Eepoet of Boaed of Genkeal Managees. 47 



past and for their mastery over nature ; aod we thank thee most of all 

 for her people, for those who in quiet ways and sheltered homes are recog- 

 nizing thee. 



We beseech thee that in this sisterhood of States, symbolized by these 

 adjacent buildings, there may be sympathy, affection, and a common pur- 

 pose, which God shall give as he lights the way. Bless us in our repre- 

 sentative capacity, and may we in the days to come, immediately and in 

 the future, be blessed as a nation, and may this State bo blessed as one of 

 the many, the leader among her equals, for the sake of Jesus Christ. 

 Amen. 



Address by the Hon. Chattncey M. Depbw, as President op the 

 State Board op World's Fair Commessionees, at the Dedication 

 OP THE New York State Building at Chicago, October 22, 1892. 



Florence of the middle ages, in the splendor of her art, the extent of 

 her learning, the spread of her commerce, and the liberty of her citizens, 

 was the electric light which illumed a century that had been shrouded in 

 intellectual and spiritual darkness. The enterprise of her merchants, and 

 the audacity of her sailors had penetrated so far beyond what was knoivn 

 of the surface of the earth as to indicate vague possibilities across the 

 seas. Florence of the Medici created the conditions which made possible 

 Columbus. It is emineutly fitting that New York in selecting the model 

 for her building at this great exhibition should have looked to Florence 

 for her lesson, and that her structure should furnish the best ideals of the 

 Renaissance. 



New York stands to the American continent in much the same position 

 as did Florence to Europe in the fifteenth century, only her leadership is 

 more difficult and more constantly contested. It was not very hard to be 

 first when there was such general prevalence of ignorance, superstition and 

 despotism. But in our republic culture and learning, commercial activities 

 and all which constitute the pride of cities and the power of states, arc so 

 universally distributed among Commonwealths which form our nation, that 

 to be the leader among such splendid examples of progress and develop- 

 ment is, indeed, a rare distinction. Our metropolis is the center of the 

 intellectual, the artistic, the financial and industrial activities of the new 

 world. Our State justifies her imperial title by continuing to be greatest 

 in population, in manufactures, in-agriculture and in commerce. We have 

 already shown our appreciation of the great discovery and the discoverer 

 by the splendid pageant which filled our harbor and our streets during 

 the past week. The parade of the school children illustrated the equal 

 blessings of civil and religious liberty. It demonstrated the cordiality of 



