a space as possible. Ways and means were
frequently discussed, but the absence of funds and the uncertainty of
the action of the company in regard to substantial aid were sources of
much anxiety and delay. Estimates were obtained of cost of building,
however, plans were drawn ready for work to be begun the first
practicable moment, and all information as to best methods and equipment
was secured, in order that no time might be lost should it later be
found possible to proceed with the enterprise. The idea was viewed with
much favor by both the president of the Exposition Company and the
director of exhibits, and it was hoped the Exposition Company would
regard this as one of the "suggestions" from the board which President
Francis had said the executive committee would "take under serious
consideration," but on the 15th of August, 1903, President Francis wrote
to the president, Mrs. Blair:

My idea is that we should not permit any one State to have
charge of these day nurseries. I think the board of lady
managers should have entire charge, and hope they will be able
to raise the money without making inroads on the treasury of the
Exposition Company.

Subsequently, however, the Exposition Company agreed to appropriate
$35,000 for the purpose of erecting the building, but later granted a
concession for a similar enterprise on the grounds. When the board
eventually obtained its appropriation of $100,000 it was thought that
the work might be begun immediately, but as some misunderstanding had
arisen in the minds of the members as to the terms of the original
proposition of the one who was to conduct the creche for the board, upon
close investigation it was found that, whereas in the first place it had
been represented that the creche would be self-sustaining, it now became
evident that the plan had grown beyond all anticipated or intended
proportion, and that instead of being self-supporting the board would be
called upon for unlimited and unreasonable outlay.

As all the members had become greatly interested in the project, they
felt keenly disappointed when it became evident that it would be
necessary to abandon the undertaking. Desiring, however, to take some
part in this useful work, and being informed that the concession that
had been granted for a similar purpose was in need of funds to enable it
to employ additional nurses and make it possible to care for more
children, on July 14, 1904, at the