contiguous Iron ores.
LIGNITES.-Bitumen, Naphtha, Asphalt, Mineral Oil.
Directions for Selecting and Packing Specimens intended to be sent
to New - York for Exhibition.
1. The specimens should be obtained directly from the Mine, and possess
fresh and clean surfaces.
2. Specimens for a series should not be over five or six inches square, and
two inches thick; specimens should be trimmed to this size and shape
when practicable, as uniformity of size and shape is important.
3. The surfaces of specimens should not be allowed to come in contact or
be rubbed together so as to become scratched or injured.
4. Each specimen should be numbered and labelled, and separately
wrapped in an abundance of stout, thick paper.
5. Each series of specimens should be carefully packed in boxes, which
should be distinctly marked and numbered, and not exceed 200 pounds
in weight.
6. Choice specimens or crystallizations should be separately packed.
7. At the time of sending the box or package, an Invoice or List of the
contents should be sent by mail. It should give the Exhibitor's name




44
and address, and the name and locality of the Mine, together with
such facts in relation to it as are of a scientific or practical nature.
The list should refer to each specimen by its number; and refer to the
box or package by its mark and number.
The lamented death of Mr. Webster had prevented the
Directors from obtaining the support of the Government
of the United States to the full extent that seemed desirable, and the President of the Association, therefore,
on the 5th  December, made to  Mr. Everett, the  Secretary of State of the United States, a request that he
would communicate with such of the Ministers of the
Republic in Europe as Mr. Webster had not been able to
address, for the purpose of obtaining their co-operation
in the general objects of the undertaking.  To this request Mr. Everett replied in the most prompt and cordial manner.  His letter was as follows:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, 
9th December, 1852.
SIR:-I received yesterday your favor of the 6th, inclosing a copy of
letters of Mr. Webster to yourself and to our Ministers at the principal
European Courts. I also have to thank you for a very pleasing lithographic view of the edifice in course of erection for the proposed Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations.
It will afford me great pleasure to follow the example of my lamented
predecessor in reference to your great undertaking.  His circular letter
of the 12th of October, recommending your enterprise, is addressed to
the Ministers of the United States at five of the leading Courts in Europe. You name, in addition, our Minister at Constantinople; and if
you will mention such other of our diplomatic representatives as you may
wish a copy sent to, I will immediately cause it to be done.
I was yesterday requested by the Prussian Minister, on behalf of his
Government, to address him a note, which should contain an authentic
assurance of the favorable regard in which the Exhibition is held by the
Government of the United States, to serve as the basis of the measures
of co-operation which may be adopted by Prussia and the other States




45
of the Zollverein. I inclose you herewith a copy of my answer to Baron
Von Gerolt.
If anything else occurs to you by wnich I can manifest my interest in
this highly meritorious undertaking, you will greatly oblige me by mentioning it.
I remain, dear Sir, with great respect, faithfully yours,
(Signed,)                 EDWARD EVERETT.
THEODORE SEDGWICK, ESQ.
( Copy.)
"[DEPARTMET OF STATE, WASHINGTON, 1
" 7th December, 1852.
SIR:-In compliance with the wish expressed by you yesterday, I
have much pleasure to say that, though the Industrial Exhibition proposed
to be held in New-York next year is not undertaken by the Government
of the United States, nor under its control, it is viewed with great favor
by the President. Letters to this effect, written by the late Secretary of
State, have appeared in the public journals, and the same dispositions
are still entertained by the Department. It will be a source of gratification to this Government to witness the co-operation in the projected Exhibition of the friendly powers of Europe, and of their citizens and subjects
concerned in every branch of the useful and ornamental arts. Whatever
aid can be legally extended to the Exhibition by the Executive will be
cheerfully given. You have been already informed that the Secretary of
the Treasury will consider the Exhibition building as a government warehouse, in order that articles imported from abroad may be entered in bond,
subject to duty only in the event of their being sold in the country.
" I avail myself, Sir, of this opportunity to offer you the assurance of
iy distinguished consideration.
(Signed,)               "EDWARD EVESETT."
"BARON F. VON GEROLT, &C. &C. &C."
The promise given in the letter from  Mr. Everett to
the President of the Association, was fully redeemed by
the following communication, which was very shortly
afterwards addressed by the Secretary of State to the
Ministers and Charges d'Affaires of the United States in
Europe:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 
27th December, 1852.
SI: —I beg leave to invite your attention to the Industrial Exhibition,
which is to take place in May next in the City of New-York. A private




