l largely depend
the extent to which women in this country and of the world at
large are to participate, directly or indirectly, in making this
exposition the most beneficent for women that has or can be made
in any age or ages.

At the close of Senator Carter's remarks President Francis, of the
Exposition Company, said:

I have only come to say, ladies, that if we can be of any
assistance to you we shall be more than glad to render that
assistance. If you have any suggestions to make us, we shall be
pleased to receive them and consider them by prejudging them in
your favor. I do not know what your plans are, but I wish to say
that if you desire permanent quarters, we will be very glad to
provide them in the Administration Building. That might be a
little inconvenient, perhaps, but we have all of our own offices
there, and have all the accommodations one can require. I do not
know if you propose to have a permanent secretary and establish
headquarters here or not. I take it for granted that you are
familiar with the provisions of the law. Of course, you know
that the board is nominated by the National Commission, of which
Senator Carter is president. All of the nominations that have
been made by the National Commission have been confirmed. I
believe the membership of your board is limited to twenty-one. I
have heard of the organization of that body. I wish to say, that
we think we have made adequate, if not liberal, provision for
the expense of the board in this way: We have decided to tender
you ladies, subject, of course, to your amendment, after first
acknowledging your generosity, we have decided to say to you
that we will allow you 5 cents per mile mileage from your homes
to St. Louis, and 5 cents per mile back to your homes, or to
your New York meetings, and in addition to that $6 per day for
subsistence during the time you are in attendance at such
meetings. If you do not think that sufficient, we are open to
suggestions from you.

During your stay in cities where meetings will be held you are
allowed $6 per day subsistence, whether you choose to expend
that or not; if you do not think $6 per day sufficient, make a
suggestion accordingly.

In regard to your duties, the law prescribed those. I suppose
the report which was made by the Commission to the local compa