The Portland Daily Press

A Signal Success.

It may be seriously doubted if ever before in the history of the city, has there been an event in which so many citizens could take such genuine satisfaction and pride as in the Industrial Exhibition, which was so auspiciously opened last evening at City Hall.

To say that the exhibition is a great success is but faint praise. Indeed, it is so signal a success as not only to gratify, but astonish gentlemen who have, for years, flattered themselves with the idea that they knew all about Portland and what it was doing or could do. They little expected to see City Hall and all the adjoining rooms crowded with samples of the handiwork of Portland's artisans and the products of manufactories built up and sustained by Portland capital and energy. So quiet has been the development of the various industries of the city, that not only have the people of the state looked upon Portland as entirely a commercial city, but our own citizens have failed to note its silent progress in the varied departments of skilled production and manufacture, until the brilliant opening of last evening revealed the fact that hereafter the chief commercial city of Maine must take rank as one of the first in the variety, extent, and value of its manufactures. And yet it must be remembered that not nearly all of the manufacturing interests of Portland are represented in the exhibition. Many were unable to prepare goods for exhibition, while others for the want of motive power and space could not exhibit their products. The Portland Company, whose five hundred skilled mechanics turn out as fine locomotives and cars as are made in the country, the Rolling Mills whose Vulcans are forging iron rails, the Kerosene Works whose products are the best in the market, cannot be represented in City Hall as they might be in some departments if the exhibition was given in a building with greater and more accessible space with motive power. It is enough, however, to demonstrate that for hundreds of the products of skilled labor of the best quality, the people of Maine need not go beyond the state boundary to purchase.

For the great measure of success which is assured for this exhibition, the fullest credit will gratefully be accorded to the committee of the Board of Manufactures, and their efficient assistants, to the various manufacturers who have devoted both time and money to fill the hall with those samples of skilled labor that cannot be excelled, and to the merchants and other business men of the city who have, with remarkable unanimity, responded to the call of the managers.

The initial success of the exhibition, also demonstrates that whatever enterprise Portland people take hold of in earnest, they can successfully accomplish. Its success will impart to us that self-reliance in the resources and ability of the city that we so much need. The manufacturers have nobly done their share. They have made the exhibition so unquestioned a success that even the chronic growler cannot but admit the fact.

Let our people see to it that the exhibition is sustained throughout.

Arrangements have been made for excursion or half fare trains on all railroads and steamboats. In behalf of the business men of the city we extend to all of our Maine people in particular, a cordial invitation to visit the city and assure a most hearty welcome. We are assured that every intelligent Maine man recognizes the fact that Portland's growth and prosperity is to a great extent the measure of the growth and prosperity of Maine.

We trust our people have outgrown that envious spirit which looks with jealousy upon the growth of other towns than that in which they live—that to-day we all rejoice in the growth of Lewiston, Bangor, Bath, Augusta and all other towns of the state, assured that, by that common bond of interest which connects every town in the state, it is impossible for one to become prosperous at the expense of another.