l Mr. Thomas H. Cridler, the foreign representative of the
Exposition Company, made a personal visit to the Emperor. His Majesty
was heartily in favor of the proposition, and in proof of his good
feeling toward the American people, ordered an appropriation of 450,000
rubles be set aside to meet the preliminary expense of the Russian
exhibit.

A commissioner-general was appointed. He was instructed to proceed to
St. Louis and secure the necessary space for exhibits and a site for
Russia's pavilion.

Committees were appointed for the purpose of collecting exhibits and to
look after the work of installation and maintenance.

On the outbreak of the Russia-Japan war it was deemed advisable to
withdraw the Government exhibit. This was a cause of considerable
concern to the Russian Emperor, who had been anxious to show his
appreciation of the friendship that existed between Russia and the
United States.

The commissioner-general then made a report that was unfavorable to
Russia's participation at the exposition, and he was then informed
through the minister of finance of the withdrawal of Russia as a
Government exhibitor.

The question of having Russia represented at the exposition by private
exhibitors was then considered. The minister of finance informed Mr.
Grunwaldt that the Government would offer no objection to individual
participation.

The Exposition Company allotted space to Mr. Grunwaldt in the various
buildings. Exhibits were installed in the Fine Arts, Liberal Arts,
Manufactures, Varied Industries, and Agricultural buildings. The
exhibits were very extensive in all the departments.

The entire cost of collecting, transportation, and installation of
exhibits, and the maintenance of same, was borne by Mr. Grunwaldt.

SIAM.

While making an extended tour of the United States in 1902, His Royal
Highness the Crown Prince of Siam visited St. Louis and was the guest of
the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company. His entertainment was so
generous and his reception throughout the entire country so cordial that
he decided to use his influence toward inducing His Siamese Majesty to
participate in the exposition of 1904. The plan, consequently, that
suggested itself as to the character of Siam's display was to send to
St. Louis the most interesting articles and the best examples of Siamese
industries.

The National Siamese Pavilion, a typical specimen of the architecture of
the country, was a reproduction of the