The fair was designed to show the advancement of human welfare and the creation of a better and more abundant life, and its creators have never faltered in their steadfast purpose of pointing the way to a finer world of the future. In that purpose the foreign countries participating have joined wholeheartedly; so that, in very truth, the New York World's Fair cannot fail to be an instrument of the highest value in increasing the happiness and welfare of the peoples of the world.

With our highest esteem we, the commissioners general, salute the President and people of the United States of America and wish them every success in this great enterprise.

ADDRESS OF HONORABLE GROVER A. WHALEN

PRESIDENT, NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR

THAT the world of tomorrow might not catch us unawares we have seen fit to create the New York World's Fair as an adventure along the frontiers of progress and world understanding.

On opening day, April 30, 1939, we have here, within the confines of a mere 1,216-acre tract, a fabulous display of works representing man's highest accomplishments. Small wonder, then, that the moment is one of deepest solemnity as we gather here for a moment of benediction upon what has been done and with a prayer in our hearts for what can be done.

These have been called "magic acres." We are here to regard them as modern acres, expressive not only of the scintillating minds of America, as projected into tomorrow, but as an expression from almost all of the world that the hopes and aspirations of America are in no way different from those of the rest of the world.

We have on these grounds the assurance that the equipment and knowledge of today, when alined by, and with, man's better nature, constitute the only alliance upon which Divine Providence will smile and lend spiritual aid. spiritual aid. Let our chief concern be, therefore, that the greatest possible number of persons see, and come to know, what has been wrought here.

These works around about us shall speak for themselves. Their money cost has been great, but it is not their money cost that makes them great. Rather is it that they represent almost the sum total of all that man has produced since history began-that they sample the best of man's creative talent-that they spring from the surge within him toward betterment of existing conditions and that they lend concrete evidence of faith in the future and of courage to go on in the face of many doctrines of futility.

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Like these very ceremonies in the Court of Peace, by which we officially open the international exposition, the fair is the expression of many minds and the work of many hands of sixty nations. On behalf of the exposition, innumerable men and women of all nations, creeds, colors, and stations of life have given their best.

Young people built this fair; people young in spirit and with the faith and courage of youth. They have dared to adventure along the frontiers of modern thought, modern production, and modern science, which take the place of geographic frontiers known to our forefathers. Many a man is ready to admit that with the building of the fair he has grown in mental and spiritual stature. Let any man who has directly or indirectly taken part in the creation of this exposition say to himself, "Of the fair I am proud, but I am more proud that I was not one of those who said it couldn't be done.”

The New York World's Fair was conceived by the men and women of the city whose name it bears. It was caught up by the American people as providing expression for the past 150 years of their endeavor and of their ideals for the years to come. Because there is contagion in the vitality and ideals of the American people, the nations of the world in turn accepted the New York World's Fair as the means of fostering a philosophy of unselfishness, which alone can bring to us an era of prosperous happiness and harmony among men.

Thus it is that we meet here today as a congress of nations intent on the progress of the world. Even on the opening day of the fair it is obvious that the exposition is a stimulant administered to world thought of conscientious and scientific development of all man's economic and social resources. The fair demonstrates the world's willingness to develop higher standards of individual living and all the potentials of world peace. The fair represents the need man has for constructive work to occupy his mind and hands. And let it be remembered that when man does not build he destroys, if only time.

Never in the history of the world has there been a more hopeful picture than the one presented here during the past year. These acres have seen no strife. They have seen exemplary cooperation among individuals, among industries, among states, and among nations. If the buildings, exhibits, and surroundings be considered as "lessons" or "words," they are words to take with all seriousness, for behind them are the ideals and prayers of ninety percent of the globe's population.

The fair faces the rising sun. We have not been unaware of what has taken place in the world or what is taking place in the world. To us was entrusted the vision of an international exposition

that might turn the course of humanity into easier highroads. We looked deep into human history, less for precedent than for guidance along new ways. If we found it necessary to violate many precedents, we did so with the sure knowledge that in that very violation lay the way to true progress.

We looked back through 150 years of progress in business industry, the arts, and social life, not merely to commemorate that period but that we might build more wisely toward the future. We have made tremendous strides since George Washington was inaugurated first President of the United States, but we should not rest content on our laurels of the moment. We shall go forward if we but maintain our faith and courage and hold to the high ideals that have guided us in the past.

Three years ago, when the theme of the New York World's Fair was first promulgated, we announced that we would: ". . . gather together the genius and the imagination of the twentieth century to formulate replies to the living questions of our age which clamored for answers from living men and women.'

