Electrical Show Opened by Novel Gift to Edison

Copper Producing interests present Engraved Cube of Metal Weighing 486 Pounds.

EXHIBITION IS STARTED WITH FORMAL LUNCHEON

Gift to "Wizard" Records Great Increase in Copper Output Due to Uses of Electricity.

Presenting a cubic foot of copper to Mr. Thomas A. Edison to-day at the luncheon which opened the Electrical Exposition at the New Grand Central Palace, the copper producing interests recognized the inventor’s service to them in expanding the copper industry by the extensive use of copper since the beginning of the electrical age. Mr. Edison sat at the principal place at the speakers’ table to-day, while an American flag was removed from a pedestal before him, exposing the perfect cube of copper, weighing 486 pounds. It is the first block of that size ever cast and required six castings to produce the perfect specimen, beautifully finished and engraved, and mounted on an ebony pedestal.

Some time ago, when conversing with some representatives of the copper industry, Mr. Edison jokingly remarked that they ought to present him with some token to show their appreciation of his inventions having boomed the sale of copper. The block of copper was the result. On it was engraved “Presented to Thomas A. Edison by the American producers and consumers of copper, in recognition of the stimulation by various inventions in telegraphy, the telephone, electric light, electric railway, &c., to the copper industry.”

Mr. Charles Kirchoff, president of the American Institute of Mining Engineers, made the presentation. The copper cube was accepted on behalf of the inventor.

Mr. John W. Lieb, Jr., vice-president of the New York Edison Company, was toastmaster. Among the speakers were Mr. George B. Cortelyou, president of the Consolidated Gas Company, and Mr. S. S. McClure, the publisher. Among those prominent at the luncheon were Messrs. Nikola Tesla, O. F. Brooker, A. M. Burchard, J. Sergeant Cram, and T. D. Hoxsey, Public Service Commissioners; Bridge Commissioner Mr. A. J. O’Keeffe, and Major T. N. Kessler, U. S. A., in charge of electrically exploded mines.

The workmen were putting the last touches to the exhibition, which is to open to the public to-night, while the luncheon was in progress on the third floor of the new Grand Central Palace.