New York at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis 1904 / Report of the New York State Commission

by DeLancey M. Ellis

[ILLUSTRATION]

The first steps looking toward the official participation of the State of New York in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition were taken by the Legislature of 1902, which passed the following act, receiving executive approval on April 7, 1902:

CHAPTER 421, LAWS OF 1902

An Act to provide for the representation of the state of New York at the Louisiana purchase exposition at Saint Louis, Missouri, and making an appropriation therefor.

Became a law, April 7, 1902, with the approval of the Governor. Passed, three-fifths being present.

The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:

SECTION 1. The governor is hereby authorized to appoint twelve commissioners to represent the state of New York at the Louisiana purchase exposition to be held at Saint Louis, Missouri, beginning on the first day of May, nineteen hundred and three, and ending on the thirtieth day of November, nineteen hundred and three, and for the purposes of this act such commissioners shall be known as the "Louisiana purchase exposition commission." Such commission shall encourage and promote a full and complete exhibit of the commercial, educational, industrial, artistic and other interests of the state and its citizens at such exposition, and shall provide, furnish and maintain, during the exposition, a building or room for a state exhibit and for the official headquarters of the state, and for the comfort and convenience of its citizens and its exhibitors.

2. The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be entitled to the actual necessary expenses incurred while in discharge of duties imposed upon them by the commission. Such commission may provide a secretary whose compensation, to be fixed by it, shall be at the rate of not to exceed twenty-five hundred dollars a year for all services to be performed in carrying out the provisions of this act, and may also provide such other clerical assistance and office facilities as it deems necessary, but no salaries or expenses shall be incurred for a longer period than ninety days after the close of the exposition.

3. The sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any moneys in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the purposes of this act. Such money shall be paid by the treasurer on the warrant of the comptroller issued upon a requisition signed by the president and secretary of the commission, accompanied by an estimate of the expenses for the payment of which the money so drawn is to be applied. Within ninety days after the close of the exposition, such commission shall make a verified report to the comptroller of the disbursements made by it, and shall return to the state treasury the unexpended balance of money drawn in pursuance of this act. No indebtedness nor obligation shall be incurred under this act in excess of the appropriation herein made.

4. The commission shall, as requested by the governor, from time to time, render to him reports of its proceedings.

5. This act shall take effect immediately.

THE COMMISSION

Pursuant to the provisions of this act, Governor Odell named as the twelve members of the Commission: Edward H. Harriman, of New York city; Louis Stern, of New York city; Edward Lyman Bill, of New York city; William Berri, of Brooklyn; Cyrus E. Jones, of Jamestown; Lewis Nixon, of New York city; John C. Woodbury, of Rochester; Frank S. McGraw, of Buffalo; John K. Stewart, of Amsterdam; James H. Callanan, of Schenectady; John Young, of Geneseo; and Mrs. Norman E Mack, of Buffalo.

A few months after the appointment of the Commission, Cyrus E. Jones, of
Jamestown, resigned, and the Governor named Frederick R. Green, of
Fredonia, in his place.

The results accomplished by the Commission as attested by the number of awards received in all of the exhibit departments; in the beauty and utility of the State building; in the careful procedure as to the expenditure of State funds, all bear testimony to the wisdom of the Chief Executive in the appointment of a Commission, all of the members of which were of acknowledged prominence either in professional, business or social life.

Throughout its entire existence the Commission worked with a singular unanimity and with a hearty interest but seldom found in commissions of this character. It held twenty-five regular meetings and two special meetings, the aggregate of attendance at all meetings being two hundred thirty-one, making an average attendance of eight and fifty-nine hundredths at each meeting. When it is considered that each member had large personal interests, and that he served the State absolutely without compensation, only necessary expenses being allowed by statute, and that a majority of the members of the Commission were obliged to travel from 160 to 450 miles to attend the meetings, its record for faithfulness to duty as shown by the above figures is one in which it may take a pardonable pride.

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE COMMISSION

By virtue of being first named by the Governor, Edward H. Harriman, of
New York city, became President of the Commission, which completed its
organization as follows: Vice-President, William Berri; Treasurer,
Edward Lyman Bill. Executive Committee: Louis Stern, Chairman; William
Berri, Lewis Nixon, John K. Stewart and James H. Callanan. Auditing
Committee: James H. Callanan and John K. Stewart.

