HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. j Re u IANENT EXPOSITION OF TH^ THREE AMP e 16 , 1888 .- -Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the Union and ordered to be printed. Mr. I^elmont, from the Committee on Foreign Affairs, submitted the } following ) REPORT: [To accompany hill H. R. 10541.1 The Committee on Foreign Affairs, to whom was referred the bill H. R. 8868, entitled “A bill to provide for a world’s exposition at the national capital in 1892, and thereafter a permanent exposition of the three Americas, in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the dis- covery of America,” have had the same under consideration, and beg leave to report, in lieu thereof, the following substitute : A. BILL to provide for a permanent exposition of the three Americas, at the national capital in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America. Whereas the year eighteen hundred and ninety-two will be the four hundredth an- niversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus : Therefore, Be ii enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Connress assembled, That a permanent exposition of the three Americas may be es- tablished at the nations 1 capital under the jon t auspices of the forty-six States and Territories and the sixteen independent nation- of the American continent. Sec. 2. That the President of tho Unit'd States i hereby authorized to appoint a governmental board of nine directors to Anmu’.'tea plan for the proposed exposition. Sec. 3. That said plan shall include the appointment of an advisory board of sixty- two members, one to be appointed by the governor of each of the forty-six States and Territories, and one by the executive of each of the sixteen independent American nations. Sec. 4. That space for said permanent exposition of the three Americas be assigned, under direction of the President, in some unoccupied governmental reservation in the city of Washington, as follows : I. Space for a permanent State and Territorial building for a permanent exhibit of the representative history, resources, arts, and industries of the forty-six States and Territories of the United States, said space to be available whenever said States and Territories, or a majority thereof, shall make the necessary appropriations for the ex- penses of said building and exhibit. II. Space for a permanent three Americas building for a permanent exhibit of the history, antiquities, resources, arts, and industries of the fifteen Spanish-American Republics, the Empire of Brazil, the Dominion of Canada, and tho various colonies of North, Centra], and South America, said space to be available whenever said na- tions and colonies, or a majority thereof, shall make the necessary appropriations for the expenses of said building and exhibit. III. A suitable site for a statue of Chiistopher Columbus, said site to be available whenever the necessary funds are provided for the expenses of said statue. Sec. 5. That when tiie plan shall have been formed as provided in section two, the President of the United States is authorized to invite the several States and Territo- ries of the United States and the several nations of the three Americas to appoint their respective members of the advisory board, and to participate in said exposition in the manner heretofore provided. Sec. 6. That the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated to defray the necessary expenses of said board of directors. The various nations of the American continent have exp to suitably commemorate the coming four hundredth e discovery of the New World by Christopher Columb 83 King Alphonso XII, of Spain, stated, “ It is an ev world would be interested, and in which the lead nitA” * — r Castelar said upon the same occasion : “ I would s interested so combine as to make this anniversary brable and the greatest ever held in the history of the wor. ore recently (on the 15th of July, 1887) the Spanish minister of ate, Senor Don S. Moret, informed Hon. J. L. M. Curry, our minister to that country, that the council of ministers had decided u that Spain will take the initiative in celebrating in the most solemn manner the centenary of the discovery of America in the year 1492;” also, “that Spain is ready at the same time to take part in any other celebration and solemnity which may be undertaken on the American continent to commemorate the great event.” Italy and Spanish America have for some time past been looking for- ward to this event, and considering what steps should be taken in com- memoration. Your committee think that the United States should take the initia- tive in this matter. A national board of promotion, composed of the governors of most of the States and Territories, the mayors of leading cities, the officers of boards of trade throughout the country, and many other prominent citizens, representing all of the forty-seven States and Territories, have, during the past two years, created a strong public sen- timent in support of the movement, and have submitted to Congress a carefully considered plan for a national and international celebration in 1892 in honor of the quadri-centennial of the discovery of the New World by Columbus. That portion of this plan relating to a State and Territorial exhibit and a three Americas exhibit requires immediate attention this session, in order that these States and Territories and the other American na- tions may have time for preparation. Of the total forty-six State and Territorial legislatures of the United States, thirty-three meet during the coming seven months, and nearly all of these in biennial session. Hence it is of importance that no time be lost in extending the invitation provided for in the bill reported. The United States has repeatedly, during the past thirty-five years, accepted invitations, to participate in international expositions at the capitals and leading cities or European and other foreign nations. During the present session Congress has, by legislation, accepted invitations to Paris, Brussels, Melbourne, and Barcelona. At our own national capital there has never been a gatheringof nations at an exposition. The committee unanimously report and recommend the passage of the substitute bill herewith submitted. Page. I. Remarks by Alex. D. Anderson on the proposed Three Americas and Worlds Exposition 1 II. Remarks by John W. Powell on the proposed Three Americas Museum.. 15 III. Remarks by M. V. Montgomery on the proposed building for working models of great American inventions 14 IV. Diagram of Exposition Park (opposite).. 17 V. House bill No. 8868 18 VI. Resolutions of national and international conventions 19 VII. Resolutions of boards of trade, city councils, etc 22 VIII. Letters from governors of States and Territories 29 IX. Extracts from letters from boards of trade, mayors of cities, etc 40 X. Letters from ministers of American Nations 43 XI. Extracts from press comments. 47 XII. Action of the Government of Spain 49 XIII. Officers and members of the National Board of Promotion 53 " 'Pi l I 1, i.\' x; •V * : ■ i i i > i s i REMARKS BY ALEX. D. ANDERSON, SECRETARY OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF PROMOTION, BEFORE THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS , JUNE 7, 1888, ON THE PROPOSED WORLD’S EXPOSITION OF 1892 AND PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. Mr. Chairman and gentlemen -of the committee: Believing that pride as well as self-interest in American history, institutions, and prog- ress require that the several sister nations of the New World should unite in celebrating the coming four hundredth anniversary of the dis- covery of America by Columbus, a National Board of Promotion, com- posed of members from all the forty-six States and Territories, has been organized to prepare for the coming event. BOARD OF PROMOTION. This board is composed of the governors of thirty -eight States and Territories, the mayors of fifty-three leading cities, one hundred and fifty-five presidents and secretaries of boards of trade and other com- mercial organizations throughout the United States, the officers of many of the State and Territorial granges and agricultural societies, the re- gent and many of the vice-regents of the Ladies 7 Mount Vernon Asso- ciation of the Union, and many other prominent citizens. We come before your honorable committee as representatives of this organization to urge the passage of the pending bill, No. 8868, entitled “ A bill to provide for a world’s exposition at the national capital, in 1892, and thereafter a permanent exposition of the three Americas, in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America w MANAGEMENT. Believing that the dignity and magnitude of the subject forbid its management by a private corporation, and that the proposed celebra- tion and exposition should be under the auspices and control of Ameri- can Governments and States, we have suggested that the management consist of a governmental board of twenty-one directors, seven to be appointed by the President of the United States, seven by the Presi- dent of the Senate, and seven by the Speaker of the House of Repre- sentatives ; and an advisory beard of sixty -two members, one to be ap- pointed by the governor of each of the forty-six States and Territories, and one by the chief executive of each of the sixteen independent American natious. PROPOSED PLAN. The bill asks for the assignment of space upon some unoccupied gov- ernmental reservation, at the national capital, as follows: I. Space for a permanent State and Territorial building for a perma- nent exhibit of the representative history, resources, arts, and indus- 6 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. tries of the forty-six States and Territories of the United States, said space to be available whenever said States and Territories, or a major- ity thereof, shall make the necessary appropriations for the expenses of said building and exhibit. II. Space for a permanent three Americas building for a permanent exhibit of the history, antiquities, resources, arts, and industries of the fifteen Spanish-AmericanBepublics,the Empire of Brazil, the Dominion of Canada, and the various colonies of North, Central, and South America, said space to be available whenever said nations and colonies, or a ma- jority thereof, shall make the necessary appropriations for the expenses of said building and exhibit. III. A suitable site for a statue of Christopher Columbus, said site to be available whenever the necessary funds are provided for the expenses of said statue. IV. Space for the enlargement of the present National Museum into a Continental or Three Americas Museum, said space to be available whenever the necessary funds are provided for said purpose. V. Space for a permanent building, under the control of the Interior Department, for the exhibit of working models of important American inventions, said space to be available whenever the necessary funds are provided for said purpose. VI. Space for a temporary building, or buildings, for a temporary exhibit, between the 1st of May and the 31st of October, 1892, by all nations other than those of the American continent, and by the private exhibitors of all nations of the world, said space to be available when- ever the necessary funds are provided for said building and the ex- penses of conducting said exhibit. The first three of these items would complete the proposed permanent exposition of all American nations and states, for the Government of the United States has already in existence at the national capital a gov- ernmental exhibit which has cost more than $50,000,000. I mean by this that the National Museum, the Smithsonian, the Washington Monument, the Capitol Building with its treasures of art, the State, War and Navy Building, the Interior Department including the Patent Office, the Executive Mansion, the* Treasury Department, Post-Office Department, and the various other public buildings are practically an exhibit, showing the workings of the Government, and a constant source of attraction to visitors and tourists. The addition to this governmental nucleus of a representative State and Territorial exhibit, and a representative exhibit of the various American sister nations, involves no expense whatever to the United States, but simply the assignment of space upon some unoccupiedagov- ernmental reservation (the reclaimed Potomac flats, for instance), in order that they, at their own expense, may join with the United States in a grand and dignified tribute to American institutions, civilization, and progress. The third item — the assignment of space for a statue of Christopher Columbus — does not necessarily involve any expense to the Government, for people of the United States would readily contribute the necessary funds for the erection of a monument in honor of his grand achievements. Items four and five are not necessarily a part of the exposition pro- ject, but are thrown in as a suggestion, that if the United States wishes to enlarge its governmental exhibit for the coming anniversary of 1892, the enlargement of the National Museum into a Continental Museum, and the erection of a building for working models of great and impor- PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 7 taut American inventions would be exceedingly appropriate, useful, and valuable contributions to American greatness and grandeur. The last item — the temporary, exhibit for six months in 1892 — can easily be made self-supporting; for when the above-mentioned govern- mental and permanent exhibit is arranged, the manufacturers of the United States, railway companies tributary to Washington, and other private capitalists and exhibitors would doubtless provide the neces- sary funds for the erection and maintenance of the temporary exhibit. In brief, no appropriation is asked in this bill except such as is likely to be made, regardless of an exposition, for the erection of much-needed governmental buildings. PERMANENT EXPOSITION DEFINED. As there seems to be some confusion on the part of the press and public in regard to the meaning of the term u permanent exposition,” I would say that it does not mean a permanent exhibit of private mer- chandise and exhibits, accompanied by an admission fee, but rather representative exhibits of States, Terri tories and American nations, free of charge, and in the nature of a permanent repository or museum, under governmental control. The proposed exhibit by merchants and manufacturers is but a temporary affair for the six months of 1892, and should then be removed; whereas the State and Territorial and the Three Americas exhibit should remain for all time, as a lasting monument to the progress and development of American states and nations. ADVANTAGES OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL. Your attention is briefly invited to the remarkable advantages ot the city of Washington tor the purposes of the proposed exhibition. It is the capital of the oldest and foremost of the sixteen American Republics. It is the city of the nation and of all the States ; hence it is not in rivalry with commercial cities. It is, in brief, common ground ; a city upon which all others can unite. Its transportation facilities are ample both by rail and water, and it has a surrounding population, within a radius of 200 miles, or one night’s travel, of ten million souls. It has an easily-accessible park of 300 acres within the heart of the city, extending from the Capitol to the Washington Monument, to which is now being added 700 acres by the reclamation of the Potomac Flats, making a total area of 1,000 acres. This park is so accessible to the leading hotels, that not even a street car is needed to reach it. Within this park, and immediately facing it, are the National Mu- seum and the various other Governmental buildings previously enu- merated, which are practically an exposition nucleus, and have cost more than $50,000,000. Whatever additions may be made to this nu- cleus, such as the enlargement of the present National Museum into a Continental or Three Americas Museum and the proposed building for working models of great American inventions, will be a perfectly safe investment, as they will be needed for all time, and will not be torn down, at great loss, as buildings previously erected for exposition pur- poses at New Orleans and Philadelphia. Again, it is safer and more dignified to keep the treasures of the Na- tional Museum and Departments at home in tire-proof buildings at the capital than to further engage in the traveling-show