Part 15

Because the copper wire was involved in the injunction proceedings, because the electric lights constituted a minor item as shown by the figures given above, because the piping was involved in the construction of the city ordinance, because the greater part of the fire apparatus was not owned by the Exposition Company these items were not mentioned in the original specifications.

As stated in the former letter, the intramural cars and equipments were excepted from all offers of sale because the company had already contracted for the sale of them.

After the first bids received under the specifications referred to in the tenth allegation had been rejected because they were in the opinion of the salvage committee wholly insufficient, new bids were asked for all of the salvage of the company including such right and title as it might have in the copper wire, in the electric lights, in the iron piping, in the fire apparatus, etc., with the exceptions of the intramural cars and equipments and the property of the General Service Company. From that time to the acceptance of the proposition to sell the Chicago House Wrecking Company the negotiations proceeded on the plan that the Exposition Company would sell all right, title, and interest to its property with the exceptions of the cars and equipments and property of the General Service Company.

Under the original specifications a certified check for one-half of the amount of the bid was required and the terms were half cash, but this requirement and these terms did not enter into the negotiations following the rejection of the first bids. All bidders showing a disposition to bid for right, title, and interest of the Exposition Company to all salvage except as stated were treated alike. Certified checks were not required on these later bids. The negotiations were carried on verbally with the bidders in turn, it being understood that the company would insist upon what it deemed to be an adequate cash payment when the contract of sale was concluded.

The secretary of the company is authorized to say that the executive committee courts the fullest investigation of all circumstances connected with the sale of the salvage and that if the National Commission shall deem it necessary to include in its report mention of the allegations contained in the letter of the president of the Commission, dated February 28, the committee asks that in justice to the Exposition Company such investigation shall be made and the conclusions of the Commission shall be given.

Very respectfully, WALTER B. STEVENS, _Secretary._

Mr. LAURENCE H. GRAHAME, _Secretary National Commission, Washington, D.C._

Another communication bearing on the disposition of the salvage was received from Mr. Stevens, as follows:

MARCH 23, 1905.

DEAR SIR: At a meeting of the National Commission on the 20th the suggestion was made by a member of the Commission that the answer to allegation third did not fully cover the ground. The allegation and the answer were:

That the exposition officials rejected higher bids than that of the Chicago House Wrecking Company, so that the latter might have further opportunity to raise its figures.

Answer. No higher bid was received either before or after the sum of $450,000 had been agreed upon to be recommended by the committee on salvage.

The purpose was to answer that no higher bid than that made by the Chicago House Wrecking Company was received either before; at the time, or after the sum of $450,000 had been agreed upon to be recommended by the committee on salvage.

On the 30th of November, early in the day, the Chicago House Wrecking Company made a bid for $420,000. Up to that time and during that day the next highest bid was under $400,000. Late in the day, the 30th of November, the salvage committee, after conference with all bidders who presented themselves, made the proposition to the Chicago House Wrecking Company that if it would raise its bid from $420,000 to $450,000 the committee would recommend acceptance by the executive committee.

Respectfully, WALTER B. STEVENS, _Secretary._

Mr. LAURENCE H. GRAHAME, _Secretary National Commission, Washington, D.C._

As a result of the inquiry instituted by the Commission into the disposal of the salvage, statements supported by affidavits were received and the same are appended to this report and marked "Appendix No. 2."

Under the act of Congress the Commission had no power to undertake a more thorough investigation of the charges and allegations made in respect to the manner in which the salvage of the exposition had been disposed of.

Without authority to send for persons and papers, to administer oaths, or to compel witnesses to testify, any further attempt upon the part of the Commission to inquire into the salvage matter would have been futile and ineffective. If any further action is to be taken to ascertain whether or not the financial interest of the United States has been sacrificed by the manner in which the salvage was disposed of, the inquiry must be conducted by some committee or official having these powers, which the Commission did not possess.

A careful perusal of the law under which the Commission was appointed will show the narrow limits of its legal authority, and the records disclose the policy of the Exposition Company not only to confine the Commission strictly within the narrowest limits of the law, but also to question and resist the exercise of its authority in many instances where the law seemed to place such authority beyond question.

From the very beginning the Commission sought to establish harmonious relations with the company, and at all times refrained from contention with its officials as to all matters not vitally affecting the interest of the Government, and endeavored in every possible way to cooperate with the company in promoting the exposition and insuring its success.

It is pleasant to turn from disagreements to achievements. From the scientific, the artistic, and the industrial points of view the exposition was a pronounced success. The munificent and unfailing support given the enterprise by the Government of the United States guaranteed that it would be a great exposition.

