tober in your interview with Mr. Betts, Mr.
Miller, and the writer do not accord with the distinct
recollection or understanding of any of the three parties
mentioned.

I am glad to know that our communications will hereafter be in
writing, that these misunderstandings may be avoided. The
National Commission is in entire accord with this position, and
we will try and observe our part of this understanding.

The informal conferences between the members of the National
Commission and representatives of your company seem to have
resulted in no definite understanding, and the Commission
therefore insists that arbitration be had to determine the true
effect and meaning of section 6 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1901, as affecting the rights and duties of the
National Commission to approve or not approve the awards.

In the meantime and until this question is determined the
Commission can not authorize the use of its president's
signature on any certificate of award.

In any arrangement preliminary to the settlement of this
controversy the writer will be pleased to confer with your
arbitration committee at any time.

Very respectfully,

JOHN M. ALLEN,
Acting President.

Hon. D.R. FRANCIS,
President Exposition Company, Building.

After many futile efforts to reach an agreement as to the subject-matter
to be submitted for arbitration, it became obvious to the Commission
that it was the intention of the Exposition Company to ignore the right
of the Commission to finally consider or approve the awards of the
superior jury. Under these circumstances the president of the Commission
was directed, on November 22, 1904, by resolution, to forward to the
president of the Exposition Company a communication summing up the
controversy and stating clearly the stand taken by the Commission.

The communication is as follows:

St. Louis, November 22, 1904.

Sir: To the end that an understanding may be reached as to
issues involved in correspondence between your company and the
National Commission, extending from the month of May, 1904,
almost to the present date, relative to the appointment of
jurors and the awarding of premiums, it appears desirable and
necessary that the law and the facts be briefly stated and the
relative position of your company and the Commission clearly
define