No single individual, no one people, no separate country can supply that full knowledge from which may be fixed the conditions of mankind, its development in the industries, the arts, the sciences at the commencement of the twentieth century. The entire world must contribute to this knowledge, and therefore the entire world has been invited to take part in this universal exposition and to bring hither the fruit of the lands, the products of other soils, the articles manufactured by foreign hands, and evidences of the achievements of the intellect and intelligence in the higher fields of thought.
While in gathering these things there is no distinction made between the product of man's hand and of woman's hand, nevertheless, it is the peculiar function of this board to act as the channel through which women, as individuals, and as organizations, may be brought into immediate communication with the exposition at St. Louis.
It is, therefore, with cordiality and eagerness that we invite the women of your country to join with us in presenting to the world the information of the condition, opportunities, development, and promises of their sex in their own country and to exhibit at the exposition specimens of their productions and examples of their activities, manual and mental, scientific and artistic.
And coupled with this invitation, we would express the hope that we may be permitted to be of personal service to such women as may visit the exposition in person, or to give special attention to the exhibits of such as may not be able to come.
Requesting your excellency's good offices to the end that the
publicity may be given to the invitation in order that it may
come to the knowledge of the women of the country, we beg to
assure you of the high consideration with which we are,
Your obedient servant,
MARY MARGARETTA MANNING,
President.
The honorable the SECRETARY OF STATE.
SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith invitations which the board of lady managers of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition have addressed to the women of foreign countries, through the respective diplomatic envoys, with a view to promoting women's interests at the exposition.
In view of the indorsement which the Congress of the United States has given to the exposition, and the recognition it has accorded to the board of lady managers, I should be pleased were it found consistent with practice for the invitations to be delivered by the diplomatic envoy of the United States, and if they were instructed to give them their support.
I have the honor to be, sir,