There was but one name presented for Secretary of the Commission, that of Mr. Charles A. Ball, of Wellsville. He was unanimously elected, with compensation of $2,500 per annum, the appointment taking effect December 8, 1902. In its choice of this officer the Commission was most fortunate. Efficient, faithful and courteous and with a wide circle of acquaintances, particularly among the prominent men of the Empire State, Mr. Ball was peculiarly qualified for the duties of the position. He was popular with his superiors and his subordinates, and so directed the work of the several departments within the Commission's jurisdiction as to procure the very best results.

Anthony Pfau was later appointed bookkeeper and assistant to the Secretary, and in the handling of a vast amount of detail work displayed commendable skill and patience. Seward H. French, stenographer to the Secretary, was always at his post of duty and cheerfully and faithfully served the Commission at all times. Herman Kandt, assistant bookkeeper, completed the office force.

An informal meeting was held in September, 1902, shortly after the names of the Commission were announced by the Governor. At this meeting an invitation was extended on behalf of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company to attend the ceremonies in connection with the allotment of sites for the various State buildings. The President appointed Commissioners Stewart, Woodbury and Callanan a committee to represent the Commission on that occasion, and on behalf of the State of New York, to accept the site for its building. The ceremonies in connection with this occasion are described elsewhere. The first formal meeting of the Commission was called on December 3, 1902, at 120 Broadway, New York city.

At this meeting the Commission determined to maintain offices at 120 Broadway, New York city, until such time as the New York State building was opened at St. Louis, and for the expedition of business the following by-laws were provided:

BY-LAWS

First. The officers of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission of the State of New York shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary.

Second. Regular meetings of the Commission shall be held in the rooms of the Commission in New York city on the second Wednesday of every month, at two o'clock P. M., and all members shall be notified by the Secretary one week in advance of such meeting.

Third. Three members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum at all regular meetings.

Fourth. An Executive Committee of five members, appointed by the Commission, shall choose one of their number for Chairman, who shall act also as Chairman at the meetings of the Commission in the absence of the President or Vice-President. The Executive Committee shall meet at least once a month, and shall report at the regular meetings of the Commission. Three members of the Executive Committee shall form a quorum for the transaction of business.

Fifth. Any three members of the Commission may call for a special meeting, through the Secretary, of the entire Commission, at any time, by giving one week's notice.

Sixth. There shall be an Auditing Committee of two, whose duty it shall be to examine and audit all bills and accounts when properly verified. Such Committee shall report to the Commission at each meeting the amounts of bills and accounts so audited, together with the total thereof.

Seventh. A Treasurer shall be appointed by the Commission, who shall pay all bills when they have been properly verified and audited by the Auditing Committee.

Eighth. The Secretary shall prepare and forward to each member of the Commission a copy of the proceedings of the previous meeting in his regular monthly calls for meetings.

Ninth. The order of business at monthly meetings shall be as follows:

1. Reading of minutes of previous meeting 2. Report of Executive Committee 3. Report of the Treasurer 4. Report of regular and special committees 5. Unfinished business 6. Communications 7. New business

A STATE BUILDING

These preliminary formalities over, the Commission began in earnest the work of preparation for the State's participation at St. Louis. Believing that the most conspicuous feature of the State's participation in the Exposition, especially so far as the impression which would be made upon visitors was concerned, would be her State building, the Commission gave its first attention to this feature. Having been assigned such a commanding site, the Commission kept in mind that it was incumbent upon them to erect upon it a building of appropriate dignity and dimensions. It soon became evident that, with the appropriation already made, it would be impossible to erect a suitable building, maintain it and make suitable exhibits in the great departments of the Fair in which the State of New York stands pre-eminent. Steps were, therefore, taken to procure an additional appropriation from the Legislature of 1903, the matter being placed in the hands of the Executive Committee.

THE ARCHITECT

At the April meeting Mr. Clarence Luce, of New York city, was appointed the Commission's architect, and the plans for a State building presented by him were accepted. On June thirtieth a special meeting was called for the purpose of considering bids for the erection of the building and hearing the report of a special committee, consisting of Messrs. Luce and Van Brunt, who had visited St. Louis to further the interests of the Commission in this matter.