46
circular letter on this subject was addressed by my predecessor to some
of the diplomatic representatives of the United States in Europe.  I take
great pleasure in apprising those by whom copies of that letter were received, that the opinions of this Department, therein expressed, in favor
of the proposed Exhibition, remain unchanged; and I am desirous of
engaging the cooperation, generally, of our Ministers and  Charge's
d'Affaires abroad, as far as it can be properly given, in an undertaking of
such manifest utility and interest.
The Exhibition, in its leading character, though not undertaken by the
Government of the United States, will resemble that which was the subject of admiration throughout the civilized world during the summer of
1851.  If it should yield in some respects, of necessity, to that great display of the products bf the world's industry, it is believed that in some
other respects the Exhibition at New-York will equal, and in others even
surpass its prototype.
The circumstance that such an undertaking can with any confidence be
projected on this side of the Atlantic Ocean, must be a matter of no ordinary significance to a reflecting mind in Europe. The City of New-York,
as the centre of a system of internal communication, natural and artificial,
without a parallel in Europe, affords peculiar facilities for such a purpose.
It is perfectly well known that many causes conspired to prevent the industry of America from being adequately represented at the Exhibition in
Hyde Park; and as far as the productive, manufacturing, and artistic
resources of the United States are matters entitled to the consideration of
the European world, they will be displayed to greater advantage in the
New-York Exhibition, than on any formel occasion.
For these reasons you may safely interest yourself, as far as it can with
propriety be done, in the success of the Exhibition.  To the inquiries
which will be often addressed to you as to the character of the undertaking,
you can answer that, though not a Government enterprise, it is viewed
with great favor by the President of the Uuited States; and that the
Exhibition building will, by direction of the Secretary of the Treasury, be
made a government warehouse, in order to admit the importation in
bond of articles sent from abroad, subject to duty only in the event of
their being sold in this country. You can add, that it will be a source
of gratification to the Government and people of this country to witness
the cooperation, in the projected Exhibition, of the friendly Powers of
Europe, and of their citizens and subjects. You will also no doubt take
pleasure in extending every friendly office in your power to the Agents of
the Exhibition now in Europe, or who may in the course of the winter
and spring go abroad to make preparations for the Exhibition.
I will only add, that the immediate superintendence and management




47
are in the hands of Gentlemen second to none in this community for
respectability of character, and that implicit reliance may be placed on
the probity and good faith with which the enterprise will be conducted.
I am, Sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed,)                 EDWARD EVERETT.
The effect of the support thus given to the enterprise by the officers of the Federal Government, was
to raise the undertaking from the position of a mere
private affair, and to impress on it the character of a
national undertaking. Among the gratifying proofs
of the steady progress of the Exhibition in popularity
and favor is the following language, held by His Excellency Horatio Seymour, the Governor of the State
of New-York, in his  annual Message  of the 4th of
January, 1853:
The striking success of American industry and skill at the London Exhibition and in the British waters, during the year 1851, naturally aroused
a desire for the organization in this country of an Industrial Exhibition
analogous to that which has conferred so much honor on England. The
limitations of the powers of our National and State Governments prevented their more direct action, but a charter was granted by the Legislature at the session of 1852, forming an association designed to accomplish
this enterprise. With the favor of the General Administration, and the
active aid of the City of New-York, the Association is pursuing its task
with energy, its managers appearing fully sensible of the high expectations excited by their undertaking.  While the producers of Europe will
avail themselves of so favorable an opportunity to bring their fabrics to
the notice of the consumers of this country, the collection, on a national
scale, of the products of American industry, must of itself secure a result
of such interest and practical value as fully to repay the great labor which
the work requires. The building designed to receive the Exhibition, now
partly erected, promises to unite convenience and ample space with a high
and novel character of architectural beauty; and may, if the success of
the enterprise shall warrant its preservation, remain for similar uses
through future years.
His Excellency George F. Fort, Governor of the




