128 New Yoek at the World's Columbian Exposition. 



between cities. Let us indulge the hope that our country and her institu- 

 tions may endure for all time and the people thereof may be imbued with 

 the high and ennobling principles of " Excelsior," " State sovereignty and 

 National union." 



Grov. Flower responded on behalf of the State of New York : 



Ladies and Gentlemen : 



In my remarks in this building yesterday I did not allude to the most 

 important exhibit which the State of New York has in this great White 

 City. I purposely withheld mention of it for this occasion. This exhibit 

 is not formally a part of the exposition ; it is not installed in any particu- 

 lar place; it does not come before any jury of awards — but the visitor 

 encounters it all over these grounds. It is visible in the architecture of 

 the best of these beautiful buildings and in the wonderful landscape set- 

 ting which has helped so much to reveal their beauty. It was prominent 

 m the energy and business ability which made the success of the exposi- 

 tion assured. It is found in the administration of all the great depart- 

 ments of the fair. It is represented here to-night m this hospitable home 

 in numbers and in enthusiasm, and I ask you is there any finer exhibit 

 than the spirit and presence of the sons of New York ? 



1 did not expect you would answer yes. Everywhere the sons and 

 daughters of the Empire State are leaders. Everywhere in this broad 

 land they reflect credit and praise upon the home of their nativity. The 

 energy, ability and progressiveness which have made their native State 

 the first in wealth and intelligence and population and material resources 

 have made her sons foremost in building up the civilization and prosperity 

 of every section of the country. This marvelous western metropolis which 

 most of you have made your adopted home is New York's grandchild. 

 New York made possible Chicago's great growth when she opened through 

 her territory the Erie canal, and thereby connected the seaboard with the 

 prairie and provided all-water transportation for the products of the West. 

 The importance of that bold and stupendous achievement in the develop- 

 ment of the West cannot be over estimated. In the States around the 

 shores of the Great Lakes are congregated now fully half the people of 

 the nation. The same waters flow past the borders of eight powerful 

 States, linking them all in one commercial fraternity, with common inter- 

 ests and ambitions. Into this rich and resourceful region — now the bus- 

 iest and most productive of any similar geographical extent in the land — 

 New York sent out her sons in great numbers. They have plunged into 

 its industries and business. They have helped build its great cities and 

 create its enormous wealth. They have aided in the establishment of its 



