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New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4238, 20 October 1874, Page 2

The industrial exhibition at Philadelphia, to celebrate the declaration of American Independence, on July 4th, 1776, which will be inaugurated with becoming ceremony on the centenary of that day, will be a new departure in the history of the United States. It will be a triumph of industrial progress ; —the keystone of the arch of national independence, which has done so much, within a century, for the human race. i '■

To speculate on what might have been the fate of the great Commonwealth which we name the United States, if the territory had remained until this day under the dominion of the British Crown, would be profitless. We have no data to guide us to a right conclusion. We know what the country was, while it remained subject to tribute ; we know what it is after a century of political independence —the foremost Democracy, and the most powerful State, within the compass of Western civilisation. We likewise know what the Dominion of Canada is, and can imagine what the United States might have been but for the splendid audacity and public spirit of its founders. The moat enterprising of the earth are citizens of the Great Republic. Its reputation is dear to them. Personal considerations ever give place to public duty on occasions of national emergency in the trans-Atlantic off-shoot of the old British stem. The Fathers of the Commonwealth are venerated almost to idolatry. Such a people are therefore certain to make the centenary celebration of their national birth an industrial triumph of the most conspicuous kind. All the world will be there by representation; .and the product of the whole earth’s surface will be there by exhibits. Should New Zealand bo unrepresented on such an occasion? We think not. The subject was brought up last session of the Assembly, but no action was taken. However, we believe it has engaged the attention of the Executive Government, and it is more than probable that steps will be taken to have a fair representation of Now Zealand staples at the Philadelphia Exhibition. We need not send much ; but what we do send should be the very best of its kind. Wool, of this season’s fleece; gold, grain, iron and copper ore, coal, kauri gum ; furniture timber polished ; bark, for tanning ; flax—raw, cleaned, and in cordage ; leather, and preserved meats, might bo taken as fairly representing the staple products of the colony. But if anything is to be done in the matter, the Government must take all the responsibility and bear all the cost. It will not do to leave it to private enterprise. What is wanted is a fair representation of the leading commodities produced by the colony ;—not a largo and varied collection, which would confuse rather than ]n.]p a stranger to make a rough but accurate estimate of what he would likely

find New Zealand to be should he come' hero. Otherwise, the exhibits might be multiplied indefinitely. The best way to set about the thing would be for the Government to appoint a Commission to take the matter in hand. The expense need not be large ; and certain we are that gentlemen would be found to act on the Commission without pecuniary remuneration. At all events, owing to our growing trade with the United States this country cannot afford to be unrepresented at the Philadelphia Centenary Exhibition.