e to any lack of endeavor on the part
of the Commission.

According to section 3 of the act of Congress approved March 3, 1901,
the National Commission was allowed the sum of "ten thousand dollars per
annum, or so much thereof as may be necessary," for the purpose of
defraying the clerical, office, and other necessary expenses of the
Commission. Including the year 1901 the amounts thus allowed aggregate
the sum of $41,923.36. The expenditures for the entire term of the
Commission's existence amount to $32,763.22. This includes an investment
of $952.16 in furniture, which has been delivered to the Secretary of
the Treasury.

Total unexpended balance reverting to credit of Exposition Company,
$9,160.14.

The expenditures made by the Commission from April 23, 1901, to June 30,
1905, are set forth in a statement, submitted herewith as Appendix No.
6.

This report can not fairly be concluded without commendatory reference
to the zeal and devotion of the people of the city of St. Louis toward
this great enterprise. With great generosity and hospitality their
beautiful homes were thrown open to visitors; constant and delightful
entertainment was provided, and there can be no doubt that the millions
who came to see the exposition took away with them abiding and
affectionate remembrance of the universal consideration and courtesy
shown them.

The directors of the Exposition Company, comprising ninety-odd
representative business men of the city, devoted time and attention to
the affairs of the exposition with unfailing interest and fidelity. They
not only contributed as subscribers to the stock of the Exposition
Company, but in cases of emergency volunteered advances from their
private fortunes and freely loaned their credit to the exposition.

The daily newspapers and other publications of the city were tireless in
their efforts to sustain the enterprise, and to set forth its unusual
attractions.

The residents of the Louisiana Purchase in particular, and the people of
the whole country in general, are indebted to the people of St. Louis
and the press of that city for the commendable and stupendous efforts
made in behalf of the exposition.

As a landmark in the world's progress the Louisiana Purchase Exposition
well deserves and will doubtless be accorded a conspicuous place in
exposition history.

Portland, Oreg., June 30, 1905.

THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION COMMISSION,
By JOHN M. THURSTON, _President._
The