— 13 — 
THE WORLD’S FAIRS 
thus become an econoraical necessity for 
the conntry, we shall probably soon hear 
of some project for Berlin. 
After the recent complete success of the 
patriotic undertaking at Philadelphia, it 
inay seem surprising to see a New York 
project brought forward so soon. The 
explanation lies in the fact, tliat at the 
Centennial the political character domi- 
nated, and the economical interests took a 
secondary place. The channels of trade 
are not to be turned aside at will, and rnade 
snbservient to other interests. Trade and 
commerce must be considered as final ob- 
jects in themselves, and international ex- 
hibitiqns, which are to be of real advan- 
tage to them, must be dominated by this 
principle. New York, not Philadelphia, 
is the commercial Capital of Northern 
America, and its natural intermediary in 
the trade of the world. An international 
exhibition in New York would conse- 
quently have the interest of trade for its 
ruling principle. Its character would 
therefore essentially differ from that of 
the Centennial exhibition at Philadelphia. 
From the standpoint of the economist it 
would be more in accordance with the 
nature of the institution. 
The only true ruling principle for uni 
versal exhibitions must be the interest of