THE CONTRACTORS

Bids were received from several firms of contractors, ranging from $80,000 down to the contract price of the building, viz., $56,518, at which figure Messrs. Caldwell & Drake, of Columbus, Ind., contracted to complete the building in accordance with plans and specifications of the architect. The construction work was immediately inaugurated and was pushed forward so rapidly that the December meeting of the Commission, which was held on the eighteenth of that month, took place in the New York State building on the World's Fair grounds. After inspecting the building and carefully noting the progress which was being made, the Commission adjourned to meet at the Planters Hotel at seven o'clock in the evening. Through the courtesy of Honorable George J. Kobusch, president of the St. Louis Car Company, the private car "Electra" conveyed the members of the Commission to the grounds and return.

EMBELLISHMENT AND FURNISHING

An offer from the Aeolian Company, of New York city, to install, at its own expense, a pipe organ in the building was accepted, and an appropriation of $3,500 was made for an ornamental case to contain the organ which would be a distinctive addition to the decoration of the entrance hallway. In the meantime the matter of furnishing the State building had been in the hands of a Furniture Committee, who had made an exhaustive investigation upon the subject. In March a contract was made with Herter Brothers, of New York city, for furnishing the State building, in accordance with specifications prepared by the Commission, for $18,000.

THE COMPLETION OF THE BUILDING

By dint of prodigous effort the building was completed, entirely furnished and ready for the reception of guests on the opening day of the Exposition, at which time the offices of the Commission were opened in the State building, the New York offices remaining open throughout the summer in charge of Harry A. Sylvester.

The architect was commended for the prompt completion of his work in the following resolutions:

"*Whereas*, in originality of design, perfection in detail and attractiveness in equipment, the New York State building at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition is thoroughly representative of the dignity and position of the Empire State,

"Resolved, therefore, that the thanks of this Commission be tendered to the architect, Mr. Clarence Luce, as a token of our appreciation of his skill, talent and artistic tastes in creating a structure which meets with the warmest approval of this Commission, and which is a fitting home for New York at the World's Fair of 1904.

"Resolved, that the secretary be instructed to forward to Mr. Luce a copy of these resolutions, suitably engrossed."

Throughout the entire Exposition period there were but very few days that from one to three Commissioners were not present at the State building.

By resolution the Commission determined that the lady Commissioner and the wives of Commissioners, assisted by the official hostess, should be hostesses of the State building during the period of the Exposition, and in the absence of those, that the official hostess should act in that capacity, and it was further determined that any Commissioner or a majority of the Commissioners present at the New York State building at any time should constitute a house committee, and have full charge of the State building.

PLANS FOR PARTICIPATION

During the earlier meetings of the Commission they were waited upon by representatives of the Exposition Company, and by committees or representatives of organizations within the State either offering to co-operate with the Commission in the preparation of exhibit material or requesting appropriations from the Commission's funds to enable them to prepare exhibits.

In February, 1903, Honorable George L. Parker, a representative of President Francis, addressed the Commission, urging them to see that New York State was properly represented. He, stated that the people of the West expected great things of New York State; that the city of St. Louis and the territory the acquisition of which was commemorated by the Fair, spent large sums of money in the city of New York alone, and for that reason it was hoped and expected that New York should lead the other States of the Union.

Later in the year, Dr. J. A. Holmes, chief of the Department of Mines and Metallurgy, appeared before the Commission by invitation and made some interesting remarks concerning the scientific exhibit, which he felt it incumbent upon the State to make. He stated that there was no geological survey, either national or State, as valuable as that of the State of New York, and strongly advocated that a model oil well derrick be erected.

The Legislature of 1903 passed two acts which affected either directly or indirectly the work of the Commission. The first act provided $50,000 for participation in the dedication ceremonies of the Exposition and is as follows:

CHAPTER 189, LAWS OF 1903

An Act making an appropriation for the due and appropriate participation by the state in the ceremonies attending the dedication of buildings of the Louisiana purchase exposition.

Became a law, April 22, 1903, with the approval of the Governor. Passed, three-fifths being present.