business by tak- 8 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. in g portions of these important relics to other cities, for they may be lost on the way or destroyed in buildings which are not fire-proof. In brief, what could be grander or more useful and impressive than the states and nations of the Three Americas and of the world en- camped, as it were, around Washington’s Monument and under the shadow of the national Capitol, where they can see the Government of the United States in all of its grandeur and glory, and where, in turn, Congress and the official representatives of our Government can view a panorama of the history, arts, and industries of all America and of the world. FUNDAMENTAL OBJECT. The immediate object of the proposed celebration and exposition is, of course, a tribute to the memory of Columbus ; but outside of this idea the leading purpose is to stimulate more intimate commercial and social relations between the United States and the several sister nations of the three Americas. It is an astonishing and disgraceful fact that the commerce of the various American nations and colonies south of the United States is mainly with Europe. Their annual commerce (exports and imports of merchandise) is, in round numbers, $1,000,000,000 in value, of which we control but one-sixth part. While they abound in raw materials of all kinds they are exceedingly deficient in manufactures, bence they are most desirable markets for us to supply with our surplus products. According to the census of 1880 the annual manufactures of the United States were upwards of $5,000,000,000 in value, of which enor- mous product but 2 per cenU icere sold in foreign markets. The reasou is apparent when we reflect that Europe is well supplied with manu- factures of its own and has a surplus for export, and that the unsup- plied markets of Spanish and Portuguese America have been sadly neglected by our merchants. EUROPE IN SPANISH AMERICA. How great this neglect has been can best be appreciated by a glance at the prestige Europe has acquired in the material development and commerce of those countries. England alone has more than $750,000,000 invested in governmental securities and railways of South America, and controls a large portion of its trade. Germany is equally alive to the commercial importance of the Spanish - American markets, as may be seen by reference to a press dispatch, published in 1885, to which I invite your attention. It says : Information has reached here that the German Government has recently sent to South America a commercial commission with the same object in view that was sought by the United States commissioners, who have recently returned from that contineut. The German commission is composed of Prince Frederick von Hoheulolie and Herr von Scholer, and they propose to visit all the countries of Central and South America for the, purpose of studying those markets, and cultivating friendly relations with them. England has had almost a monopoly of the South American trade, but the Germans are making great efforts to introduce their goods, and a line of steamers from Hamburg has recently commenced making regular trips to the west coast as far as Guatemala, under Government patronage. Spain also has ambitions in the same direction, as is indicated by a dis- patch from Madrid, published in this country in April of last year, as follows: Leading statesmen and literary men interested are uniting with influential poli- ticians of Central and South America in advocating closer commercial and political PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 9 relations between the Spanish countries on both sides of the Atlantic, with the idea of eventually forming a commercial Zollverein and political alliance to enable the states interested to combat the growing influence of the Anglo-Saxon race, especially in Central America, Mexico, and the West Indies, and in order to prevent the Panama Canal fallihg into the hands of America, as the Spaniards expect that Cuba and Porto Rico will be great gainers by the opening of the canal. Seiiors Canovas del Castillo, Castelar, and Martos, and the Marquis de la Vega de Armijo head the movement, which excites much interest and heralds a series of measures tending less to improve the commercial relations between Cuba and America than to forward the foregoing scheme and divert Cuban trade to Europe and the Spanish-American Republics. France, as you know, is to hold a world’s exposition at Paris in 1889. It is a significant fact that the Spanish-American Republics have nearly all accepted invitations, while the monarchies of Europe refuse to par- ticipate. The exposition will, of course, most favorably introduce the manufacturers of France to the Spanish-American markets. For these reasons, if for no others, the proposed exposition of the three Americas at Washington is a matter of transcendent practical importance to the merchants and manufacturers of the United States, and may easily be made the entering wedge to an enlarged foreign com- merce with the rest of this hemisphere. AMERICANS IN EUROPE. Again, according to a careful statistical estimate submitted to the Department of State by one of our consuls in Germany, over $100,000,000 are annually spent by Americans in Europe for purposes of travel, pleasure, art, education, etc. The recent appropriations by Congress for expositions at Paris, Brus- sels, Melbourne, and Barcelona, while necessary and commendable for obvious reasons, will, nevertheless, largely add to the sum annually taken by tourists to foreign lands. Our exposition project, on the contrary, will have the opposite effect, and will attract thousands of visitors from the Old World, and many millions of dollars, for pleasure, study of American history, aud invest- ment. If by building up the proposed exposition on the scale proposed we can make our national capital the Paris of America in beauty aud attractions, the Berlin of America in educational advantages, the Rome of America in art, and the Mecca of America for tourists, students, and others from the outside world, it is a movement which should be sus- tained by every patriotic American citizen. AMERICAN PRIDE. But there is another consideration of still greater importance which should insure the immediate passage of this bill. I refer to the recent action of the Government of Spain. In July last Senor Don S. Moret, the Spanish minister of state, notified Hon. J. L. M. Curry, our minister to that country, that the council of ministers had decided — First — That Spain will take tlie initiative in celebrating in the most solemn man- ner the centenary of the discovery of America in the year 1892. Second — That for this purpose it will invite all nations who people the territories discovered by Columbus to take part in the celebration ; and Third — That Spain is ready, at the same time, to take part in any other celebration and solemnity which may be undertaken on the American continent to commemorate the great event. In other words, Spain has expressed a desire to pay tribute to Amer- ica by celebrating the four hundredth anniversary of its discovery. Now, I respectfully submit that not only pride but self-interest require 10 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. that the foremost American nation — the United States — respond to this sentiment by taking the initiative in celebrating this great historical event, in a manner becoming the dignity, greatness, and grandeur of the New World which Columbus discovered. CONCLUSION. In conclusion, I desire to add that the project thus submitted is an ex- position with an idea, and that the idea is greater than the exposition in that it aims at the establishment of an American hemispherical policy based upon more intimate commercial and social relations with the several sister nations of the Three Americas. Sound public policy requires the speedy consummation of this move- ment. I submit herewith a list of the officers and members of the National Board of Promotion, who are advocating this movement, copies of reso- lutions of national and international conventions, boards of trade, and city councils ; also letters from the governors of States and Territories, and ministers of American nations, extracts from press comments, and other documents, showing an overwhelming public sentiment in its favor. II. REMARKS BY JOHN W. POWELL, DIRECTOR OF THE U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, BEFORE THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS, JUNE 7, 188 8, ON THE PROPOSED THREE AMERICAS MUSEUM, Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Committee: The value of great national fairs or expositions has been abundantly shown by the history of such enterprises, alike in America and in Europe. A great national fair is a stupendous object lesson in industrial civilization. The discovery of America is the event which it is designed to cele- brate, and its importance is unparalleled in the history of human prog- ress. At that time a continent was found peopled by savages and bar- barians, who did not occupy the land, but who were scattered along the water-courses and shores in little tribes far distant from one another. In their ignorance the beautiful earth, with all its potential gifts for civilized man, was but a hunting-ground, a berry patch, a tobacco gar- den, and a battle-field. But the discovery of this New World gave North and South America to the plow, the mine, the workshop, the highway, and the market ; a new world was delivered to civilized man as a theater for new and highly developed industries, and better than all, as a theater for new and highly developed institutions, founded upon principles that recognize a wider liberty and more just equality, and a fraternity that embraces a greater scope of imperative duties than had previously been recognized in the history of man. This great gift to mankind was not the result of accident through the drifting of tempest-tossed sailors from far off' Asia to the golden strands of the West; it wns not the gift of chance through the wandering of barbaric Norsemen to the bleak lands of the northeast coast. Civilization discovered America by the light of science. Columbus, a great scholar, a scientific investigator, a man whose insight penetrated to the great secrets of nature, in the light of the science of his time — which was indeed but dim — by means of one of the grandest scientific inductions in history accepted the conclusion that the earth is a sphere, and with a sublime faith iu scientific inductions he sailed into an unknown sea inhabited by the monsters of mythology and beset with the dangers of superstitious credulity, and through this ignor- ance he sailed away until he discovered the new land; and the inductions of science were verified by the appearance of continents and islands, from which great mountains reared their tops into the heavens. There, too, great lakes were found whose billows were destined to rock the commerce of many peoples, and there great rivers were revealed, upon whose turbulent currents the navies of industry now ride. To cele : brate the discovery of America by Columbus is to celebrate the greatest event of human history. But it is not my task to speak of the value to civilization of the pro- posed exposition, nor of the importance of the event which it is de- signed to celebrate; nor even to show that such a celebration would be signally appropriate to the people who are the chief beneficiaries of that 11 12 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. great scientific discovery, but simply to set forth the extent to which the great exposition may be made interesting and instructive to the people by making an exhibit of the archseology of the new world. The debris of the forgotton culture of the world was long held to be refuse, unsightly, and loathsome, but the time has arrived when this refuse of uncultured man is esteemed by the enlightened man as the priceless relics of antiquity. The ruins of an ancient city that were worthless a few decades ago are, by the processes of modern investiga- tion into the history and growth of human culture, transformed into values that nations covet, and civilized men are everywhere throughout the world engaged in exhuming from the ruins of ancient cities the treasures of history. Societies are organized for the collection of the material, and colleges and universities are engaged in its investigation, and the libraries of the world are daily enriched with the volumes of this new learning. The events of history that are recorded by contemporaneous writers are colored with prejudice and blurred with ignorance, but the records that are preserved in the imperishable works of man are not tainted with baneful inspiration and false statement, but tell the truth and noth- ing but the truth. In the past, history was the theme for literary exploitation ; in the present, history is the theme of profound investi- gation ; and history has become a science because it is founded upon archaeology. It is thus that the ruins of a temple, a tower buried in its own debris, an inscription on a rock, a bronze spear, a stone knife, or a potsherd has a value. A mound or a monument is a volume of history, and a ruined city a great library. The people who were found in America, the tribes of savages and barbarians, are rapidly being absorbed among the people of civilization. Their history was unwritten ; their artisans, their warriors, their states- men, and their poets are forgotten, but the vestiges of their history, their archseologic records, are widely scattered. They are found buried in ruined towns and villages ; they are covered by innumerable mounds of earth that were built as sites for their council houses, as places for worship, and as cemeteries for their dead; they are found in countless stone-walled graves; they are found in innumerable refuse heaps, the debris of the kitchens of the savage man ; they are found in every plowed field and on every hill side and scattered over every mountain ; and from these sources they must be taken if we are to reconstruct the ancient history of America. But every dust-laden breeze buries them deeper, every storm of sand serves to hide them more effectually ; the furrowing of every field is an agency for their destruction ; the working of every road, the construction of every railway, the erection of every building makes these relics rarer and more valuable, and ere they are lost I beg they may be secured. The whole civilized world is interested in their collection and preservation, and the people of other lands are gathering and carrying them away by cargoes to enrich the museums and the great universities and splendid capitals of Europe, while in America only a few quiet students have become interested in these ma- terials of American history, and until within a few years we have been almost wholly neglectful of things which by time are becoming more and more valuable. The wealth and variety of the materials of American history are but little appreciated. The people who inhabited the American continent before its discovery were not all of one race but of many. In North America alone there were more than seventy-five distinct stocks, having radically distinct languages and mythologies, having independent and PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 13 diverse institutions, and having diverse and multifarious arts. At the north we have the igloo-dwellers that live by the shores of the frozen seas ; farther to the south we have races occupying dwellings made of the forest timber ; other races wove their habitations of reeds ; others built their towns of the clay of mother earth, and others erected their buildings of stones quarried from the cliffs, while still others hewed themselves habitations in the solid rock. Some dwelt on towering and almost inaccessible cliffs, while other towns were erected among the crags and cinders of extinct volcanoes. Some races were hunters ; other races were fishermen ; still other races were agriculturists. Some races worshiped the sun and moon and stars and the gods of the cardinal points; other races made the mountains and the rivers the objects of their principal worship, and all worshiped strange mythologic beasts. All of the tribes were organized into bodies politic as bodies of kin- dred, but the method of organization was multifarious. Many tongues were spoken; harsh consonantal and guttural languages were found in the cold climate of the extreme north and south, vocalic and musical languages were found in the sunny