Considering the primary appropriation of $5,000,000, the loan of $4,600,000, and the contributions by the direct appropriations and by indirect means through the assignment of officers paid from other appropriations, together with the exhibits from Districts, Territories, and dependencies of the United States, and for the Government exhibit, the aggregate contributions, direct and indirect, to the success of the fair approximated substantially $15,000,000 on the day the gates were opened to the public.

In addition to this proclamations were twice issued by the President inviting foreign nations to participate in the exposition; the consular and diplomatic representatives of the Government were inspired to aid the exposition to the extent of their ability, within the limits of official propriety; the army transports and the vessels of the Navy were generously employed in furtherance of the project, where such employment was found consistent with duty. Never in history has any Government done so much in aid of any like enterprise. With such support from the Government failure was impossible under any rational management.

[Transcriber's note: The easiest way to explain the garbled nature of the following paragraph, is that the first line beginning with St. Louis is a misplaced duplicate of the third line below it, replacing some other typeslug.]

Fortunately the construction of the main exhibit buildings was placed by the directors of the Exposition Company in charge of two gentlemen deserving of special mention on account of the devotion and exceptional ability displayed by each. As chairman of the committee on grounds and buildings, Mr. William H. Thompson, of St. Louis, discharged the duty of director of works. To the united ous devotion to the task assigned him. With rare ability and commendable persistence Mr. Isaac S. Taylor, the talented architect of St. Louis, discharged the duty of director of works. To the united efforts of these gentlemen the exposition and the country are indebted for the magnificent architectural creations which adorned the exposition grounds. Their relations to the work of construction and to the affairs of the company enabled them to act with a necessary degree of self-reliance and independence on their own initiative.

Among the many contributions made by the Government of the United States to the success of the exposition, the exhibit from the Philippine Islands deserves marked attention. This exhibit was so extensive, interesting, and unique that it became the center of predominating interest. Through its various departments a most valuable and accurate knowledge of the Philippine Archipelago was diffused, not only throughout the United States, but throughout the world.

By a fortunate coincidence it occurred that the Secretary of War, who had most to do with the marshaling of this exhibit, had been prepared for the work by his experience as governor of the Philippine Islands. Hon. William H. Taft, as president of the Philippine Commission, and subsequently as governor of the Philippine Islands, manifested a sympathetic interest in the condition of the people, the resources of the islands, and in the proper adjustment of both to their new relationship with the United States. About the time the exposition was projected Governor Taft, whose long and faithful service in the Philippines had endeared him to the inhabitants, was called by the President to accept the portfolio of war. His familiarity with the people and the resources of the islands proved of inestimable value in the preparation of the representation and exhibits at the exposition. Through his efficient Chief of the Insular Bureau, Col. Clarence R. Edwards, the Secretary, with great zeal and effectiveness, addressed himself to the task of securing appropriate representation for the Philippine people.

The administrative work was placed in charge of Dr. W.P. Wilson, of the Philadelphia Museum. A more appropriate selection of an executive officer could not have been made. Industrious, painstaking, and devoted, Doctor Wilson threw all his energy and superior ability into the task assigned him.

In Dr. Gustavo Neiderlein and Mr. Edmund A. Felder, Doctor Wilson had able and faithful lieutenants. Through the combined efforts of such competent and devoted men the Philippine exposition was developed into a revelation of world-wide interest.

The extremes of civilization found in the Philippine Islands were exhibited upon the grounds. The industrial conditions existing in the islands in their various stages of progress were clearly set forth. The millions of visitors who were interested and instructed by this remarkable exhibit must have been deeply impressed with the importance and extent of our new possessions in the Orient.

It is quite impossible to compute the value to the American people of this Philippine exhibit. In giving to the country the basis upon which to form a just conception of the character and possibilities of our new possessions the Philippine department alone fully justified the interest of the nation in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition.

The official report of the Philippine exhibit, filed with the records of the Commission, is replete with interest and will justify careful perusal.

REPORTS OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES.

The response of foreign governments and peoples to the invitation of the President of the United States was in every way most gratifying. For an adequate description of the manner and extent of foreign participation in the exposition, reference must be made to the reports of the respective commissioners to their governments, copies of which are filed with this report.

The Commission, desiring to tersely review the exhibits of the various countries, called upon their several representatives for a brief statement of the nature and extent of their exhibits. The responses received convey but a meager idea of the great display made, but a perusal of the epitomized reports will serve to convey an outline of the exhibits made and the buildings constructed.

Condensed summaries of these reports have been prepared and are submitted as a part of this report, marked "Appendix No. 3."

REPORTS OF STATES, TERRITORIES, AND DISTRICTS.

Inspired by the example of the General Government, and stimulated by the extent of foreign participation, in response to the invitation of the President, the several States, Territories, and Districts of the United States contributed to the success of this exposition in a far greater degree than on former occasions of like character.

As in the case of foreign countries, the Commission called upon the representatives of the various States, Territories, and Districts for a brief statement of the extent and character of the exhibits made by them. The reports of the representatives to the authorities by which they were appointed have been collected as far as practicable and are filed with this report.

Condensed summaries of these reports have been prepared and are submitted as a part of this report, marked "Appendix No. 4."

THE BOARD OF LADY MANAGERS.

The board of lady managers appointed by the Commission proved themselves eminently qualified to perform the exacting and comprehensive duties assigned them. Their organization was one of the most popular and successful instrumentalities of the exposition.

These distinguished and representative women of our country were quickly recognized as organizers and leaders of the many public and semiofficial entertainments and functions, which all must agree were so necessary and contributed so greatly to the success of the exposition.

It is undoubtedly true that their efforts in enlisting the sympathy and support of the women of the United States not only made possible an adequate presentation and exploitation of woman's work and woman's sphere, but also secured the attendance of thousands upon thousands of the best people of the land who otherwise would have remained away.

It is not too much to say that the money appropriated for and expended by the board of lady managers was, from the standpoint both of national interest and financial success, one of the wisest expenditures made in connection with the exposition.

This board of lady managers was fortunate in the selection of Mrs. Daniel Manning as its president. Mrs. Manning, in addition to her experience in public life and affairs, and her well deserved general popularity, proved herself possessed of rare executive ability, and the management of those features of the exposition coming under the supervision and direction of the board won the respect and admiration of the exposition officials and of all the representatives of our own and other governments having connection with or participating in the exposition.

It is but fair to say that this tribute of the Commission to the efficiency of the board of lady managers is given not in compliment, but in justice.

The vast amount of work performed by the lady managers and the delay in the completion by the company of authoritative reports necessary to enable the board to complete their final report to this Commission have delayed the closing and presentation of this report by the Commission beyond the period of six months from the close of the exposition.

The final report of the board of lady managers is now presented in connection with the report of the Commission, and is herewith filed, marked "Appendix No. 5."

The Commission calls particular attention to the excellence and the interesting features of the report of the board of lady managers, and suggests that its publication and distribution as a document is especially to be desired.

GOVERNMENT EXHIBIT.

The exhibit made by the Government of the United States will long stand as monumental in the history of Government exhibits. Not content with the exhibition of special features of governmental activity in the various departments of the exposition, Congress provided for the erection of a Government exhibition palace, which was confessedly the most striking and successful architectural triumph upon the exposition grounds.

The Government Building was located on an eminence at the eastern termination of "Louisiana Way," the principal avenue on the exposition grounds. From its commanding position all portions of the exposition grounds could be seen. Within the building every department of the Government was represented by an appropriate exhibit upon a liberal scale.

This great Government exhibit was under the direction and control of a board, consisting of the following-named gentlemen:

_Members United States Government Board_.--Mr. Wallace H. Hills, Treasury Department, chairman; Mr. William H. Michael, Department of State; Mr. John C. Scofield, War Department; Mr. Cecil Clay, Department of Justice; Mr. John B. Brownlow, Post-Office Department; Mr. B.F. Peters, Navy Department; Mr. Edward M. Dawson, Department of the Interior; Mr. S.R. Burch, Department of Agriculture; Mr. Carroll D. Wright, Department of Commerce and Labor; Dr. F.W. True, Smithsonian Institution and National Museum; Mr. W. de C. Ravenel, Bureau of Fisheries; Mr. G.W.W. Hanger, Department of Labor; Mr. Williams C. Fox, Bureau of the American Republics; Mr. Roland P. Falkner, Library of Congress; Dr. A.C. True, Agricultural Colleges; Mr. William V. Cox, secretary; Mr. William M. Geddes, disbursing officer; Mr. C.S. Goshert, clerk of board.

The members of this board cooperated in a united effort to install a Government exhibit in every way representative and creditable. To their success the millions of visitors bore cheerful witness in expressions of unbounded satisfaction. The board was at all times harmonious within itself, and it is pleasing to note that its relations with the National Commission were always of the most cordial character. From the report of the Government board a fair but an inadequate estimate may be formed of the extent and brilliant success of this feature of the exposition.

Under the law the life of this Commission expires on the 1st day of July, 1905. The Commission has delayed closing its final report to the last day of its existence in the hope that before that time a full and final report might be received from the Exposition Company. Unfortunately, however, no such report has been received, and therefore the Commission is unable to submit the same to the President.

The monthly financial reports of the Exposition Company have been received up to and including the month of April, 1905, and have been transmitted as received to the President in accordance with the act of Congress.