48
State of New-Jersey, in the annual Alessage delivered
by him  in January, has also called the attention of the
people of that State to the New-York  Exhibition, in
the following words:
" An Association has been formed in the City of New-York for the purpose of originating an Industrial Exhibition similar in character and design
to the'Great Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations,' which was held
in London during the year 1851. An ample edifice, of architectural beauty
and proportions, is now in the course of erection. It is worthy of remark,
that the glass which enters into the composition of the building is wholly
of New-Jersey manufacture, together with a large proportion of the iron
work; while the Chief Engineer is one of our enterprising citizens. The
character of this State for industry and skill, agricultural, manufacturing,
and mineral wealth and productions, induces the belief that her citizens
will avail themselves of the opportunity presented to maintain and increase
the reputation she has already acquired, by contributing her full quota to
render the Exhibition interesting and successful."
The foregoing pages present a full statement of the
various steps taken by the Directors of this enterprise,
firom  its outset to the present time.   It will readily be
believed that the obtaining of the charter, the raising
the requisite  capital, the  selection  of the plans, the
appointment of the  Engineer and  his associates, the
various construction contracts, the organization of tAhe
Foreign  Department, the  Canada  Agency, the  issuing the various circulars, the formation of the local
committees, with all the correspondence and the innumerable  incidental  details  resulting therefrom, have
been a work of considerable magnitude.  The success
of the  enterprise thus far has been beyond  what the
most sanguine  could  have expected.  Supported  by
the Government of their own country, the Directors
have met with a cordial response from  abroad..  Appli



49
cations from all parts of the Union have been made
and are making by those desirous to display the
trophies of American Industry; and the reports from
the European Agent leave no longer any doubt that
the Old World will be fully represented in the NewYork Exhibition.
The following documents show the active interest
taken by the French Government in the enterprise:
Ministry of the Interior, Agriculture and Commerce-Direction of Agriculture and
Commerce-Division of Foreign Trade-Office of the General Movements of
Trade and Navigation-Universal Exposition of New-York.
PARIS, NOV. 30, 1852.
SIn:-I have perused with interest the account of proceedings you furnish me of the ceremony which took place, and the speeches that were
delivered in New-York, on the occasion of erecting the first column of
the Palace of the American Exhibition.
In order to give these documents all the publicity in my power, I have
ordered the insertion in the Moniteur of the article published in the
Courrier des Etats- Unis which contained those details.
I avail myself of this opportunity to hand you a copy of the Circular
which I have addressed to our Chamber of Commerce and Manufactures
on transmitting to them the plans and design of the New-York Exhibition
Palace which you had, for this purpose, forwarded to my Department.
Accept, Sir, the assurance of my distinguished consideration.
For the Minister, the Counsellor of State, Director of
Agriculture and Commerce,
(Signed)                            HEURTIER.
Mr. BUSCHEK, Director-General of the New-York Exposition, 5 Rue Lafitte.
Ministry of the Interior for Agriculture and Commerce-Direction of Agriculture
and Trade-Division of Foreign Trade —Universal Exposition of New-York-' Communication of Official Notice and Plan.
PARIS, 22d Nov., 1852.
GENTLEMEN: —The Universal Exhibition which is to take place in NewYork, in May, 1853, has, undoubtedly, aroused the attention of our manufacturers and artists; many amongst them will, probably, wish to send
specimens of their products. It, therefore, is important that they should
be, made minutely acquainted with all the various arrangements adopted
for the occasion of this Exhibition, by the Company undertaking the same.
4




50
My Department, ever eager to second and enlighten, under all circumstances, the efforts of our producers, has already, through the.M'oniteur,
given publicity to the principal acts of the New-York Committee.
I now hand you, annexed,
1. A copy of the official notice emanating from the said Committee,
indicating the formalities to be fulfilled for the transmission and the return
of products, which, as said Circular states, will be at the expense of the
Direction established in New-York.
2. A sketch of the plan and design of the edifice destined to receive
them. I request you, Gentlemen, to bring these documents to the knowledge of the manufacturers and artists of your District, and to make
known to me, so faitr as you can, who those are that prepare themselves to
take a part in said Exhibition.
Receive, Gentlemen, the assurance of my distinguished consideration.
For the Minister the Counsellor of State,
Director of Agriculture and Commerce,
(Signed)                    HEURTIER.
Much has thus been done, but still much remains to
do.  The building, although  steadily advancing, is yet
to  be completed; the  applications for space from  all
parts of the Union are to be classified, arranged, and
passed upon; the goods to be received from  abroad;.
and finally, all the arrangements in the interior of the
edifice to be made before the task is ended.
But in what has been done the Directors have been
supported and encouraged by the cordial aid which
they have received from all classes of our people, and
they do not fear that this aid will be withdrawn in
regard to what yet remains to do. The active and
intelligent mind of the country has recognized the
merits of the scheme, and has given it that countenance
and assistance which it is always ready to  extend to
liberal enterprises.
The Directors appreciate sensibly the cordial and