The theme, as announced at that early day, continues: "We are convinced that the potential assets, material, and spiritual of our country are such that if readily used they will make for a general public good such as has never before been known. In order to make its contribution toward this process, the fair will show the most promising developments of production, service, and social factors of the present day in relation to their bearing on the life of the great mass of the people. Thus, in presenting a new lay-out for a richer life, the fair will not only predict but may even dictate the shape of things to come."

How well we have carried out our trust since these words were written in 1936 the world may judge during 1939. The events of the past three years since that theme was written have neither tampered with the ideals of the fair nor dampened the ardor of its creators. Rather have they contrived to set the international exposition in perspective by setting it in contrast. The exposition, as open today, demonstrates the will toward eventual cooperation among nations, using the tools of peace, namely, the ways and products of business and industry, of architecture and art, of education and science. The many buildings and exhibits, as presented in their splendid surroundings, represent a new display technique, it is true, but infinitely beyond that they represent the new attitude of industries and nations toward their world-wide social obligations.

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There can be no doubt in the thinking mind about the future. We have in the world today startling examples of the destruction that may be worked by man's will. Fortunate is it indeed, then, that we have here at the New York World's Fair a joyful display of man's nature at work toward the goal of true utility and true beauty, be these of some such product as a lowly carpet sweeper or some such lofty concept as a social order typified by peace.

Let there be no mistake. There is a choice of paths obviously open to us. Who, other than those shackled by pure emotion, can hesitate over taking the high road for which the New York World's Fair is a blueprint, a blueprint drawn by sixty nations in the manner of science inspirited with humanity. We must not pause long for words at the crossroads, for while words are good, examples are more effective. Let us continue with marketing and using the knowledge we already have. Use of that knowledge will speedily bring us greater knowledge for our avail in what George Washington called the "discernment and pursuit of the public good."

The fair commemorates the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Washington's inauguration as first President of the United States. While en route from Mount Vernon to New York City, scene of the inaugural, Mr. Washington was addressed by "the trustees and faculty of the University of Pennsylvania." In reply, the President-elect wrote: "I can see hopes . . . that we are at the eve of a very enlightened era. The same unremitting exertions, which, under all the blasting storms of war, caused the arts and sciences to flourish in America, will doubtless bring them nearer to maturity when they shall have been sufficiently invigorated by the milder rays of peace."

We have here at the New York World's Fair exhibits on display of our progress toward the "maturity" mentioned by Washington. They clearly show that we have kept faith with our Constitution. The accomplishments of a century and a half have been sufficient to inspire creation of an international exposition that shall, in turn, renew faith, courage, and endeavor for all mankind. We may not rest until the lessons of the New York World's Fair have become examples of benefits to civilization.

ADDRESS OF HONORABLE HERBERT H. LEHMAN

GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, DEDICATING THE HEROIC STATUE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON BY JAMES EARLE FRASER, CONSTITUTION MALL, NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR

ON THIS very day and in this very city 150 years ago George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States. He was a great soldier whose military genius was recognized throughout the world; he was a wealthy landowner who had earned the respect and affection of his neighbors; he was a statesman whose leadership his fellows were glad to follow. He had served his country as well in peace as he had in war.

I do not think, however, that Washington is dear to us only because of his accomplishments, great as they were. It was because of his character that he has held the affection of the nation, beyond, I believe, any other American. He was more than a great soldier, more than a wise statesman or rich landowner. He was a loyal, humble, courageous, and sincere man.

There may or may not be historic truth in the popular cherrytree incident, but it is told and retold by a grateful people as a symbol of Washington's sterling honesty. At Valley Forge he divided his food with a drummer boy, and on the battlefield he urged no man to go where he would not dare to go himself. We like to recall the picture of Washington crossing the Delaware. There he stood erect, braving the winter elements, facing uncertainty and danger, amidst his troops. We finally like to think of him returning to Mount Vernon after laying down the burdens of the Presidency and thereafter eagerly serving his community in humble capacity.

We do not recall Washington so much as a brilliant statesman but as a man farsighted enough to plot a course that his country follows even to this day. Rejecting a crown, he secured for the new nation a democracy in which all would have a voice in government. Never a politician, Washington still was able to direct the political thought of many divergent political groups into one common channel dedicated to the general good of his country. He gave us national pride, yet developed in us a distrust of conquest or imperialism. He gave us an undying determination to defend our nation and our homes with unswerving loyalty, but to hate aggression and national selfishness.

The things that made Washington great are the things that make for greatness today wherever they are found. Sometimes