lands of the middle zones. Every- where the tribes had learned to use picture-writing and to record events with pictures of men, and beasts, and birds, and trees, and many con- ventional signs. They made tools and implements of stone, and bone, and shell, and horn, and wood. They made canoes and boats of bark and logs ; they made rafts and basket-boats of weeds, and they made kayaks of skins ; and in such crafts they navigated the rivers, the lakes, and the seas. The relics of all these mythologies, religions, institutions, languages, and arts must be recovered if we are to preserve the ancient history of America, and the work must be done soon or they will be lost. It is possible to make the four hundredth anniversary of the discov- ery of America an occasion to collect and preserve the ancient history of the country, to gather the materials of its archaeology, and to put them into one grand international museum at the seat of government of the United States. No other enterprise in connection with such an American exposition would interest the people more, and no other would be more instructive; and it is proposed or suggested by the Board of Promotion that a great archaeologic exhibit be made, and that each nation in North, Central, and South America be invited to con- tribute its quota to this great museum. The erection of an appropriate building for this purpose, indestructible by fire, and of sufficient mag- nitude for the installment of so great a collection would cost about $500,000. The archaeologic materials to be found within the territory of the United States are in part, but only in small part, collected and now in the National Museum, and the time is all too short for the com- pletion of thjs collection. Yet by beginning soon it might be well done. Such, in brief, is the plan which I am requested to present to you by the Board of Promotion. It is no less than to collect and put on record for future generations the priceless records that constitute the history of all the native American races. If this can be done it will be a mon- ument to these native peoples, erected by the invading and conquering and civilizing nations, worthy of Aryan power and worthy of Aryan culture. Ill REMARKS BY M. V. MONTGOMERY, EX-COMMISSIONER OF PATENTS, ON THE PROPOSED BUILDING FOR WORKING MODELS OF GREAT AMERI- CAN INVENTIONS. At the Centennial and Exposition National Convention, held at Wil- lard’s Hall, December, 1886, Judge Montgomery, then Commissioner of Patents, made the following remarks, which the board of promotion herewith submit in support of the proposed building for working models of great American inventions: Mr. President and gentlemen : In 1787, at the time of the adoption of the Federal Constitution, a provision was incorporated therein which conferred upon Congress the power to promote the progress of science and the useful arts by securing by legislation for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective inventions and discoveries, and to also make all laws which might be necessary and proper for carrying into execution such power. THE ORIGINAL PATENT LAW. In pursuance of this constitutional permission, and on the 10th day of April, 1790, the first statute upon this subject was enacted by Con- gress. This legislation provided in brief that upon receiving proper application therefor the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the “ De- partment of War,” and the Attorney-General, or any two of these min- isters might cause letters patent to be made out in the name of the United States to “bear teste” by the President of the United States, and granting to the petitioner (the inventor), his heirs, administrators, etc., for any term not exceeding fourteen years, the sole and exclusive right of making, constructing, using, and vending his invention or dis- covery. This act also required every such patentee at the time of receiving the grant to deliver for permanent retention, in addition to his specifi- cation in writing, a model of the thing invented, if the nature of the invention should admit of illustration in that way. From the time of the enactment of this statute until the year 1836 our patent system, like the present system of England, and, indeed, of most European countries, permitted an applicant for patent to obtain the same upon simply filing the usual application and model and paying the fee, leaving the question of novelty and usefulness, in case of any controversy, to be thereafter settled by the courts. This system of things obtained until the year 1836, at which time a thorough and complete revision of the entire legislation upon this sub- ject was had. A committee of the Senate was appointed upon motion of Senator Kuggles, of Maine, and this committee, after an exhaustive examination, and on the 28th day of April, 1836, made a report, and presented a bill for the entire reorganization of the Patent Office, which bill became a law on the 4th day of the following July, and of which 14 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 15 law no greater commendation need be suggested than the fact that it to day remains upon the statute books in nearly all its essential features absolutely unchanged. In their report the committee called attention to the fact that for more than forty years the Department of State had been issuing patents on every application without examination into the merits or novelty of the invention, and they earnestly urged a radical reformation in that regard. Notwithstanding the facilities with which patents were obtained from the time of the enactment of the first statute until the enactment of the last statute above referred to, a period of forty-six years, but 11,348 patents had been granted. This statute of 1836 changed the whole system and the whole theory upon which patents had been theretofore granted. Letters patent could no longer be obtained for the simple asking ; an applicant was not only required to state upon oath that he verily believed himself to be the original and first inventor of the device which he sought to patent, and that he did not know or believe that the same was ever before known or used, but the Commissioner of Patents, whose office was created by this statute, was required to make or cause to be made an examination and satisfy himself that the appli- cant was the original and first inventor, and that no part of that which was claimed to be new had been before invented or discovered; and when satisfied, first, that the invention for which patent was sought was novel and useful ; • second^that the same had never been patented or described in any printed publication, and' third, that the applicant was the original and first inventor, then the grant should be made. MODELS OF INVENTIONS. But the proper solution of the question to which I was invited to ad- dress myself^does not demand that I should follow further the history of the Patent Office, or of the legislation in its behalf; it is sufficient in that regard to say that from the time of the enactment of the first statute upon the subject until the year 1870 every applicant for patent was required to furnish with his application u a model of his invention, in all cases which admitted of a representation by a model, of a con- venient size to exhibit advantageously its several parts.” In pursuance of this provision many thousands of models have been furnished. In the fall of 1877 nearly one hundred thousand models had accumu- lated, been retained, and were on hand. At that time a disastrous fire occurred which destroyed great numbers of them. Seven years before, however, as suggested a moment ago, the statute which had been in existence so long, and under the requirements of which this vast accu- mulation of models had occurred, was amended, so that thereafter no ap- plicant for patent was required to furnish a model to illustrate his invention, unless the same should be specially required by the Com- missioner after the reception of the application. This provision of law has remained ever since and is now in force. There were the best of reasons for this enactment : In the first place, models were accumulating so rapidly that the question of where the room should be found for their preservation and exhibition had become a serious one. In the second place, the method of preparing, preserving, and reproducing drawings had, in the meantime, been greatly improved upon, so much so that in the vast majority of cases no illustration by model was necessary ; and, in the third place, the preparation of a model was usually the most expensive part of the application, and entailed upon the applicant a large expense. Since the enactment of this last- 16 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. mentioned statute, as a matter of course, the accumulation of models has been comparatively slow. MODELS ON EXHIBITION. The great u World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition,” which opened at New Orleans on the 1st day of December, 1884, and closed, on the 1st day of the following June, will be remembered by all. At that great exposition the Patent Office was represented. About 2,600 working models were furnished by the Patent Office and exhib- ited there. In the summer of 1884 my predecessor, the then Commissioner of Patents and commissioner for the Department of the Interior of this exposition, issued a circular calling upon the leading machine manu- facturers of the country to furnish gratuitously a u small working model” which would show the development of the particular invention or art illustrated by such machine, and promising to exhibit the same, in con- nection with other exhibits, for the purpose of illustrating the u pro- gressive stages of the different industrial arts.” Of course the held was so immense that the commissioner was compelled to confine him- self to those which were supposed to be “ conspicuously prominent,” and in which the general public felt the greatest interest. Notwith- standing the lateness of the invitation the responses were prompt and hearty j hundreds of working models from hundreds of the leading man- ufacturers of the United States were furnished, all beautifully con- structed, many costing hundreds of dollars, and at lfeast one of them several thousand dollars. Arrangements were easily made and the power supplied for the exhibition of the working capacity of these models, and it is an established fact that this part of the exposition at- tracted great attention and was, no doubt, productive of great good. Judging from this experience among other things, I have no doubt myself that, in addition to the exhibit which could and probably would be made at your contemplated exposition by and on behalf of the Pat- ent Office, thousands of working models which would exhibit the per- fection of the art in most of the leading industries of the country would be gladly and gratuitously furnished for permanent exhibition by the parties interested, and indeed I have no doubt that they would esteem it a privilege to be allowed so to do. GROWTH OF THE PATENT OFFICE. I can not refrain, in closing, from inviting attention to a few statisti- cal facts : On the 31st day of July, in 1790, the first patent ever granted in this country was issued to one Samuel Hopkins. During that year but three intents were issued I have already told, you that during the succeeding forty-five years the aggregate number was 11,348. During the calendar year 1837, the first year after the adoption of the statute of 1836, 435 patents were issued. During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1886, the number of patents issued was 25,619. The statute of 1836 made provision for the employment of six per- sons, all told, aside from the Commissioner of Patents, and these six persons were paid an aggregate annual salary of $6,850. The revenues of the office during the year 1837 were $29,289.08. At the present time, and after the expiration of little less than half a century, there are nearly six hundred employes of the Patent Office, at an aggregate an- nual salary of $656,370, while the revenues of the office for the past IV. DIAGRAM OF EXPOSITION PARK. PROPOSED SITE OF THE PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS, AND WORLD’S EXPOSITION OF 1 892. 1. Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas. ! 3. Permanent State and Territorial Exhibit. 2. Building for Working Models of Great American Inventions. | i. Temporary Exhibit for 1892. H. l\ep. 2001 To face page 17. 5. Statue of Christopher Columbus. 6. Three Americas Museum, 7. Zoological Garden, 1. Permanent Exposition of the Three Amjcri ca i Garden, 2, Building for Working Models of Great H. Kep. 2601 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 17 year reached the enormous sum of $1,200,000, and I may add, there are now to be found in the Treasury of the United States to the credit of the Patent Office a balance of about $3,000,000. Not long ago, in the Senate of the United States, a distinguished Sena- tor declared that — We live iu this atmosphere of invention; it surrounds us as does the light and the air; like light and air it is one of our greatest blessings, and yet we pass it by with- out thought. * * * I say inventive skill is the primal cause of all this progress aud growth. I say the policy which found expression in the Constitution of the United States when this, clause was enacted giving Congress power to promote the prog- ress of science aud useful arts by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries has been the policy that has built up this fair fabric. * * * Subtract invention from the causes which have led to our growth and our grandeur, and you remit our people to the condition of the people of Italy, of Switzerland, of Russia. If knowledge is power invention is prosperity. And now, sir, while it is undoubtedly true that to this liberal and enlightened policy is largely due the present advanced and prosperous condition of the different industrial arts, it is, after all, only typical of the whole structure, the product of a free people and of our enlightened institutions. Indeed, sir, when one permits him- self to contemplate and speculate upon the situation, upon the stupendous possibili- ties, upon the reasonable probabilities in the not distant future of this our beloved country, he becomes almost lost in bewilderment at its vastness, and he can not doubt tl^at the grandeur and glory of its future is absolutely assured. Who of us does not feel that the declaration of Mr. Phillips was pro- phetic when, with his splendid eloquence, he declared that u the young America will yet soar to be what Athens was ; ” that u when the Eu- ropean column shall have moldered and the night of barbarism ob- scured its very ruins this mighty continent will emerge from the horizon to rule for its time sovereign of the ascendant.” Is it not true that u we stand to-day in the gateway of a most marvelous future I ” In the fulfillment of this glorious destiny, in the accomplishment of this mighty work, u shall we forget, shall we neglect the system which has enabled us to outstrip our competitors, or shall we rather perfect and develop it, that through its perfection and development we may attain still grander results? ” In conclusion, Mr. President, I have no hesitation in declaring that in my opinion, in the accomplishment of the great work in which you and your colleagues are now engaged, no one thing will more tend to its complete and perfect success than a thorough, well-prepared, and intel- ligent u exhibit of working models of American inventions.” H. Rep. 2601 2 V. HOUSE BILL No. 8868. A BILL to provide for a world’s exposition at the national capital in 1892, and thereafter a permanent exposition of the three Americas, in honor of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. Whereas tlie year 1892 will be the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus ; Whereas a becoming pride in American institutions, civilization, and progress re- quire that this great historical event be duly celebrated in a manner becoming the dignity, w r ealth, and grandeur of the western hemisphere: Therefore, Beit enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That a world’s exposition be held at the national capital in 1892, and thereafter a permanent exposition of the three Americas, under the joint auspices of the United States, the forty-six States and Territories, and the sixteen independent sister nations of the American continent. Sec. 2. That the management of said exposition consist of a governmental board of twenty-one directors ; seven to be appointed by the President of the United States, seven by the President of the United States Senate, and seven by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Sec. 3. That an advisory board of sixty-two members be, and the same is hereby, authorized, one to be appointed by the governor of each of the forty-six States and Territories, and one by the executive of each of the sixteen independent American nations. * Sec. 4. That space for said world’s exposition and permanent exposition of the three Americas be assigned in some unoccupied governmental reservation in the city of Washington as follows: I. Space for a permanent State and Territorial building for a permanent exhibit of the representative history, resources, arts, and industries of the forty-six States and Territories of the United States, said space to be available whenever said States and Territories, or a majority thereof^ shall make the necessary appropriations for the expenses of said building and exhibit. II. Space for a permanent three Americas building for a permanent exhibit of the history, antiquities, resources, arts, and industries of the fifteen Spanish- American republics, the Empire of Brazil, the Dominion of Canada, and the various colonies of North, Central, and South America, said space to be available whenever said nations and colonies, or a majority thereof, shall make the necessary appropriations for the expenses of said building and exhibit. III. Space for a temporary building or buildings, for a temporary exhibit, between the 1st of May and the 31st of October, 1892, by all nations other than those of the American continent, and by the private exhibitors of all nations of the world, said space to be available whenever the necessary funds are provided for said buildings and the expenses of conducting said exhibit. IV. A suitable site for a statue of Christopher Columbus, said site to be available whenever the necessary funds are provided for the expenses of said statue. Sec. 5. That space be assigned in some govermental reservation in the city of Washington for the following permanent governmental buildings, viz : I. Space for the enlargement of the present National Museum into a Continental or Three Americas Museum, said space to be available whenever the necessary funds are provided for said purpose. II. Space for a permanent building, under the control of the Interior Department, for the exhibit of working models of important American inventions, said space to be available whenever the necessary funds are provided for said purpose. Sec. 6. That the President of the United States is authorized to invite the several States and Territories of the United States, and the several sister nations of the three Americas, to appoint their respective members of the advisory board, and to partici- pate in said exposition in the manner heretofore provided. Sec. 7. That whenever the necessary funds are provided for the said temporary ex- hibit during 1892, the President of the United States is authorized to invite all for- eign nations, other than those of the American continent, to participate in said expo- sition. 18 VI RESOLUTIONS OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS. [National Grange, Philadelphia, November, 1886.] Whereas it is proposed to have at the national capital in 1889 an inter-American and inter-Republic celebration of the centennial of the Constitution of the United States; a World’s Exposition in 1892, in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus and thereafter a permanent exposition or museum of the antiquities, history, arts and industries of the three Americas; Whereas it is also proposed to establish at the national capital a permanent ex- hibit of the resources, arts, and industries of the forty-six States and Territories, and to erect a building for the display of working models of important American inven- tions : Resolved by the Patrons of Husbandry, in National Grange assembled, That we heartily favor the consummation of this important and patriotic work, and urge all American citizens and legislative bodies'to support it in a manner becoming the dignity, great- ness, and grandeur of the Republic. Resolved, That we specially favor the proposed permanent State and Territorial exhibit as a matter of great practical importance to the patrons of husbandry of the several States and Territories. * Resolved, That the secretary of the National Grange be directed to transmit a duly- certitied copy of these resolutions to the President of the United States, the United States Senate and House of Representatives, and to the governors and legislatures of the several States and Territories. [National Board of Trade, Washington, January, 1887.] Whereas it is proposed to hold at the national capital, in 1892 a World’s Exposition in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus, which exposition of the antiquities, history, arts, and industries of the three Americas is intended to be permanent: Resolved , That we favor this movement toward more intimate commercial and so- cial relations between the United States and the several . sister nations of the three Americas. Resolved, That this movement commends itself to the support of the merchants and manufacturers of the United States as a matter of great practical importance, in pro- moting friendly intercourse and in stimulating arts and industries. Resolved , That, in view of the shortness of the time for preparation, steps should be immediately taken by the General Government to provide the necessary buildings and carry forward the enterprise. Resolved, That the secretary of the board be directed to transmit a copy of this paper to the President of the United States and the United States Senate and House of Repre- sentatives, the governors of each State and Territory, and to ali boards of trade and other commercial organizations throughout the United States. [International Medical Congress, Washington, September, 1887.] Whereas it proposed to hold at the city of Washington in 1892 an international celebration in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, and an exposition of the history, arts, and industries of all nations: Resolved, That the International Medical Congress favors this patriotic movement, and commends it to the nations of the world. [American Bankers’ Association, Pittsburgh, Pa., October, 1887.] Whereas it is proposed to hold at the national capital in 1889 a joint celebration by the sixteen American Republics in honor of the centennial anniversary of the in- auguration of constitutional government upon the western hemisphere ; 19 20 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. Whereas it is also proposed to hold at the national capital in 1892 a World’s Ex- position in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, which exposition of the history, arts, and industries of the three Americas is intended to be permanent : Besolved, That the American Bankers’ Convention heartily favors this movement toward more intimate relations between the several sister nations of the three Amer- icas, and commends it to the people of the United States as a matter of great practi- cal importance. Besolved , That the secretary be instructed to send copies of these resolutions to the President of the United States, to the President of the Senate, and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. [Carriage Builders’ National Association, Washington, October, 1887.1 Whereas it is proposed to hold at the national capital, 1889, an American inter-Re- public celebration in honor of the centennial of the Constitution, and in 1892 an inter- American World’s Exposition in honor of the quadracentennial of the discovery of American by Christopher Columbus ; Whereas it is proposed to establish at the national capital in 1892 a permanent ex- position of the arts and industries of the three Americas : Besolved by the Carriage Builders' National Association, That we favor this movement as timely in conception, most patriotic in sentiment, and of great practical impor- tance o the manufacturers of the United States, in opening up new American markets for our surplus products, and stimulating more intimate relations between the seve- ral sister nations of the western hemisphere. Besolved, That copies of these resolutions be sent to. the President of the United States, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. [American Association of Agricultural Colleges, Washington, October, 1887.] Whereas fifteen American Republics have taken the Constitution of the United States as the model of their organic laws; Whereas three Americas, with their marvellous civilization and progress, are the re- sult of the discovery by Columbus. Besolved, That pride as well as self-interest in republican and American institu- tions require. that the United States, the parent American Republic, take the initia- tive in celebrating at the national capital in 1889 and 1892, respectively, the centen- nial of the inauguration of the Government of the United States under the Constitu- tion and the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus. Besolved, That all American patriots should join in making these celebrations worthy of the dignity, grandeur, and wealth of the western hemisphere. . Besolved, That copies of these resolutions be sent to the President of the United States, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. [National Grange, Lansing, Mich., November, 1887. ] Whereas the National Grange and Patrons of Husbandry did, at its twentieth annual session, in Philadelphia, adopt certain resolutions indorsing the proposition to hold at the national capital, in 1889, an American inter-Republic celebration in honor of the centennial of the Constitution, and a Three Americas and World’s Expo- sition at the National Capital in 1892, in honor of the discovery of America by Colum- bus, and thereafter a permanent exposition of the antiquities, history, arts, and in- dustries of the three Americas ; and Whereas the successful accomplishment of this enterprise will not only tend to strengthen the fraternal relations of the sister American nations, but will also bring about reciprocal international development and commerce: Besolved, That we hereby reaffirm our action at Philadelphia, and recommend to each State master that, in his next annual address to his grange, he direct the attention of the Patrons of Husbandry to the importauce of this matter to the agricultural inter- ests of the entire Union. [United States Potters’ Association, Washington, January 18, 1888.] Whereas more intimate commercial relations with the several sister nations of the three Americas is a matter of transcendent importance to the manufacturers of the United States ; Whereas the proposed constitutional centennial celebration by the sixteen Ameri- can republics at our national capital in 1889, and the Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas at Washington, in 1892, in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America, will necessarily stimulate our national industries by open- ing up new foreign markets for surplus products : Therefore PERMANENT EXPOSITION OP THE THREE AMERICAS. 2l Besolved by the United States Potters’ Association, That we heartily favor this cen- tennial and exposition movement as most timely in conception and patriotic in senti- ment. Besolved, That the secretary be instructed to transmit a certified copy of these res- olutions to the President of the United States, the President of the Senate, and the . Speaker of the House of pepresentatives. [American Skipping and Industrial League, Washington, January 18, 1888.] Whereas the approaching centennaryof the Constitution of the United States and the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus are events of national and world-wide interest and importance ; Whereas bills have been introduced in the Congress of the United States providing for a celebration of these great anniversaries under the joint auspices of the United States, the forty-six States and Territories, and the several sister nations of the three Americas: Therefore be it Besolved by the American Shipping and Industrial League in national convention as- sembled, That we most heartily indorse this movement a,s patriotic in seutiment and of transcendent commercial importance in stimulating more intimate relations between American nations which have too long been comparative strangers to each other. Besolved, That the secretary be directed to transmit a duly certified copy of these resolutions to the President of the United States, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. [Washington National Monument Society, February 22, 18$8.| Whereas George Washington was the leading spirit in securing a permanent union of the States, the president of the convention that framed the Constitution, the first President of the United States under the Constitution, and foremost in the movement that located the national capital in the District of Columbia ; and Whereas his birthplace and tomb are on the banks of the Potomac, and the grand monument patriotically erected to his memory stands conspicuous in the city which bears his name ; and Whereas fifteen American republics have since taken the constitution which he so earnestly advocated as the model of their organic laws ; and Whereas it is proposed to hold a congress of said sister republics, encamped, as it were, around his monument, in 1889, in honor of the one hundredth anniversary of the inauguration of constitutional government upon the western hemisphere ; and Whereas it is also proposed to hold a Three Americas and World’s Exposition at the national capital in 1892, in commemoration of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus: Therefore Besolved by the Washington National Monument Society, That we heartily favor these proposed celebrations as patriotic in sentiment, and urge all American citizens to join in making them worthy of the dignity, grandeur, and wealth of Washington’s Republic. [American Medical Association, Cincinnati, May 11, 1888.1 Besolved, That the American Medical Association approves of the movement look- ing to the celebration in Washington, in‘1892, of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus, and the establishment there of a museum of the arts, industries, and antiquities of the three Americas ; and the association hereby requests Congress to pass the necessary legislation appropriate to that end. [Mount Yernon Ladies’ Association, Mount Yernon, May 16, 1888.1 Whereas it is proposed to hold a centennial celebration at the city of Washington in 1889, and in 1892 an international celebration in honor of the four hundredth an- niversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, and an exposition of the history, arts, and industries of all nations; Besolved, That the Mount Yernon Ladies’ Association desires to express its sympa- thy with the objects of these celebrations and its cordial wishes for the success of this national movement. VII RESOLUTIONS OF BOARDS OF TRADE, CITY COUNCILS, ETC. [Mayor and general council, Mobile, Ala., January 5, 1888.] Whereas it is proposed to celebrate, at onr national capital, in 1889, the one hun- dredth anniversary of constitutional government in the western hemisphere, which celebration is intended to be a joint tribute by the sixteen American republics to the Constitution of the parent Republic, the United States of America ; and Whereas it is also proposed to hold a world’s exposition in 1892, in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, and thereafter a permanent exposition or museum of the antiquities, history, arts, and industries of the three Americas : Therefore be it Resolved , That the mayor and general council of the city of Mobile, Ala., heartily favor this movement as timely in conception, most patriotic in seutiment, and of great practical importance to the manufacturing and agricultural industries of the United States iu opening up new American markets for our surplus products and stimulating more intimate commercial relations between the several sister nations of the western hemisphere. Resolved, That the city clerk be instructed to send a copy of these resolutions to the President of the United States, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. [Board of Trade, Los Angeles, Cal., January 4, 1888.] Whereas this board of trade, through its directors, has had under consideration cer- tain documents forwarded from the headquarters of the Board of Promotion, located in the city of Washington, D. C. ; and Whereas a careful examination of the purposes, plans, and objects of the Board of Promotion, as set forth in the communication laid before the directors of this board, shows that they are such as commend them to every patriotic and public-spirited citizen of this Republic; and Whereas the indorsement given to theplans and objects of the Board of Promotion by such leading organizations as the National Grange, American Bar Association, In- ternational Medical Congress, American Bankers’ Association, National Board of Trade, and others is evidence that the Board of Promotion has set on foot an under- taking that appeals to the pride and patriotism of our people, irrespective of party or creed, and is receiving warm encouragement from all over the United States, and has and will have the cordial support of our whole people: Therefore be it Resolved, That the Los Angeles board of trade, through its board of directors, ex- presses its hearty approval of this'great undertaking, and recommends that Congress take such steps, during the present session, as will give the enterprise a national character, and render it such financial aid as is deemed expedient and proper. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, under seal, and signed by the president and secretary of this board, be transmitted to the President of the Uuited States, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the secre- tary of the Board of 'Promotion. [City Council, 'Wilmington, Del., December 29, 1887.] Whereas the proposition to celebrate upon a gigantic scale the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, to be followed thereafter by the establishment of a permanent exposition of the arts, history, and industries of the American republics at the national capital, is one that should com- mand the approval and support of all the American republics jointly : Therefore Resolved, That the city of Wilmington, through its representative body, the coun- cil, most heartily responds to the universal desire therefor, and hereby emphasizes its approval of the movement, believing it to be frought with patriotic impulses and calculated to unite the industrial, mercantile, aud agricultural interests of the sev- 22 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 23 eral republics into a common bond of friendly intercourse, thereby securing to them- selves a strong and powerful unity of practical success in all their varied social and commercial relations. Resolved, That the clerk of the council is hereby authorized and directed to trans- mit a duly certified copy of these proceedings to the President of the United States, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and also to the Senators and Representatives from Delaware in the Congress of the United States. [Lumberman’s Exchange, Chicago, January 9, 1888.] Whereas it is proposed to celebrate at our national capital, in 1889, a constitutional centennial, and in 1892 to hold a world’s exposition in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America, the outgrowth of which shall be a perma- nent exposition of the three Americas, to be under governmental control : Therefore, Resolved , That the Lumberman’s Exchange of Chicago is in full accord with the aims and purposes of the proposed celebration, believing the benefits resulting there- from to the citizens of the United States in laying the foundation for more intimate commercial and social relations with other nations, in promoting the more rapid development of the resources of our country, in stimulating effort in the directing of a higher attainment in the arts and sciences in fostering a pride in American citizen- ship, are among the reasons why the General Government should aid and encourage the proposed celebrations. Resolved, That copies of the foregoing preamble and resolution be sent to the Presi- dent of the United States and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. [Mayor and city oouncil, Burlington, Iowa, January 11, 1888.] Whereas it is proposed to hold at the national capital, in 1889, an inter-American and inter-Republic celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of constitutional government in the United States, and in 1892 a world’s exposition in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus ; which exposition of the antiquities, history, arts, and industries of the three Amer- icas is intended to be permanent ; Resolved, That we, the mayor and members of the city council of the city of Bur- lington, Iowa, in council assembled, favor this movement toward more intimate com- mercial and social relations between the several sister nations of the western hemi- sphere. Resolved , That this movement commends itself to the support of the merchants, manufacturers, and people of the United States, as a matter of great importance in promoting friendly intercourse and in stimulating arts and industries. Resolved, That in view of the shortness of time for preparation steps should be im- mediately taken by the General Government to provide the necessary buildings and carry forward the enterprise. Resolved, That the city clerk be directed fo transmit a copy of this paper to the President of the United States, the President of the Senate, an ct the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and that Hon. John H. Gear, member of Congress, be ap- pointed to represent the city of Burlington, Iowa, in promoting this movement. [Board of Trade, Burlington, Iowa. ] Whereas the year 1889 will witness the one hundredth anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, and the year 1892 will bring the quadri- centennial anniversary of the discovery of America ; and Whereas these two events have brought momentous consequences to this western hemisphere by opening it to conquest and settlement by the civilized nations of the earth, which at length resulted in the establishment of a form of government based on a more comprehensive and just “ bill of rights ” than had ever been adopted by any people, and which has since been adopted, substantially, by fifteen other American republics; and Whereas our pride as citizens of the great Republic would naturally prompt us to celebrate so important an event as the centenary of our organic existence, by bring- ing together representatives of all these American republics, so also should our pride as the most powerful and prosperous nation which has sprung into existence in this New World stimulate us to worthily commemorate, by a world’s exposition, the ap- proaching quadri-centenary of the discovery of America : Therefore, Resolved, That the Burlington Board of Trade regard with great favor the objects for which the National Board of Promotion has been established. Their scheme as a whole is worthy of the genius of our Republic, and should receive such liberal sup- port from Congress as will make it an unqualified success. If the enterprise shall re- 24 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. suit in the establishment of a permanent exposition at Washington of the products, of the arts, and industries of the three Americas, more cordial relations will be es- tablished, and doubtless the trade of the United States would be greatly benefited. [City council, Des Moines. Iowa, January 17, 1888.] Whereas it has been determined consistent with the public interests to celebrate at the nation’s capital, in 1889, the one hundredth anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the United States, a world’s exposition in 1892, in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus, and a per- manent exposition of the industries of the three Americas ; and Whereas it is proposed that said celebration be under the control of the General Government, viz, a commission of nine persons, an equal number of which to be ap- pointed by the President, the President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives; and Whereas the mayor of this city is a member of the Board of Promotion ; It is therefore resolved by the city council of the city of Des Moines that said move- ment appears to be worthy of commendation. We therefore indorse and approve the same, and order that the city clerk be re- quested to send copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. [Mayor and city council, Topeka, Kans., January 20, 1888.] Whereas it as proposed to commemorate the establishment of constitutional repub- lican government in America, on its one hundredth anniversary in 1889, by a celebra- tion at the capital of the United States, in which the republics of the world are to be invited to participate, and all other nations are to be invited as guests, and it is also proposed to celebrate the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus by a national and international exposition to be held at Washington in 1892, and also to establish a permanent exposition of the three Americas as an out- growth of this latter : Therefore be it Resolved , By the mayor and councilmen of the city of Topeka that this movement receives our most hearty approval and commendation as being pre-eminently worthy of the patriotism of our people and the dignity of our Republic, and well calculated to strenghten republican institutions, foster patriotism and public spirit, stimulate commerce, encourage domestic industry, and promote international good feeling. Resolved , That the city clerk be, and he is hereby, instructed to transmit three copies of these resolutions to the secretary of the National Board of Promotion, one addressed to the President of the United States, one to the President of the Senate, and one to the Speaker of the House. [Maritime Association, New Orleans, December 27, 1887.] • Whereas it A s proposed to celebrate at the city of Washington, in 1889, the centen- nial anniversary of constitutional government in the western hemisphere as a joint tribute by the several American republics to the Constitution of the parent Republic, the United States; and Whereas it is also proposed to hold at our national capital in 1892 an interna- tional celebration of the discovery of America by Columbus, and an exposition of the antiquities, arts, history, and industries of the three Americas, which is intended to be made permanent : Be it therefore Resolved , That the New Orleans Maritime Association heartily favors this movement towards more intimate commercial and social relations between the several sister na- tions of the three Americas, and commends it to the people of the United States as a matter of great practical importance in promoting friendly intercom se ; and further Resolved, That the secretary be directed to transmit a copy of these resolutions to the President of the United States, to the President of the Senate, and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. [Merchants’ Exchange and Board of Trade, Portland, Me., January 5, 1888.] Whereas it it proposed to hold at the national capital in 1889 a joint celebration by the sixteen American republics in honor of the centennial anniversary of the in- auguration of constitutional government upon the western hemisphere ; also, to hold at the national capital in 1892 a world’s exposition in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus, which exposition of the his- tory, arts, and industries of the three Americas is intended to be permanent: Resolved, That the Board of Trade of Portland, Me., heartily favors this movement toward more intimate relations between the several sister nations of the three Amer- PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 25 xcas, and commends it to the people of the United States as a matter of great prac- tical importance. Resolved, That the secretary he instructed to send copies of these resolutions to the President of the United States, to the President of the Senate, and to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. [General assembly ot Maryland, spring of 1886.] Whereas it is proposed to establish p, permanent exposition of the three Americas at Washington, the capital of the United States ; and Whereas, it is proposed that this project be inaugurated by a constitutional cen- tennial celebration in 1889, by the sixteen American republics, in honor of the one hundredth anniversity of the Constitution of the parent Republic, the United States ; and Whereas it is proposed to consummate it by a grand world’s exposition in 1892 in honor of the one hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus: Therefore be it Resolved, By the general assembly of Maryland, that we heartily approve of the project as a matter of transcendent importance to the United States and the whole western hemisphere, and that we urge Congress to support it in a manner worthy of these great historical events, and of the greatness, grandeur, and dignity of the nation. [Corn and Flour Exchange, Baltimore, Md., January 9, 1888.] Whereas it is proposed to celebrate at the capital of the nation, in 1889, the one hundredth anniversary of the organization of constitutional government on this con- tinent , and also a world’s exposition fn 1892, in honor of the four hundredth anni- versary of the discovery of America, for the display of the antiquities, history, arts, and industries of the three Americas ; Be it Resolved, That the Corn and Flour Exchange of Baltimore heartily approve the carrying out and consummation of the above patriotic object, and believe the said anniversary and exposition will redound t*> the general welfare and renown of our common country. Resolved, That a copy of the above preamble and resolution be forwarded to the Pres- ident of the United States, and also to our Senators and Representatives in Congress, and urge upon them to give all the aid possible in their power to the accomplishment of the objects contemplated. [Merchants and Manufactures’ Association, Baltimore, December, 1887.] Whereas this association, having been duly notified from the office of the national board of promotion, that the time is arrived when active co-operation is demanded for the consummation of the celebration to be held at the national capital, the culmina- tion of which is to be the permanent exposition of the Three Americas, the plan and scope of which is set forth in the Congressional Record, under date of December 17, 1887, a copy of which is before this body : Therefore, Resolved, That this association, fully appreciating the importance of said national undertakings, and the necessity of early recognition by the powers that be, in order that, by prompt and assiduous labor, the plans may be wrought out, and the enter- prise assume such immediate shape as will ensure the ultimate and entire success of the different expositions proposed to illustrate important epochs in our history as a nation, hereby tenders its hearty and unqualified indorsement, and will, to the ex- tent of its ability, undertake to further the same, through successive steps, to com- pletion. [Merchants’ Exchange, Saint Louis, January 23, 1888.] Whereas it is proposed to have at the national capital, in 1889, an inter-American and interrepublic celebration of the centennial of the United States, a world’s ex- position in 1892, in honor of the four hundredth centennial of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, and a permanent museum of the antiquities, history, arts, and industries of the Three Americas, and also to maintain a permanent exhibit of the resources of the States and Territories of this Union, and a display of the working models of important American inventions. • Resolved by the Merchants’ Exchange of the city of Saint Louis, through its board of di- rectors, That they heartily approve of these important and patriotic works, and urge the consummation of this exhibit of the greatness and grandeur of our country, and indorse these means of inviting and encouraging a more complete reciprocity of trade and interchange of ideas with our neighbois, leading to more enlightened commer- cial regulations, which will furnish new markets for our surplus products and manu- 26 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. factured articles, and upon the most favored terms with our sister American Repub- lics. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the President and to our Senators and Representatives in Congress, and to the governor of the State of Missouri. [Commercial Exchange, Kansas City, January 3, 1888.] Whereas an association has been formed for the purpose of holding in Washing- ton, in 1889, a centennial celebration of the establishment of constitutional govern- ment on the American continent, to be participated in by the sixteen American re- publics ; Whereas said association proposes also to celebrate the four hundredth anniver- sary of the discovery of America by Columbus, by establishing in the city of Wash- ington a permanent exposition of the history, arts, and industries of the American nations. Resolved, That the Commercial Exchange of Kansas City cordially favors the ob- jects of the said association, and the proposed celebrations, believing that it will pro- mote more intimate relations among the American Nations, to their mutual advantage and to the support ot republican institutions on the continent. [Business Men’s Association, Buffalo, January, 1888. J Whereas it is proposed to celebrate, in due and proper form, at our own capital city of Washington, in the year 1889, the one hundredth anniversary of theestablish- ment of constitutional government in the western hemisphere, in which celebration all of the sixteen republics of North, Central, and South America are to unite; and Whereas it is also proposed to make timely and abundant preparation for the four h un- dredth anniversary of the discovery of America in 1492, by Columbus, and to celebrate in a becoming manner, and upon a scale of magnificence befitting so great an event, by an exposition of antiquities, of history, of the progress of art, agriculture, science, and manufactures, to be held in the city of Washington in the year 1892; and Whereas the proposed celebrations are to be under the auspices of our National Government and the management and corftrol of nine officials to be appointed jointly by the President of the United States, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives : Therefore, be it Resolved, That the Buffalo Business Men’s Association do most emphatically approve of the proposed celebrations, and believe that by so associating our sister republics on the two continents with ourselves in mutual acknowledgment of the great debt we owe to those who conceived and made practical the wise and wonderful systems of constitutional government with which both continents are blessed, and which stand at once the pattern for all the peoples of the earth to copy, and also are the fountain of blessings and prosperity to a hundred millions of free and enlightened citizens, who-dwell on a continent that four hundred years ago greeted the weary eyes of the great searcher, Christopher Columbus, a new, almost untrodden world ; and be it further Resolved, That the secretary of this board be directed to transmit a copy of this document to the President of the United States, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, with the signatures of the association ap- pended thereto. [City council, SpriDgfield, Ohio, January 10, 1888.1 Whereas it is jiroposed to hold at the national capital, in 1889, an American inter- republic celebration in honor of the one hundredth anniversary of the Constitution ; and in 1892, an inter- American and world’s exposition in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus ; and Whereas it is also proposed to establish at the national capital, in 1892, a perma- nent exposition of the arts and industries of the three Americas: Therefore, Resolved, That the city council of the city of Springfield, Ohio, favours this movement as timely in conception and of great importance to the manufacturers of the United States in opening up new American markets for our surplus products, and stimulating more intimate relations between the several nations of the western hemisphere. Resolved, That the city clerk be, and is hereby, directed to send copies of these reso- lutions' 1 to the President of the United States, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. [ Board of Trade, Zanesville, Ohio, January 6, 1888.] Whereas it is proposed to celebrate in Washington in 1889, under the control and di- rection of Congress, the one hundredth anniversary of the establishment of constitu- tional government ; and PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 27 Whereas it is also proposed to hold at Washington in 1892 a world’s exposition in honor of the fourth centenary of the discovery of America by Christopher Colum- bus, which exposition it is designed to make permanent, and to become a true ex- position of the arts, the industries, the progress, and the attainments of the people who shall compose the several American States and republics : Therefore, be it Resolved by the Board of Trade of Zanesville, Ohio, That this board regards with great favor these several undertakings as matters in themselves eminently patriotic' and advantageous to the whole people, and becoming the dignity, the grandeur, and the greatness of the American Republic. Resolved, That the secretary be directed to cause a certified copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions to be forwarded to the President of the United States, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. [Mayor and city council, Erie, Pa., February 23, 1888.] In the matter of the Constitutional Centennial Celebration in 1889, World’s Expo- sition in 1892, and Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas as the outgrowth of the latter. I do hereby certify that the mayor, select and common councils of the city of Erie, Pa., have accepted the invitation and approved of the movement. Witness my hand and the seal of said city the day and year above written. T. Hanlon, City Clerk. [Board of Trade, Scranton, Pa., December 19, 1887.] Resolved, That the Scranton Board of Trade heartily approve of the projected world’s exposition to be held in the city of Washington, in honor of the four hundredth an- niversary of the discovery of America by Columbus, as a means of promoting more intimate commercial relations between American nations, and of displaying to the world the blessings of republican institutions, and of establishing a permanent ex- hibition of the various arts and industries of the United States, and they respect- fully urge upon the National Government the adoption of the necessary legislation for such a national celebration and establishment. Resolved, That the secretary be directed to transmit a copy of these resolutions to the President; of the United States, the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Rep- resentatives, and the secretary of the National Board of Promotion. [Board of Trade, Burlington, Vt., February 29, 1888.] Whereas it is proposed to hold at the national capital, in 1889, a constitutional centennial celebration by the sixteen American republics in honor of the one hundredth anniversary of the Constitution of the parent republic (the United States), and in 1892, a world’s exposition in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the dis- covery of America, all to be under the auspices of the General Government as stated in the letters this day received from Mr. Alex. D. Anderson, secretary of the National Board of Promotion ; Therefore, Resolved, That the Burlington Board of Trade (Ver- mont) favors the proposed celebration. Resolved, That the secretary be instructed to send to Mr. Anderson copies of these resolutions as requested, one for the President of the United States, one to the Pres- ident of the Senate, and one for the Speaker of the House of Representatives. [Chamber of Commerce, Richmond, Va., January 12, 1888.] Whereas, it is proposed to hold at the national capital in 1889 a constitutional cen- tennial celebration by the sixteen American republics, and in 1892 a world’s expo- sition in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus, which exposition of the antiquities, history, arts, and industries of the three Americas is intended to be permanent : Resolved, That we favor this movement toward more intimate commercial and social relations between the United States and the several sister nations of the three Amer- icas. Resolved, That this movement commends itself to the support of the merchants and manufacturers of the United States as a matter of great practical importance in pro- moting friendly international intercourse and in stimulating arts and industries. Resolved, That, in view of the shortness of the time for preparation, steps should be immediately taken by the General Government to provide the necessary buildings and carry forward the enterprise. Resolved, That the secretary is hereby requested to transmit a duly certified copy of these resolutions to the President of the United States, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and also to the Senators and Rep- resentatives from Virginia in the Congress of the United States. 28 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. [Tobacco Association, Lynchburgh, Va., September 5, 1887.] Besolved by the Lynchburgh Tobacco Association, That we favor the movement look- ing to aconstitutional centennial oelebration by the sixteen American republics at Washington in 1889, and a world’s exposition in 1892, in the same city, in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America. Besolved, That three members of this association be appointed by the president com- mitteemen to co-operate with the president and secretary as members of the Board of Promotion, and that the president be ex-officio chairman of . said committee of five. Besolved, That said committee is hereby instructed to take the necessary steps for giving prominence to the tobacco trade of Lynchburgh in said movement, and report from time to time to this association, [Virginia State Grange, December 12, 1887.] Whereas the proposed centennial celebration, at Washington City, of the promulga- tion of the Constitution of the United States, in 1889, and inter-American exhibition in memory of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of this continent by Columbus, are matters which will be of great material value to the agricultural and mechanical industries of the country ; Whereas such an exhibition will bring about more friendly relations between the American Republics and the people of the civilized world, and hasten that “ good time coming ” when the sword shall be beat into the plowshare and spear into the pruning hook : Therefore be it Besolved, That the State Grange of Virginia, representing every section of the Com- monwealth, in the fifteenth annual session assembled, dc hereby heartily indorse the proposed exhibition and celebration of these two most memorable events in the history of the civilized world, and we demand, through our national legislative committee, that the Senators and Representatives from Virginia in the Congress of the Doited States, do aid by their votes these most important measures ; and Besolved, That the legislature of Virginia be requested, under seal of this grange, by our State legislative committee to make adequate appropriations for the proper representation of the agricultural, mechanical, manufacturing, and mining interest of the State at the proposed exhibition. [Chamber of Commerce, Tacoma, Wash., January 16, 1888.] We, the members of the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, recognizing the propriety of fitly celebrating two events of sucb transcendent historical interest as the discov- ery of America by Columbus, and the adoption of our National Constitution, cordially unite withoui sister organizations throughout the country in recommending and urg- ing our National Congress to take sucb action and make such provisions foi the suit- able celebration of these event s in 1892 as in their wisdom may seem consistent and adequate to a suitable recognition of the faitb and courage oi the great discoverer, and the wisdom and patriotism of the founders ol our Government. VIII LETTERS FROM GOVERNORS OF STATES AND TERRITORIES. ALASKA. District of Alaska, Executive Office, Sitka, August 27, 1886. Sir : Having just returned from a three months’ absence on official business. I find your favor of the 7th June informing me of my appointment as a member ex officio of the Exposition Board of Promotion. I accept the appointment most cheerfully, and beg to assure you that whatever I can do to promote the important work you* have in hand will be done. I will esteem it a favor if you will kindly suggest the way in which I can make myself most useful in that regard. Very respectfully, * A. P. SwiNEVORD, Governor. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary Board of Promotion, Washington, D. C. ARIZONA. Executive Department of Arizona, Office of the Governor, Prescott, Ariz., June 12, 1886. Dear Sir : Your circular letter of the 5th instant is at hand. J accept the appoint- ment, and will cheerfully give any influence in my power toward the promotion of this important work. Very respectfully, C Meyer Zulick, Governor. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary, etc., Washington, D. C. ARKANSAS. State of Arkansas, Executive Office, Little Rock, December 16, 1887. Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your circular letter of the 12tb instant, and to say iD reply that 1 accept the appointment to act as one of the “Na- tional Board of Promotion of the Constitutional Celebration iD 1889, and of the “World’s Exposition iD 1892, as also of the “Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas.” I shall be pleased to do what I can to aid these great national enter- prises, but have to regret that thus fai no provision has been made in Arkansas to encourage them, but indulge the hope that there yet may be. Very respectfully, Simon P. Hughes, Governor of Arkansas. Alex. D. Anderson, Secretary National Board of Promotion , Washington , D. C. 30 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS CALIFORNIA. State of California, Executive Department, Sacramento, Cal., June 16, 1886. Dear Sir: The governor desires to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of your esteemed favor of the 5th instant, informing him that he has been appointed a mem- ber ex officio of the Exposition Board of Promotion, whose objects he considers highly commendable and worthy the support of all patriotic citizens. Very respectfully, J. J. Tobin, Private Secretary. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Washington, D. C. CONNECTICUT. State of Connecticut, Executive Department, Hartford, Conn., September 14, 1886. Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication inform- ing me that I have been appointed a member ex officio of the Exposition Board of Promotion, etc. Being in cordial sympathy with the designs of the organization represented by the board, I accept the appointment with great pleasure. Very respectfully, Henry B. Harrison, Governor. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary, etc. State of Connecticut, Executive Department, Hartford, December 19, 188?. My Dear Sir : Your esteemed favor of the 12th is at hand. Governor Lounsburv directs me to say in reply that he accepts with pleasure the appointment conferred, and trusts that nothing will interfere with a grand success in the work suggested. Sincerely, Geo. B. McLean, Executive Secretary. Alex. D. AnBerson, Esq., Secretary. DAKOTA. Territory of Dakota, Executive Office, Bismarck, June 12, 1886. Dear Sir: Your communication of the 5th instant, informing me that I have been appointed a member ex officio of the “Exposition Board of Promotion,” is received. I have no objection to accepting the place, though what I can do to favor the enter- prise depends lately on whether it is made a national movement and recognized and indorsed as the celebration of that interesting period. It is very important Hiat, if Congress is to take hold of the matter at all, it do so at this session. I am, very respectfully, Gilbert A. Pierce, Governor of Dakota. Alexander D. Anderson, Secretary, etc., Washington, D. C. PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 31 DAKOTA. Territory of Dakota, Executive Office, Bismarck, December 30, 1887. Dear Sir: Yours of 12th instant at hand, notifying me of my appointment as a member of the Centennial and Exposition National Board of Promotion. I will be glad to aid you in every proper way. Respectfully, Louis K. Church. • Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Seo’y, etc., Washington , D. C. DELAWARE. Middletown, Del., December 19, 1887. Dear Sir: Your favor received, advising me that I have “been appointed a mem- ber of the Centennial and Exposition National Board of Promotion . ” I will accept and co-operate with you to secure success. Very respectfully, B. T. Biggs. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq. FLORIDA. State of Florida Executive Office, Tallahassee, June 11, 1886. Dear Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge your favor of the 5th instant, inform- ing me that I have been appointed a member ex officio of the Exposition Board of Promotion, having in view a permanent exposition of the Three Americas and a con- stitutional celebration in 1889, and world’s exposition in 1892, in the city of Wash- ington, and asking me to advise you if I accept the appointment and will use my influence in the promotion of this important work. I beg to reply unhesitatingly in the affirmative, and to say that 1 have long been deeply impressed with the great im- portance to Florida and the other Gulf States especially, and to our whole coun{ry, of cultivating close relations with the South and Central American States, and I shall gladly do all in my power to aid in promoting any scheme which gives promise in that direction. Very respectfully, « E. A. Perry. Alex. D. Enderson, Esq., Secretary , etc., Washington , D. C. GEORGIA. State of Georgia, Executive Department, Atlanta, Ga., December 6, 1886. My Dear Sir: I am instructed by his excellency John.B. Gordon, governor of Georgia, to state that your circular letters of the 5th of June and the 11th of Sep- tember were duly received at this office, containing the notification that the gov- ernor of this State had been appointed an ex-officio member of the board you represent, and, since his inauguration, have been laid before him. He requests me to say that he accepts the appointment tendered, and, being in full sympathy with the objects of the board, will do whatever he can to insure its reali- zation. I am, .very respectfully, your obedient servant, James T. Nisbet, Secretary, Executive Department. Alex. D. Anderson, Sec’y of the Board of Promotion. 32 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. IDAHO. Executive Office, Bois£ City, Idaho, June 15, 1886. Sir : Your esteemed favor of the 5th instant, notifying me of my appointment as a member ex officio of the Exposition Board of Promotion for the Permanent Exposition of Three Americas, Constitutional Centennial Celebration, and the World’s Exposition in 1892, at Washington City, D. C., has been received. In accepting the honor of the appointment, I beg to return thanks to the honorable board for the compliment bestowed, and also to assure the board that it will be deemed both a pleasure and duty, on my part, to contribute every aid and influence in my power to make the exposition and the centennial celebration contemplated by the board the most noteworthy historical events of the nineteenth century. With the most ardent wish for the complete success of the patriotic and important undertaking, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Edward A. Stevenson, Governor , Alexander D. Anderson, Esq., Washington , D. C. IOWA. State of Iowa, Executive Department, Des Moines, June 16, 1886. Dear Sir : 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th instant, notifying me of my appointment as a member ex officio of the Exposition Board of Promotion. Thanking your executive committee for this compliment, I take this opportunity to say that, though expositions are very expensive for the country or nation indulg- ing in them, they are always fully, and many times even doubly and trebly, worth their cost. Expositions are civilizers, like steam and the printing press, and the enormous present progress in the manufacture and commerce of the world is due in a large degree to the various expositions of the last thirty years. I haye no doubt that a realization of your programme will bring about anew and better industrial and commercial era in the new hemisphere. Yours, respectfully, Wm. Larrabee, Governor, Alexander D. Anderson, Secretary , etc., Washington, D. C. KANSAS. State of Kansas, Executive Department, Topeka, June 29, 1886. My Dear Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of June 24, concerning the proposed Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas, to be held in Washington in 1889 and in 1892. I heartily indorse the contemplated exposition, and accept with pleasure the ap- pointment tendered me as a member ex officio of the Board of Promotion. I trust the project will be successfully carried out ; and it will afford me pleasure to contribute all the assistance in my power to make the proposed celebration a suc- Yery respectfully, John A. Martin. Alexander D. Anderson, Secretary, Washington. PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 33 KENTUCKY. Executive Department, Frankfort, Ky., June 28, 1886. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of the 5th instant, noti- fying me of my appointment as a member ex officio of the Board of Promotion of the Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas and other projects referred to, and I have no doubt thatthe scheme, if properly conducted, would redound very greatly to the interests of this Commonwealth. I beg to assure you that I will take pleasure in doing what I can, consistently, to promote its success. I have the honor to be, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. Proctor Knott. Alexander D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary , etc., Washington, I). C. LOUISIANA. Executive Department, State of Louisiana, Baton Rouge , La., September 21, 1886. Dear Sir : I am pleased to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, with notification of my appointment as member ex officio of the Exposition Board of Promotion, which is accepted, with the hope that I may be able to extend a hearty co-operation in for- warding the success of the exposition of the Three Americas. Very respectfully, yours, S. D. McEnery, Governor. Alex. D. Anderson, Secretary Board of Promotion, Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas. MAINE. State of Maine, Executive Department, Augusta, June 25, 1886. Dear Sir : Yours of the 5th instant, relating to membership of the Board of Pro- motion of the exposition to beheld in Washington, has been received. In reply, I will say that it will give me pleasure to do whatever I can to promote the enterprise. Yours, very respectfully, Frederick Robie. MAINE. State of Maine, Executive Department, Augusta, Me., February 13, 1888. Dear Sir: His excellency Governor Marble directs mo to acknowledge with thanks the receipt of your communication, under date of January 13, informing him that he has been appointed a member ex officio of the Exposition Board of Promotion, and to say that he considers its objects highly commendable, and will do what he can to promote the enterprise. Very respectfully, E. C. Stevens, Private Secretary. Alex. D. Anderson, Secretary National Board of Promotion , Willard’s Hotel, Washington, D. C. MARYLAND. State of Maryland, Executive Department, Jnnapohs, January 16, 1888. Dear Sir: Your kind favor informing me I have been appointed a member of the National Board of Promotion of the centennial and exposition movement received. H. Rep. 2601 3 34 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. I would say iu reply that I feel a great interest in the success of the movement, and will do what I can in the matter. Yours, truly, E. E. Jackson. Mr. Alex. D. Anderson, Secretary National Board of Promotion, Washington, D. C. MINNESOTA. State of Minnesota, Executive Department, Saint Pauly August 11, 1886. Dear Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your communication in- forming me that I have been appointed a member ex offido of the Board of Promotion of the Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas. Believing that your undertaking, if carried to successful completion, will be greatly advantageous to the varied interests of our extended country, I willingly consent to undertake the discharge of such duties as the position may impose upon me. Very respectfully, L. F. Hubbard, Governor. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary Board of Promotion, Washington, D. C. MISSISSIPPI. State of Mississippi, Executive Department, Jackson, Miss., June 11, 1886. My Dear Sir : I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 5th instant, and to thank you and, through you, the members of the Exposition Board of Promo- tion, for the courtesy extended me by electing me a member of your organization. The object iu view has my most hearty .approval, and I will cheerfully give you any assistance I may be able to render. Very respectfully, Robert Lowry. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary, etc., Washington, D. C. MISSOURI. State of Missouri, Executive Department, City of Jefferson, January 23, 1888. Sir : Yours of recenl date, informing me that I have been appointed a member of the National Board of Promotion, is at hand. I cheerfully accept the appointment and shall ever stand ready to contribute what I may to the success of the commendable enterprises which such board has in hand. Very truly, yours, A. P. Morehouse, Governor Missouri. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Washington, D. C. MONTANA. The Territory of Montana, Governor’s Office, Helena, September 29, 1886. Dear Sir : Your letter of September 11 received. I accept the appointment as a member ex officio of the Exposition Board of Promotion with thanks. Very respectfully, S. T. Houser, Governor. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary, Washington, D. C. PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 35 NEBRASKA. State of Nebraska, Lincoln, October 7, 1886. Dear Sir: Notification of my appointment as member or officio of the Board of Pro- motion of the Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas has been received. I hereby signify my acceptance, and shall be pleased to render such assistance as I may be able in forwarding the interests of so worthy an enterprise. Respectfully, James W. Dawes, Governor . Alex. D. Anderson, Secretary. NEVADA. Executive Department, Governor's Office, Carson City, Nev., December 31, 1887. Dear Sir: With sincere thanks I acknowledge yours of the 12th instant, notifying me of my appointment as a member ex officio of the Exposition Board of Promotion, I hereby accept, and will co-operate in the worthy action to be had in the premises to the best of my ability. I am, very truly, yours, C. C. Stevenson, Governor. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary, etc., Washington, D. C. NEW HAMPSHIRE. State of New Hampshire, Executive Department, Concord, December 24, 1887. Dear Sir: Your letter of the 12th instant came during my absence from home, hence delay in reply. I accept the appointment, and will act with the board in promotion of its work, which I regard of national importance and benefit. Yours, truly, C. F. Sawyer. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary National Board of Promotion, Washington, D. C. NEW JERSEY. State of New Jersey, Executive Department, Trenton, December 13, 1887. Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your favor of the 12th instant, informing me of my appointment as a member of the Centennial and Exposition National Board of Promo- tion. It will give me pleasure to do whatever may be in my power to promote the object of your organization. Very respectfully, Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary of National Board of Promotion. Rob't S. Green. PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. OREGON. State of Oregon, Salem, Oregon, November 8, 1886. Dear Sir: Your communication of recent date, notifying me of my appointment as a member ex officio of tbe Board of Promotion of the Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas, is at hand. I accept with pleasure the appointment tendered, and will contribute so far as it may be within my power towards the success of the pro- posed enterprise. Yours, respectfully, Zenas F. Moody, Governor. Alex. D. Anderson, Secretary, etc., Washington, D . C . PENNSYLVANIA. _ Executive Department, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg , Pa., September 14, 1886. Sir : In reply to your favor I beg leave to say that I cheerfully accept my appoint- ment as member ex officio of the Board of Promotion, and will be glad to give the in- terests it represents whatever weight of influence I may possess. I am impressed that the object is a most laudable one, and if successfully carried out will materially bene- fit the industrial and commercial outlook of the country. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, Rob’t E. Pattison, Governor . Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary Board of Promotion , Washington , D. C. RHODE ISLAND. State of Rhode Island, Executive Department, Providence, December 14, 1887. My Dear Sir : Yours of the 12th instant, notifying mo of my appointment upon the Board of Promotion of the Centennial National Exposition, is at hand. In reply permit me to say that I am pleased to accept the appointment, and shall be glad to aid, in any way I may be able to do, the purposes and objects in view. Thanking you for your consideration, I am, respectfully, Yours, obliged, John W. Davis, Governor . Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary, ete. TENNESSEE. Executive Office, Nashville, Tenn., June 28, 1886. Dear Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge your circular note informing me that I had been appointed a member ex officio of the Exposition Board of Promotion, for which please accept my thanks. Hoping the movement may be successful and will result in great practical good to our country, and that its benefits may be reciprocal and enjoyed by all interested in it, I am, with much respect, yours truly, Wm. B. Bate. Alex D. Anderson, Esq., Washington, D. C. PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 37 TEXAS. Executive Office, Austin, Tex., July 3, 1886. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a notice of my appointment as member ex officio of the Board of Promotion, having in view a permanent exposition of the three Americas in 1892. I accept the appointment, and hope Texas will avail herself of that opportunity of showing to the world some of her vast resources. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Jno. Ireland. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Washington , D. C. UTAH. Territory of Utah, Executive Office, Salt Lake City, July 2, 1886. Dear Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the notification of, and my accept- ance of, the appointment as a member ex officio of the Exposition Board of Promotion. The project meets my hearty approval as a becoming way in which to celebrate the great events to bo commemorated as one calculated to promote and advance tho in- terests of the whole country and to add to our beautiful capital city an additional magnificent permanent attraction. It will give me pleasure to aid in every proper way the important work. I am, sir, your obedient servant, Caleb W. West. Alex. D. Anderson, Secretary Exposition Board of Promotion , Washington, D. C. VERMONT. State of Vermont, Secretary of Civil and Military Affairs, Hartford , June 11, 1886. My Dear Sir : I am instructed by his excellency Samuel E. Pingree, governor of Vermont, to acknowledge the receipt of your circular letter of the 5th instant, and to say that he is pleased to accept the honor of the appointment indicated in your said letter, for which he returns thanks, with the assurance that he will do all that he can consistently with his various duties to promote the important work outlined or re- ferred to. I have the honor to be, yours, very respectfully, Alfred E. Watson, Secretary, etc. Aucx. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary etc., Washington, D. C. State of Vermont, Executive Chamber, Brandon, December 17, 1887. Dear Sir: Your circular letter of 12th instant, by which I am informed that I have been appointed a member of the Centennial and Exposition Mational Board of Pro- motion, has been received. In reply I have to say that it is with pleasure that I ac- cept tho appointment, and that it will also bo my pleasure to co-operate with my associates in the undertaking. I am, sir, respectfully, yours, Ebenezer J. Ormsbee, Governor. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary , etc., Washington, D. C. 38 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. v VIRGINIA. Commonwealth of Virginia, Governor’s Office, Richmond , Va., June 7, 1886. My Dear Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 5th instant, informing me that I had been appointed a member ex officio of the Exposition Board of Promotion. Believing that the project will be of great practi- cal importance and vaiue to my State, I will be glad to do my part toward making said exposition a success. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Fitzhugh Lee. Mr. Alex. D. Anderson, Secretary Permanent Exposition of the Three Americas, Washington, D. G. WASHINGTON TERRITORY. Washington Territory, Executive Office, Olympia, July 7, 1886. Dear Sir: Your communication of June 24, accompanied with clippings from newspapers commendatory of the enterprise you are striving to promote, has been received, and, in reply, I beg to assure you of my hearty approval of the project, and I will be glad to give my influence in aid of its advancement. I am, very respectfully, Watson C. Squire, Governor. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., ' Seci'etary Board of Promotion, Washington, D. C. i Washington Territory, Executive Department, Olympia, December 20, 1887. Sir : I hereby acknowledge receipt of your note of December 12, with inclosures. I am anxious to assist you with such influence as this office can wield. Please advise me of what you wish me to do. Respectfully, Eugene Semple. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary Board of Promotion, Washington, D. C. WEST VIRGINIA. State of West Virginia, Executive Department, Charleston, November 18, 1886. Dear Sir : An unaccountable delay in the transmission of your communication notifying me of my appointment as member ex officio of the Exposition Board of Pro- motion will explain delay in acknowledging receipt and acceptance. I shall gladly do all in my power to accomplish the important purposes in view. Very respectfully, E. W. Wilson. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary, etc. WYOMING. Executive Department, Cheyenne, Wyo., October 11, 1886. Dear Sir: Your letter of September 11, informing me that I have been appointed a member ex officio of the Board of Promotion for the Permanent Exposition of the PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 39 Three Americas, is received. I will he glad to aid in every proper way the important work. Thanking you for the honor conferred, and with cordial wishes for the success of the project, 1 am, yours, respectfully, • Francis E. Warren, Governor. Alex. D Anderson, Secretary Board of Promotion , Washington , D. C. Executive Department, Cheyenne , Wyo., December 16, 1887. Dear Sir: Your circular letter of the 12th instant, informing me that I have been appointed a member ex officio of the Exposition Board of Promotion, is received. In accepting the appointment I desire to assure you that whatever is proper to do will be cheerfully done in furtherance of the exposition. Very respectfully, Thomas Moonlight, Governor. A lex. D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary National Board of Promotion , Washington , D. C. IX. EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS FROM BOARDS OF TRADE , MAYORS OF CITIES , ETC. The number of letters of acceptance received during the past two years from presi- dents and secretaries of boards of trade, mayors of cities, officers of granges and agricultural societies, etc., is so large that it is impossible to print them all in the space of a committee report. But the following extracts will show their friendly- nature : [President of the New England Shoe and Leather Association.] We believe your proposed exposition, under judicious management, will be of im- mense benefit to the industries of this country by increasing our foreign trade, and tend to cultivate closer commercial relations between the Americas. [President of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.] I deem it a matter of vast importance to the United States, and particularly to our Pacific coast, that closer relations be cultivated and maintained with all the repub- lics of Mexico, Central, and South America. I could not devise or suggest a more certain method of accomplishing that end than the mode suggested by your Board of Promotion. [Secretary Chicago Lumberman’s Exchange.] Looking upon the project as one well calculated to promote a better understanding and consequently an increase of communication and trade between the Three Ameri- cas, binding them in closer commercial intercourse, it will afford me much pleasure to accept the appointment and to do all in my power to forward to success the end in view. [Superintendent Mobile Cotton Exchange.] I will cheerfully give all the support in my power to the laudable undertaking, and believe a successful management of the work will redound greatly to the benefit of the industrial and commercial interests of our country. [Secretary Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce.] I deem the objects of the proposed exposition most appropriate and praiseworthy, and trust that the American people will enter into the work in a manner worthy of the great events to be commemorated and of themselves. [Mayor of Galveston, Tex.] I heartily indorse the contemplated project df those having the promotion of the matter in hand, and will, to the extent of my influence and ability, co-operate with the projectorsand others designated in your circular, in the furtherance of this magnifi- cent and patriotic enterprise. [Secretary Philadelphia Produce Exchange.] I am heartily in sympathy with the movement, which I believe should and will com- mand the earnest support of all commercial organizations and patriotic and enter- prising citizeps of the United States. 40 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 41 [Secretary Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.] I take pleasure in indicating my acceptance of the appointment, and will most cordially render any aid in my power in the advancement of this grand object. [Secretary Detroit Board of Trade.] The great events sought to he commemorated are worthy of the united efforts and interests of this great nation and people, and the cordial support of onr Congress in every way to insure success. [Secretary Nashville Merchants’ Exchange.] The object in view is one that should receive the encouragement of all classes, and should be entered into with pride by all American citizens. [Mayor of Buffalo.] I will cheerfully give my support to the laudable undertaking, believing that it will be of great benefit to the industrial and commercial interests of the country. [Secretary of the Chattanooga Iron and Coal Manufacturer’s Association.] All American citizens should hail with delight the prospective celebration, and at so fitting a place, of the mighty events in the history of this Republic and of the world which it is proposed to commemorate. [Mayor of Baltimore.] Believing that these projects are wisely conceived, and that the public sentiment will rally around them with great unanimity when they shall have been clearly un- derstood, and that their consummation will result in great commercial advantages to the United States, I am willing to co-operate with the Board of Promotion to the ex- tent of my official influence in their furtherance. [Secretary of the Saint Joseph (Mo.), Board of Trade. The project is a grand one, and certainly most opportunely conceived. With all the pride of nationality and American citizenship I wish it complete success. [Mayor of Toledo, Ohio.] I am in hearty accord with the proposed movement, and, indeed, with all efforts to Americanize the Americas. [President of the Indinapolis Board of Trade.] The project meets with my hearty approval. It seems admirably adapted to pro- mote more intimate relations and secure increased commercial exchanges between our country and her sister republics of this continent. [President Board of Trade, Columbia, S. C.] Nothing so well and thoroughly advertises the productions and resources of a country as well organized expositions. [Secretary National Grange.] Whatever assistance I can give officially and personally to this important and praise- worthy project will be promptly and cheerfully rendered. [Chairman executive committee of National Grange.] Since the purposes are such as will surely effect much good to the agricultural in- terests of the whole country, I will use my best efforts to carry them out. 42 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OE THE THREE AMERICAS. [Secretary Illinois State Grange.] It seems to me the plan proposed, when carried out, will result in great good to our American industries, especially to the paramount interest of agriculture. [President of Amherst College.] It will please me to contribute in any way in my power to the accomplishment of the desirable scheme outlined in these papers. [Manager of the Mexican and Spanish- American Exchange of Saint Louis.] I confidently believe that with the co-operation of clear-sighted and intelligent minds; who will exercise discretion and judgment in the promotion of the great ob- ject under consideration, its practical results will far exceed the most sanguine ex- pectations of even the most enthusiastic of its promoters. X LETTERS FROM MINISTERS OF AMERICAN NATIONS . VENEZUELA. Legation of the United States of Venezuela, Washington, D. C ., March 2, 1886. My Dear Sir: I am in receipt of your very welcome favor of this date, kindly inviting my attention to the accompanying statement of the plans and purposes of an intended permanent exposition of the three grand sections of our American conti- nent here in the capital of the United States. I believe your plans and purposes, such as described and laid down in your accom- panying draught, are eminently entitled to the patronage and heartful sympathies of all our republics and citizens of the American system, and that the four hundredth anniversary of Columbus’s discovery of the New World could not be better celebrated than by the inauguration of this exposition in this grand metropolis, where all the nations of the American family would be found, as it were, clustered together around the Washington Monument, and keeping in their proper buildings a material show of their advancements and of their natural products, giving as full and tangible idea of their present high state of civilization as possible. With my best wishes for the success of your truly American labors, I remain, faith- fully, yours, A. M. Soteldo. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq. In a subsequent letter, addressed to the secretary of the Merchants and Manufact- urers’ Association of Baltimore, Senor Soteldo said: “I have been explicit from the beginning of this transcendental idea in expressing my admiration and faith in its final success, and the benefits to be derived by all the several commonwealths of our vast hemisphere. “The contemplated permanent exposition of all the natural and industrial products of our sections, I believe, will naturally result in the organization of a vast conti- nental museum, where ready and accurate exhibits will at once be found, giving most practical ideas of the resources and development of each country in particular and of all in general. “I believe the advantages of this general display of the treasures of nature and art, in our whole America, deserves the full support and earnest, unanimous concurrence of every Government and commonwealth within its vast territorial extension. “ I have given and am ready to give my full support to the contemplated exposition and to its final success, of which I entertain no doubt whatever. “ I understand that the representatives of all the South American republics have re- ferred and recommended this subject to their respective Governments.” ' BOLIVIA. Legation of Bolivia in the United States of America, Washington , December 4, 1886. Dear Sir: It is with the greatest pleasure that I accept the invitation, tendered me by you, to take part in the national convention which is to meet on Tuesday the 7th instant at Willard’s Hall, having for its object the promotion of the celebration of the centenary of the proclamation of the fundamental law of the United States, in which for the first time was comprehended liberty and the rights of man, and those democratic institutions that the Republic proclaims ; and also to solemnize the quadri -centenary of the discovery of America, which means the birth oftheNew World before the history, philosophy, and civilization of this continent, which are destined to sway greatly the future of the human race. 43 44 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. Permit me to felicitate the Board of Promotion upon the assured projects of the expositions proposed and referred to in the inclosures accompanying your invitation; and permit me the honor to subscribe myself Your obedient servant, C. Corral. Mr. Alex. D. Anderson, Secretary of the Board of Promotion . MEXICO. Legacion Mexicana, Washington , D. C., June 14, 1888. Sir : I am in receipt of your letter of the 9th instant, concerning the project, now pending in the United States Congress, of celebrating the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America by means of an exposition of the three Americas, to be held at Washington. I have the honor to state in reply that I have received no instructions on the sub- ject from the Mexican Government, and therefore I do not know, nor can I express its opinion, in the premises. The idea of celebrating this same event by means of an universal exposition was held out at the City of Mexico for a short time, but as the Spanish Government took the lead towards celebrating the same event at Madrid, and the Board of Promotion at Washington, of which you are the secretary, suggested the idea of an exposition of the three Americas, I suppose that the project entertained by Mexico in this matter has been abandoned. The Washington plan is, as yet, as you are well aware, only a project, and although the Board of Promotion, to which you belong, has charge of this matter, and differ- ent bills on the subject have been introduced in both Houses of the United States Congress, no legislative action has, as yet, been obtained. The question is yet, as regards the United States, a domestic one, and it is not, therefore, proper for a foreign government, however friendly it may be to this country, to express any opinion on the subject. I do not, however, see any objection to state to you that the discovery of America, which dates back almost four centuries, is, in my judgment, one of the most impor- tant and transcendental events which have taken place during the Christian era. and that the efforts of the American nations towards celebrating the fourth centennial of their advent into the civilized world can not be directed to a more praiseworthy ob- ject ; but that the form and conditions of that celebration will depend upon the decis- ion of the legislative power of the American nation where it shall take place, and upon the share which the other sister countries may be disposed to extend to the same. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. Romero. Alexander D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary of the National Board of Promotion , eto. ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. Argentine Legation, Washington , January 27, 1888. Mr. Secretary : I have received your attentive circular, inclosing several printed documents and bills relative to the celebration in 1889 of the centennial of the Con- stitution, and in 1892 of an universal exposition and a permanent exhibition of the three Americas. I will give an official account of it all to my Government, which will, no doubt, con- sider with due attention objects of such general interent ; but I can not anticipate anything without the previous instructions of the Government which I have the honor to represent, and to which rightfully appertains the decision of matters con- cerning my country. On my part I see with interest the constancy shown in the labors of the Board of Promotion concerning said celebration and I avail myself of the occasion to renew to you my respectful consideration. Vicente G. Quesada. Mr. Alex. D. Anderson, etc. PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 45 CHILI. Legation of Chili, Washington, D. C., December 6, 188G. Alex. D. Anderson, Esq. : I find myself really sick, and it will therefore be impossible for me to take part in the session which it is proposed to have to-morrow for the purpose of celebrating the “national convention of the Exposition Board of Promotion,” to which you have so kindly invitee! me. You may, however, rest assured that I will, with lively interest therein, transmit to my Government everything relating to the development of* the praiseworthy objects undertaken by the distinguished gentlemen who have organized the convention in question. I take this occasion to subscribe myself, Your obedient servant, Doninigo Gana. PERU. