the following paragraph, is that the first line beginning with St. Louis
is a misplaced duplicate of the third line below it, replacing some
other typeslug.]

Fortunately the construction of the main exhibit buildings was
placed by the directors of the Exposition Company in charge of two
gentlemen deserving of special mention on account of the devotion
and exceptional ability displayed by each. As chairman of the
committee on grounds and buildings, Mr. William H. Thompson, of
St. Louis, discharged the duty of director of works. To the united
ous devotion to the task assigned him. With rare ability and commendable
persistence Mr. Isaac S. Taylor, the talented architect of
St. Louis, discharged the duty of director of works. To the united
efforts of these gentlemen the exposition and the country are indebted
for the magnificent architectural creations which adorned the
exposition grounds. Their relations to the work of construction
and to the affairs of the company enabled them to act with a necessary
degree of self-reliance and independence on their own initiative.

Among the many contributions made by the Government of the United States
to the success of the exposition, the exhibit from the Philippine
Islands deserves marked attention. This exhibit was so extensive,
interesting, and unique that it became the center of predominating
interest. Through its various departments a most valuable and accurate
knowledge of the Philippine Archipelago was diffused, not only
throughout the United States, but throughout the world.

By a fortunate coincidence it occurred that the Secretary of War, who
had most to do with the marshaling of this exhibit, had been prepared
for the work by his experience as governor of the Philippine Islands.
Hon. William H. Taft, as president of the Philippine Commission, and
subsequently as governor of the Philippine Islands, manifested a
sympathetic interest in the condition of the people, the resources of
the islands, and in the proper adjustment of both to their new
relationship with the United States. About the time the exposition was
projected Governor Taft, whose long and faithful service in the
Philippines had endeared him to the inhabitants, was called by the
President to accept the portfolio of war. His familiarity with the
people and the resources of the islands proved of inestimable value in
the preparation of the representation and exhibits at the exposition.
Through his efficient Chief