51
generous spirit of confidence that has been manifested
toward them, adid feel keenly the responsibility that it
imposes.  It is their intention to proceed in the same
spirit in which they have thus far gone on, to call to
their aid in every department the best talent to be had,
and so to conduct the enterprise that it shall be of both
utility and credit to the country. They are satisfied
that they will receive the aid and support that they
shall show themselves to deserve.
The Officers and Agents of the Association are at
present as follows:
3ittrtort:
MORTIMER LIVINGSTON,              PHILIP BURROWES,
ALFRED PELL,                      JOHNSTON LIVINGSTON',
AUGUST BELMONT,                   CHARLES W. FOSTER,
ALEXANDER HAMILTON, JUN.          THEODORE SEDGWICK,
GEORGE L. SCHUYLER,               WILLIAM W. STONE,
ELBERT J. ANDERSON.
3resoibnt:
THEODORE SEDGWICK.
Titc4l~recftent,
DISCHARGING THE DUTIES OF SICI3ETARY AND TREASURER:
WILLIAM  WHETTE N.
Book-keeper,........................... L. C. STUART,
Clerk................................ FRANCIS HAMILTON.
Superintending Architect and Engineer,.. C. E. DETMOLD.
Consulting En.gineer,................. HORATIO ALLEN.
Architects........................ GEORGE J. B. CARSTENSEN,
CHARLES GILDEMEISTER.
Consulting Architect,.................. EDMUND HURRY.
n  CHAS. J. SEIEPARD,
n charge of the Patten Shop..........  JOHN PURVIS.
Superinterlcndent at Reservoir Square,..... G.W. STAUNTON.
In charge of the Office at Reservoir Square, HIENRY M. VAUGHAN.








APPENDIX A.
A.N ACT TO INCORPORATE THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE EXHIBITION OF
THE INDUSTRY OF ALL NATIONS.
PASSED, March 11, 1852.
Thle People of the State of New-IYork, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact asfollows:
SECT. 1. CHARLES KING, WILLIAM C. BRYANT, WILLIAM KENT, MoRTIMER LIVINGSTON, AUGUST BELMONT, WATTS SHERMAN, ALFRED PELL,
ALEXANDER HAMILTON, Jr., EDWARD K. COLLINS, FRANCIS W. EDMONDS,
ELBERT J. ANDERSON, THEODORE SEDGWICK, JOHNSTON LIVINGSTON,
CHARLES A. STETSON, and all such persons as are, or may be hereafter
associated with them, by becoming Stockholders as hereinafter named,
shall be and are hereby constituted a body corporate by the name of the
"Association for the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations."
SECT. 2. The Capital Stock of the said Company shall be Two Hundred Thousand Dollars, and shall be divided into shares of One Hundred
Dollars each, but the Capital may at any time be increasedc by the
Directors of the Company, provided, however, that the entire Capital
shall not exceed the sum of Three Hundred Thousand Dollars.
SECT. 3. The concerns of the Company shall be managed by Eleven
Directors, who shall be chosen annually byethe Stockholders of the said
Corporation. The persons here named, viz.: iMORTIMDIER LIVINGSTON,
ALFRED PELL, ALEXANDER HAMIILTON, Jr., JOHNSTON LIVINGSTON, JOHN
E. DEVELIN, ELBERT J. ANDERSON, THEODORE SEDGWICR, FRANCIS W.
EDMONDS, CHARLES A. STETSON, PHILIP BURROWES and HENRY C. lMURPHY, shall be Directors of the said Company until the first election, which
shall be held on the first Monday in March, 1853. The Directors shall
give public notice of the time and place of holding such election and all
subsequent elections, in two daily newspapers in the city of New-York,
twice in each week for three weeks, immediately preceding the election.
Erch Stockholder shall be entitled to one vote upon each share of Stock.
The election shall be by ballot, and votes may be given by proxy. The
Directors shall hold their offices until their successors shall be elected.
All vacancies in the Board of Directors may be filled by the Directors
for the time being.
SECT. 4. The Directors shall annually appoint a President, Treasurer,
Secretary, and three Inspectors, the last named of whom shall be Stock