The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:

SECTION 1. The sum of fifty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any money in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated, payable to the order of the governor, as he may require the same, to be expended by him in such manner as he may deem proper, for the due and appropriate participation by the state in the ceremonies attending the dedication of buildings of the Louisiana purchase exposition, to be held on April thirtieth, and May first and second, nineteen hundred and three, in the city of Saint Louis; and for the transportation, subsistence and other necessary expenses of the commander-in-chief and his staff, and of such portion of the national guard or naval militia of this state as may be directed to attend, and for the replacement by purchase of such military property of the state, as may be rendered unserviceable by this duty; provided that officers and men performing this duty shall serve without pay.

§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

The second act amended the original act providing for State representation, and increased the Commission's appropriation by $200,000, making $300,000 in all.

The act follows:

CHAPTER 546, LAWS OF 1903

An Act to amend chapter four hundred and twenty-one of the laws of nineteen hundred and two, entitled "An act to provide for the representation of the state of New York at the Louisiana Purchase exposition at Saint Louis, Missouri, and making an appropriation therefor."

Became a law, May 11, 1903, with the approval of the Governor. Passed, three-fifths being present.

The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:

SECTION 1. Sections one, two and three, of chapter four hundred and twenty-one, of the laws of nineteen hundred and two, are hereby amended so as to read as follows:

Section 1. The governor is hereby authorized to appoint twelve commissioners to represent the state of New York at the Louisiana purchase exposition to be held at Saint Louis, Missouri, beginning on the first day of May, nineteen hundred and four, and ending on the thirtieth day of November, nineteen hundred and four, and for the purposes of this act such commissioners shall be known as the Louisiana purchase exposition commission. Such commission shall encourage and promote a full and complete exhibit of the commercial, educational, industrial, artistic and other interests of the state and its citizens at such exposition, and shall provide, furnish and maintain, during the exposition, a building or room for a state exhibit and for the official headquarters of the state, and for the comfort and convenience of its citizens and its exhibitors. Such commission shall have power and authority, in their discretion, to sell or otherwise dispose of any building, furniture, fixtures or other property which shall have been acquired by it pursuant to the provisions of this section.

*§*2. The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be entitled to the actual necessary expenses incurred while in discharge of duties imposed upon them by the commission. Such commission may provide a secretary whose compensation, to be fixed by it, shall be at the rate of not to exceed four thousand dollars a year for all services to be performed in carrying out the provisions of this act, and may also provide such other clerical assistance and office facilities as it deems necessary, but no salaries or expenses shall be incurred for a longer period than ninety days after the close of the exposition.

*§*3. The sum of two hundred thousand dollars, in addition to the sum of one hundred thousand dollars heretofore appropriated by chapter four hundred and twenty-one of the laws of nineteen hundred and two which is hereby reappropriated for the above specified purposes, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any moneys in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for the purposes of this act. Such money shall be paid by the treasurer on the warrant of the comptroller issued upon a requisition signed by the president and secretary of the commission, accompanied by an estimate of the expenses for the payment of which the money so drawn is to be applied. Within ninety days after the close of the exposition, such commission shall make a verified report to the comptroller of the disbursements made by it, and shall return to the state treasury the unexpended balance of money drawn in pursuance of this act. No indebtedness nor obligation shall be incurred under this act in excess of the appropriation herein made. No member of such commission, nor such officer, shall be personally liable for any debt or obligation created or incurred by him as such commissioner, or such officer, or by such commission, or any such officer.

*§*2. This act shall take effect immediately.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The title of the Secretary was thereupon changed to that of Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, and he was clothed with all the authority and duties pertaining to the latter position, his salary being increased to $4,000 per annum. Later his duties were further prescribed by the following resolution:

"Resolved, that the Chief Executive Officer shall exercise such direction and management of the office as shall make effective the various agencies employed. He shall nominate to the Commission all clerks and employees in all the departments. He shall fix and establish all salaries of officers, clerks and employees, subject to the approval of the Commission. He shall in like manner have power to suspend, without pay, for cause, upon charges made in writing and filed in the office of the Commission, with such suspended officers, clerks or employees, and with the Chairman of the Executive Committee, any and all officers, clerks and employees of the Commission. Discharges or removals of such officers clerks or employees must be approved by the Executive Committee of the Commission. He shall have power to visit and examine the work and management of the several departments created by the Commission. It shall be his duty to make regular monthly reports to the Commission, and at such other times as the Commission may be in session or request such report."

