into twelve States and two Territories. It was an
area greater in extent and in natural resources than that of the
original thirteen States, and constituted the largest real estate
transfer ever known in the history of nations.

The price of $15,000,000 paid for it was considered exorbitant by those
who were opposed to the purchase in 1803, yet the possibilities of the
country, then so vague and ill-defined, so amply justified the prophetic
faith of its advocates that a century later many millions of dollars in
excess of the purchase money were spent in commemorating the transfer of
a tract of land without which the present greatness of the United States
would not have been possible. The present value of the agricultural
products alone of the area for one year are a hundred times, and the
taxable wealth more than four hundred times, the purchase money.

The board of lady managers was created pursuant to a clause in section 6
of the act of Congress of March 3, 1901, empowering the National
Commission[A] of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition as follows:

[Footnote A: The creation of the National Commission of the Louisiana
Purchase Exposition was authorized by act of Congress, March 3, 1901,
and the members were appointed by President McKinley. According to
section 12 of an act approved June 28, 1902, the Commission will cease
officially to exist on the first day of July, 1905, at which time, also,
will expire the term of appointment of the members of the board of lady
managers.]

And said Commission is hereby authorized to appoint a board of
lady managers, of such number and to perform such duties as may
be prescribed by said Commission, subject, however, to the
approval of said company. Said board of lady managers may, in
the discretion of said Commission and corporation, appoint one
member of all committees authorized to award prizes for such
exhibits as may have been produced in whole or in part by female
labor.

The following is the complete list and order of appointment of the
members of the board of lady managers made by the Louisiana Purchase
Exposition Commission, acting under the authority conferred by the
aforesaid section 6 of the act of Congress of March 3, 1901:

Name. Date By whom.
appointed.
Miss Helen M. Gould Oct. 16, 1901 Hon. P.D. Scott.
Mrs. John A. McCall Oct. 18, 1901 Hon. M.H. G