54
holders, and such other Officers and Agents as they may from time to
time deem necessary. They may remove all such officers and appoint
others, and they may make such By-Laws and such Rules and Regulations for the Police of the building, and for the general management of
the business of the Corporation, as shall be proper and as shall be
allowed by law.
SECT. 5. The corporation hereby created shall possess the powers and
be subject to the restrictions expressed and enumerated in the Third
Title of the First Part of Chapter 18th of the Revised Statutes of this
State, and in addition thereto shall also have power —
(I1.) To occupy any Real Estate which they may be authorized by the
Proprietor or Proprietors thereof to hold during the term fixed in this
Act for the duration of the body corporate, and upon such premises to
erect a building of which the cost shall not exceed Two Hundred Thousand Dollars.
(2.) To enter into contracts and agreements with all persons desirous
to send articles to the said Exhibition, upon such terms and subject to
such conditions as to the Directors shall seem just. To receive from all
such persons, whether in the United States or Foreign Countries, Goods,
Merchandise, objects of the Fine Arts, and every thing of any kind
whatsoever intended for Exhibition in the said building, and to exhibit
the same to the public.
(3.) To charge and receive entrance money, the charge for any single
entrance in no case to exceed fifty cents. To distribute prizes among
the most eminent and skilful of the Exhibitors, and generally to do every
thing which may be necessay and proper in order to carry out the general purposes of an Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations.
(4.) To sell and dispose of the said Building when the object thereof
shall, in the judgment of the Directors of the said Corporation, be attained.
(5.) To divide and distribute equally among the Stockholders of the
said Company, the moneys received either from entrance dues or from
the.sale of the Building, as aforesaid, after all prior charges incurred
thereon shall be satisfied.
SECT. 6. Subscription lists to the said Company shall be opened under
the direction of the Directors thereof, and subject to such rules as they
may prescribe. The stock of said Company shall be considered personal
property, and shall be assignable and transferable only on the books of
the said Company.
SECT. 7. The Directors shall have power to take and receive subscriptions from parties who may desire to contribute to the object of the
said Corporation without any views of profit, and in such case may make
all necessary regulations and by-laws for repaying such subscriptions,




55
before any division is made of the proceeds of the Exhibition among
the Stockholders.
SECT. S. The. Directors may make such regulations, as to the time
and manner of the payment of subscriptions, and the forfeiture of previous payments for non-payment of subsequent calls, as they shall see fit,
but notices of payment shall be not less than two weeks previous, and
they shall be published twice in each week, in two of the daily papers
in the City of New-York.
SECT. 9. The Stockholders of the Company hereby created shall be
jointly and severally individually liable for all debts that may be due
and owing to all their laborers, servants, and others in their employ, for
services performed for said Company.
SECT. 10. All the Stockholders of the Company shall be severally and
individually livable to the creditors of the Company to an amount equal
otthe stock held by them respectively, for all debts and contracts made
by said Company, until the whole amount of capital stock fixed and
limited by this Act shall have been paid in. The capital stock so fixed
and limited shall all be paid in, one half thereof within one year and
the other half thereof within two years from the Incorporation of said
Company, or the same shall be dissolved.
SECT. 1 1. It shall be the duty of the Directors to assign one or more
days, of which due public notice shall be given in one or more of the
Public Newswapers in the City of New-York, on which day or days the
children and scholars of the schools of the Public School Society, of the
Ward Schools, and of the Free Academy, of the Deaf and Dumb and
Blind Institutions, and of the Orphan Asylums in the City of New-York,
shall be admitted free of charge.
SECT. 12. It shall be the duty of the Directors also to assign some
day, of which due notice shall in like manner be given beforehand, the
net proceeds of which shall be appropriated and paid over to the Treasurers of the Fire Department Fund, for the benefit of the Widows and
Orphans of deceased Firemen, in the Cities of New-York and Brooklyn,
and divided between them in the proportions of three fourths to the
former and one fourth to the latter.
SECT. 13. The Corporation created by this Act shall last and continue
for a period not exceeding five years from the time this Act shall take
effect.
SECT. 14. This Act shall take effect immediately.
STATE OF  NEW-YORK, 
SECRETARY'S OFFICE.
I have compared the preceding with an original law on file in this




56
office, and do certify that the same is a correct transcript therefrom, and
of the whole of said original.            ARCH'D CAMPBELL,
Dep. Secretary of State.
Albany, March 11, 1852.
APPENDIX B.
CUSTOM HOUSE, NEW-YORK,
Collector's Office, May 24, 1852.
Sin:-In reply to your letter of the 21st inst., requesting information as
to the facilities to be afforded by the Government to the Directors of the
ASSOCIATION FOR THE EXHIBITION OF THE INDUSTRY OF ALL NATIONS, I
have the honor to state, that I have no objection to grant the privilege
of making the building to be erected by the Association a "BONDED
WAREHOUSE,' according to the provisions of the law, and the instructions of the Treasury Department.
This will enable your Association to import articles free of duty, on
the usual bond being given, and the warehouse being placed under the
superintendence of an officer of the Customs.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. MAXWELL, Collector.
THEODORE SEDGWICK, ESQ.,
53 Broadway.