In a letter from Mr. Howard J. Rogers, in charge of congresses,
which will be appended to this report, he says:
"I beg to state that, in my opinion, the only feasible way is for the secretary of the board of lady managers, acting in behalf of the board, to communicate with the secretaries of the various women's organizations, such as Federation of Clubs, etc."
Our committee suggests that a separate committee be formed to take these congresses and other women's organizations in hand and make it their duty to arrange for dates. We would also suggest that a local committee of leading club women of the city of St. Louis be appointed to act in harmony and in unison with this committee of congresses from the board of lady managers.
I herewith submit copies of letters from Mr. Skiff and Mr.
Rogers:
ST. LOUIS, U.S.A., March 07, 1903.
DEAR MADAM: I have the honor to acknowledge your favor of March 21, which has been noted. I beg to inform you, in accordance with the instructions of the executive committee, that the director of exhibits formulate a programme suggesting how the board of lady managers can assist the Exposition Company in obtaining congresses of women to meet in St. Louis. I referred the matter to the chief of congresses, who has made a report, in which I concur, and I respectfully submit it for your information and assistance.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours,
F.J.V. SKIFF,
Director of Exhibits.
MRS. MARY PHELPS MONTGOMERY,
3642 Delmar avenue, St. Louis, Mo.
MARCH 24, 1903.
DEAR SIR: Replying to your communication of March 23, in reference to the director of exhibits 'formulating a programme suggesting how the board of lady managers can assist in obtaining congresses of women to meet in St. Louis,' I beg to state that in my opinion the only feasible way is for the secretary of the board of lady managers, acting in behalf of the board, to communicate with the secretaries of the various women's organizations, such as the Federation of Women's Clubs, Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames of America, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Young Women's Christian Association, Ladies' Catholic Benevolent Association, United States Daughters of 1812, and to second the invitation given by the exposition to meet in this city in 1904, assuring them their active cooperation in the matter of obtaining halls, accommodations, and other matters.