The Mayor:
Citizens! We have assembled here for a rare, I may say a unique, celebration. The memory of this moment will be preserved even by future ages, and they will envy us for having had the privilege of participating in so great, so unusual, so elevating an occurrence. In all countries of the world, and precisely at this hour, the whole of mankind is solemnly assembled under the auspices of the same rejoicings by which our beautiful city is set astir. These rejoicings are to-day arched above the world like a rainbow of peace. May this fair rainbow never be blotted out, and may it continue for ever, perpetually shedding the light of family affection upon the links which bind nation to nation, across all continents and oceans.
Our city also was a witness of the bygone night—a night which was a terrible night, for amid turmoil and thunder the earth seemed to be crumbling in its very foundations. Perhaps all of us trembled with the fear that all terrestrial things were about to succumb to perdition and ruin. But it was not so—by no means. This earthquake was not, as we feared, a portent of ruin, but on the contrary, if I may put it so, it was on the contrary, as it were, a mighty symphony, proclaiming the accomplishment of a stupendous miracle and wonder.
The morning, then, brought us the astounding news that in the centre of the ocean there has emerged from the depths of the sea a new land, a new continent.
To the five parts of the world has been added a sixth. A great event has occurred. Its hugeness overwhelms us; its beauty delights and captivates us with a divine awe face to face with the marvels of creation. At the same time, however, we experience a feeling of joy, an emotion of zealous sympathy and