CHIEFS OF DEPARTMENTS

At the meeting of the Commission held in June, 1903, the following chiefs of departments were appointed:

Charles H. Vick, of Rochester, Superintendent of Horticulture and Floriculture, to take effect July 1, 1903, at a salary of $2,000 per annum.

J. H. Durkee, of Florida, Superintendent of Agriculture, to take effect
July 1, 1903, at a salary of $2,000 per annum.

DeLancey M. Ellis, of Rochester, Director of Education, to take effect
June 15, 1903, at a salary of $2,000 per annum.

Later Mr. Ellis's title was changed to Director of Education and Social Economy, and he was placed in charge of the exhibits in the latter department in addition to those of the Department of Education.

APPROPRIATIONS FOR EXHIBITS

The following appropriations were made for exhibits:

Horticulture and Floriculture $20,000
Agriculture, including live stock and dairy products 25,000
Education 20,000
Social Economy:
State Commission in Lunacy $1,800
State Board of Charities 1,200
State Department of Prisons 2,000
State Department of Labor 1,000
Craig Colony for Epileptics 500
General expenses 1,000
———- $7,500
Forest, Fish and Game 18,000
Scientific 7,500
Fine Arts 10,000
———-
Total $108,000

In the departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Education and Social Economy the work was placed in charge of the chiefs above named. The Scientific exhibit was placed in charge of the Director of the State Museum. All of the above exhibits were subject to the supervisory control of the chief executive officer. The Forest, Fish and Game exhibit was placed under direct control of the chief executive officer, valuable assistance being rendered, however, by the Forest, Fish and Game Commission.

The Fine Arts exhibit was provided for in the following resolution:

"Resolved, that Mr. W. H. Low, of the Society of American Artists; Mr. H. W. Watrous, of the National Academy of Design; Mr. J. Carroll Beckwith, a member of the Art Commission of the city of New York; Mr. Louis Loeb, of the Society of Illustrators; Mr. Frank C. Jones, delegate to the Fine Arts Federation from the National Academy of Design; Mr. Grosvenor Atterbury, of the Architectural League of New York, and Mr. Herbert Adams, of the National Sculpture Society, be named as an executive committee on art for the State of New York, whose duty it shall be to aid the chief executive officer of this Commission to develop the New York State art exhibit at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, said executive committee to serve without expense to this Commission."

By means of the various agencies provided for the preparation of exhibits, the work was pushed forward as rapidly as possible, the Commission keeping in touch with its progress through monthly reports filed with the chief executive officer by the heads of various departments.

ASSISTANCE BY EXPOSITION OFFICERS

By the time the Commission held its meeting in St. Louis in December space had been assigned for most all of the State exhibits. There was an evident disposition on the part of the Exposition Company to do all in their power to assist the State of New York in making its participation an unqualified success. In appreciation of this attitude the following resolution was passed at the meeting held in the city of St. Louis in December:

"Resolved, that the members of the New York Commission desire to express to the president of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company and the heads of the various departments with whom they have been brought in personal contact, their appreciation of the delightful courtesy extended them. It is obvious that there is a desire on the part of the Exposition authorities to facilitate the departmental work of New York in connection with the Exposition. We cannot fail to express our admiration of the gigantic task which the officers of this great international fair have carried to such a successful culmination. In the entire history of expositions, there has been evidenced no greater progress, and such work could not have been accomplished save through the most prodigious efforts on the part of the projectors of this vast enterprise. When St. Louis opens her exposition gates next year, it will be to invite the world to witness the greatest exposition in all history. And be it further

"Resolved, that the secretary be instructed to forward a copy of this resolution to President Francis and the heads of the various departments of the Exposition."

NEW YORK DAY

The Commission took considerable care in the choosing of a day to be known as "New York Day." It was considered important that a date should be named upon which it would be possible for the Governor to be present. Moreover it seemed essential that no date during the heat of the summer should be designated, as but few New Yorkers would be apt to be present at St. Louis at that time, and, therefore, after mature consideration, October fourth was designated as New York State Day.

The Legislature of 1904 passed an additional appropriation of $40,000, by chapter 640, which is given below:

CHAPTER 640, LAWS OF 1904

An act, to make an additional appropriation to provide for the representation of the state of New York at the Louisiana purchase exposition at Saint Louis, Missouri.

[Became a law May 9, 1904, with the approval of the Governor.

Passed, three-fifths being present.]

The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:

Section 1. The sum of forty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, in addition to the money heretofore appropriated, is hereby appropriated out of any moneys in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated, for the purpose of providing for the representation of the state of New York at the Louisiana purchase exposition at Saint Louis, Missouri. The money hereby appropriated shall be applicable to the purposes specified in chapter four hundred and twenty-one of the laws of nineteen hundred and two, as amended by chapter five hundred and forty-six of the laws of nineteen hundred and three, and shall be paid out in accordance with the provisions of such act, by the treasurer on the warrant of the comptroller issued upon a requisition signed by the president and secretary of the commission, accompanied by an estimate of the expenses for the payment of which the money so drawn is to be applied.

*§*2. This act shall take effect immediately.

This made possible the elaboration of some of the plans which the
Commission had in mind.

HISTORY OF THE EXPOSITION PERIOD

The history of the Exposition period will be found in other chapters of this report. A description of the State building, detailed accounts of the dedicatory exercises and the exercises upon State Day, as well as other important functions, are given. The exhibits in the various departments are fully described, and the results of the inspection by the juries are given.

Throughout the entire life of the Commission death did not enter its ranks, nor the ranks of its attaches, nor did any untoward incident arise, although early in the morning of November twenty-first a catastrophe was narrowly averted. In the middle of the night a fire was found smouldering in the basement of the building, which, through the prompt action of the watchman on duty, was extinguished without doing extensive damage. Many were asleep in the building at the time, and but for the presence of mind and courage of those on duty the consequences might have been too fearful to contemplate.

DISPOSITION OF EXHIBITS

At a meeting of the Commission, held just before the close of the
Exposition, the following resolution was passed:

"Resolved, that the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission of the State of New York hereby authorizes the Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Charles A. Ball, to turn over to the Lewis and Clark Exposition Commission of the State of New York any of the exhibits, or such part thereof as the latter may desire in the various exhibit departments working under the auspices of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission of the State of New York for the use of said Lewis and Clark Exposition Commission, State of New York, with the proviso that in the case of individual exhibits forming a part of said exhibits the Lewis and Clark Exposition Commission, State of New York, must get the consent of the owners of said exhibits and relieve the Commission of all responsibility relating thereto and return said individual exhibits to their owners at the close of the Lewis and Clark Exposition, it being understood, however, that said Lewis and Clark Exposition Commission must take possession of these exhibits not later than December 15, 1904."

Upon requisition from the latter Commission the Secretary and Chief Executive Officer turned over to the Lewis and Clark Exposition Commission the following material: The complete exhibit of the State in the departments of Education and Social Economy; the complete exhibit in the Department of Forestry, Fish and Game, with the exception of the Log-cabin and the Forest Nursery and a portion of the State exhibits in the departments of Mines and Metallurgy and Agriculture.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO PRESIDENT FRANCIS AND OTHERS

President Francis and the Exposition officials generally throughout the entire Exposition period extended to the Commission every courtesy and evinced a hearty interest in the work of New York, endeavoring to further the interests of the Commission in every possible direction. Desiring to express in suitable terms its appreciation of these courtesies the Commission also passed the following resolutions at its meeting held at the close of the Exposition:

"WHEREAS, the Empire State is about to close its official connection with this, the greatest of World's Fairs; and,

"WHEREAS, the members of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission of the State of New York, appointed by the Governor, desire to express to the officials of the Fair their sincere appreciation of the hearty co-operation which they have rendered the members of this Commission, in every way facilitating the work of New York in each department of State representation; and,

"WHEREAS, in all of the Commission's relations with the officers of the Exposition, not only has every courtesy been shown the Commission, but there has been a friendly desire to promote their interests; therefore, be it

"Resolved, that the cordial thanks of this Commission be extended to the President of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission, Honorable David R. Francis; to the Secretary, Honorable Walter B. Stevens; to the Director of Exhibits, Honorable Frederick J.V. Skiff; to the Director of Works, Honorable Isaac S. Taylor, and to the chiefs of each exhibit department of the Exposition, with whom the Commission or its representatives have been brought in contact; be it further

"Resolved, that these resolutions be spread upon the permanent records of the Commission and a copy of the same forwarded to each of the above named Exposition officials."

