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APPENDIX No. XV.
“ Tlio number of Exhibitors whoso productions it lias boon found possible to accommodateis about 15,000, of whom nearly one-half aro British . The remainder represent the produc-tions of more than forty foreign countries, comprising almost the whole of the civilized nationsof the globe. In arranging the space to bo allotted to each, we have taken into considerationboth the nature of its productions and the facilities of access to this country afforded by itsgeographical position. Vour Majesty will find the productions of your Majesty’s dominionsarranged in the western portion of tlio Building, and those of foroign countries in the eastern.The exhibition is divided into tlio four great classes of—1. Raw Materials ; 2. Machinery ;3. Manufactures ; and 4. Sculpture and the Fine Arts. A further division lias been madeaccording to the geographical position of the countries represented ; those 'which lie withinthe warmer latitudes being placed near the centre of tho Building, ami the colder countries atthe extremities.
“ Your Majesty having been graciously pleased to grant a site in this your Royal park forthe purposes of the Exhibition, tho first column of the structure now honoured by yourMajesty’s presence was fixed on tlio 2(ith of September last. Within the short poriod, there-fore, of seven months, owing to tho onergy of the Contractors and tho active industry of thoworkmen employed by them, a building has been erected, ontiroly novel in its construction,covering a spaco of more than 18 acres, measuring 1,848 feet in length, and 450 feet in extremobreadth, capable of containing 40,000 visitors, and affording a frontago for tho Exhibition ofGoods to tho extent of more than 10 miles. For tho original suggestion of tho principle ofthis structure, the Commissioners aro indebted to Mr. Joseph l’axton, to whom they feel theiracknowledgments to bo justly due for this interesting feature of their undertaking.
“ With regard to the distribution of Howards to deserving Exhibitors, we have docided thatthey should be given in the form of Medals, not with reference to merely individual competi-tion, but as rewards for excellence in whatever shapo it may present itself. Tho selection oftho persons to be so rewarded has been entrusted to Juries oqually composed of British sub-jects and of Foreigners, the former having been seloctod by tho Commission from tho recom-mendations made by tho Local Committees, and the latter by tho Governments of the ForeignNations, tho productions of which are exhibited. Tho names of these Jurors, comprising astlioy do many of European celebrity, afford tho best guarantee of the impartiality with whichthe Rewards will be assigned.
“ It affords us much gratification that, notwithstanding tho magnitude of this undertaking,and tho great distances from which many of tho articles now exhibited have had to be col-lected, tho day on which your Majosty lias been graciously pleased to be present at thoinauguration of the Exhibition is tho samo day that was originally named for its opening, thusaffording a proof of what may, under God ’s blessing, bo accomplished by goodwill and cordialco-operation among nations, aided by tho means that modern science has placed at our com-mand.
“ Having thus briefly laid before your Majesty tho results of our labours, it now onlyremains for us to convey to your Majosty our dutiful and loyal acknowledgements of tho sup-port and encouragement which wo havo derived throughout this extensive and laborious taskfrom the gracious favour and countenance of your Majesty. It is our heartfelt prayer thatthis undertaking, which has for its end tho promotion of all branches of human industry, andtho strengthening of tho bonds of poaco and friendship among all nations of tho earth, may,by the blessing of Divino Providence, conduce to the welfare of your Majesty’s people, andbe long romomberod among tho brightest circumstances of your Majesty’s peaceful and happyreign.”
Her Majesty returned the following gracious answer, handed to her by tho Secretary ofState :—
“ I receive with tho greatest satisfaction tho Addross which you have presented to Mo ontho opening of this Exhibition.
“ I havo observed with a warm and increasing interest tho progross of your proceedings intho execution of tho duties entrusted to you by tho Royal Commission ; and it affords mosincere gratification to witness the successful result of your judicious and unremitting exertionsin tho splendid spectacle by which 1 am this day surrounded.
“ I cordially concur with you in tho Prayer, that by God ’s blessing, this undertaking mayconduce to the welfare of my People and to tho common interest of tho human race, by encou-raging the arts of peace and industry, strengthening the bonds of union among tho Nations oftho Earth , and promoting a friendly and honourable rivalry in tho useful exorcise of thosefaculties, which have been conferred by a beneficent Providence for tho good and the happinessof Mankind.”
After which His Royal Highness l’rinco Albert took his place again by tho side of llorMajosty. .
His Grace tho Archbishop of Canterbury, commencing with “ Tho Lord’s Prayor,” proccodouto invoke God ’s Blessing upon the undertaking in tho following words :—
“ Almighty and everlasting God , who dost govern all things both in Heaven and ill cruth,.without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy, accent, wo beseech Thee, the saermee >praise and thanksgiving, and roceivo these our prayers which wo offer up unto Thoo this c ay