After repeated and urgent requests for a complete report from the Exposition Company the following final answer was received:

[Telegram.]

St. Louis, _June 17, 1905._ Hon. John M. THURSTON, _President National Commission,_ _Portland, Oreg.:_

Think it will be several weeks before report of two divisions can be completed, and several months before president's report will be ready. Impossible to close up as rapidly as desired.

WALTER B. STEVENS, _Secretary._

It will at least be seen that the Commission has exhausted all its powers and made every effort possible to comply with the act of Congress in the making and transmission of this, its final report, and the failure to accompany this report by full and complete reports from the Exposition Company is in no wise due to any lack of endeavor on the part of the Commission.

According to section 3 of the act of Congress approved March 3, 1901, the National Commission was allowed the sum of "ten thousand dollars per annum, or so much thereof as may be necessary," for the purpose of defraying the clerical, office, and other necessary expenses of the Commission. Including the year 1901 the amounts thus allowed aggregate the sum of $41,923.36. The expenditures for the entire term of the Commission's existence amount to $32,763.22. This includes an investment of $952.16 in furniture, which has been delivered to the Secretary of the Treasury.

Total unexpended balance reverting to credit of Exposition Company, $9,160.14.

The expenditures made by the Commission from April 23, 1901, to June 30, 1905, are set forth in a statement, submitted herewith as Appendix No. 6.

This report can not fairly be concluded without commendatory reference to the zeal and devotion of the people of the city of St. Louis toward this great enterprise. With great generosity and hospitality their beautiful homes were thrown open to visitors; constant and delightful entertainment was provided, and there can be no doubt that the millions who came to see the exposition took away with them abiding and affectionate remembrance of the universal consideration and courtesy shown them.

The directors of the Exposition Company, comprising ninety-odd representative business men of the city, devoted time and attention to the affairs of the exposition with unfailing interest and fidelity. They not only contributed as subscribers to the stock of the Exposition Company, but in cases of emergency volunteered advances from their private fortunes and freely loaned their credit to the exposition.

The daily newspapers and other publications of the city were tireless in their efforts to sustain the enterprise, and to set forth its unusual attractions.

The residents of the Louisiana Purchase in particular, and the people of the whole country in general, are indebted to the people of St. Louis and the press of that city for the commendable and stupendous efforts made in behalf of the exposition.

As a landmark in the world's progress the Louisiana Purchase Exposition well deserves and will doubtless be accorded a conspicuous place in exposition history.

Portland, Oreg., June 30, 1905.

THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION COMMISSION, By JOHN M. THURSTON, _President._ The PRESIDENT.

APPENDIXES.

APPENDIX I.

REPORT ON ACCOUNTS AND STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS

FROM INCORPORATION OF COMPANY TO APRIL 30, 1905.

The following is a copy of letter received from the firm of Messrs. Jones, Caesar, Dickinson, Wilmot & Co.:

St. Louis, June 5, 1905.

DEAR SIR: We are duly in receipt of your telegram, reading as follows: "Send statement liabilities Exposition Company to June 1, showing cost of restoring grounds and approximate cost of matters in litigation," and beg to send you herewith a statement of the estimated financial position of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company, made up as at May 3, 1905, which we have just received and which we understand has been approved by the president of the Exposition Company. In his statement are included the estimated future liabilities of the company, including $200,000 for the restoration of Forest Park, and after providing therefor there appears an estimated surplus of assets of $467,211.45, subject, however, to possible liabilities on suits and claims pending against the Exposition Company.

With regard to the estimate of $200,000 for the restoration of Forest Park, it may be well to mention that the company is under obligation to restore the park without any limit as to cost. Moreover, the company has given the city of St. Louis two bonds aggregating $650,000, which we understand is the amount of an estimate made on behalf of the city of the probable cost of restoration. Of the bonds given, one is for $100,000, secured by guarantee of certain directors of the Exposition Company, and the second for $550,000, secured as to $100,000 by personal guarantees, and as to the balance by a mortgage on the Art Building. We understand that an effort is now being made to effect a settlement of the company's liability to the city, but we are of course unable to say whether the estimate of $200,000 now taken into account will eventually prove sufficient or, if not, by how much the estimate will be exceeded.

With regard to the suits now pending against the Exposition Company, it is of course impossible to make any estimate of the eventual liability to fall on the company.

We would call your attention to the note made in the statement as regards the cash in trustees' funds and would point out that, as the liability of the company as principal under the various bonds is included in the statement of liabilities, this cash may practically be regarded as an available asset. In other words, if the cash is excluded from the assets, the liability falling on the company under the various bonds should be correspondingly reduced.