COMMENDATION FOR STAFF

With the exception of closing up its affairs, this marked the end of the Commission's work and before adjournment the following resolutions commending the efficiency and faithfulness of its employees were spread upon the minutes, and a copy was sent to each attache:

"WHEREAS, this Commission is about to close its work, and for this reason must necessarily very soon dispense with the services of the appointees who have served under it since its organization and during the life of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, it is eminently fitting that we make record of the faithfulness and loyalty with which said appointees of every character whatsoever have discharged their respective duties; therefore, be it

"Resolved, that we take pleasure in certifying to the efficient manner in which our Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Charles A. Ball, has discharged the important duties attached to his position. From the very inception of the work upon which this Commission entered, Mr. Ball has proven to be most loyal and faithful, and has ever been ready and willing to carry out the instructions of this Commission. His wide acquaintance with the people of New York State, and especially with her official representatives, has been of inestimable service to this Commission, not only while the various exhibits were being developed, but also during the Exposition period itself. That Mr. Ball has popularized the Commission's work at St. Louis is attested by the universal commendation which he has received from New York people who have come in contact with him during their visits to the Exposition and to the New York State building. Mr. Ball has shown himself to be most capable in directing the various appointees at the State building and in the several exhibit departments in the discharge of their various duties, and has not only carried an this work to the best interests of the State, but in such a manner as to greatly endear himself to this Commission and to all of its employees as well. His foresight in providing for the necessary vigilance during the hours of the night in the protection of the lives of those in the State building, once seriously jeopardized by fire, as well as the property of the State from loss by fire, is especially entitled to the sincere thanks and gratitude of this Commission;

"Resolved, that in Chief Clerk Anthony Pfau, Stenographer Seward H. French, Clerks Herman W. Kandt and Harry A. Sylvester, the experience of this Commission has demonstrated that it made most worthy selections. They have been faithful assistants to Mr. Ball in the discharge of his duties and this Commission gladly records its commendation of the ability with which they have discharged their duties;

"Resolved, that we extend to the Honorable Frank J. Le Fevre, the Superintendent, and Mr. George B. Cowper, the Assistant Superintendent, our sincere appreciation for the most praiseworthy manner in which they have discharged the difficult duties falling to them, and our very pleasant relations with them shall be ever held in grateful remembrance;

"Resolved, that we have been especially gratified with the highly satisfactory manner in which Mrs. Dore Lyon, the hostess, Mrs. F. B. Applebee, the assistant hostess, and Miss Laura C. MacMartin, the matron at the State building, have acquitted themselves of the duties assigned to them. We especially accord them our highest appreciation;

"Resolved, that this Commission especially commends the faithful and efficient services rendered by Mr. DeLancey M. Ellis, Mr. J. H. Durkee, Mr. Charles H. Vick, Mr. A. B. Strough, Mr. H. H. Hindshaw, Mr. Harry Watrous and Mr. Charles M. Kurtz, and all their assistants in the various exhibit departments, in which our State has signalized her pre-eminence as shown by the large number of awards received. These gentlemen have always proven loyal to the interests of the State and to this Commission and they are entitled to the highest regard by this Commission;

"Resolved, that for all the subordinate employees of this Commission throughout the State building and all the departments working under this Commission, this Commission desires at this time to make complete record of their efficient loyalty and faithfulness in the discharge of the various duties assigned to them, and we especially attest our full appreciation for their efforts at all times to make the work of this Commission in enhancing the interests of the State a complete success;

"Resolved, that we cannot forget the efficiency of Mr. Hugh J. Baldwin, who, we believe, by his watchfulness at the time of the fire in the State building, saved the lives of many of the occupants of the building as well as the property of the State; for Mr. Hugh W. Bingham, also on duty during that night, who so efficiently aided Mr. Baldwin in protecting life and property, we here record our sincerest gratitude; and be it further

"Resolved, that these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the proceedings of this Commission and the Secretary is hereby authorized to transmit a copy of these resolutions to each of the employees of this Commission."

[Illustration: VARIED INDUSTRIES BUILDING]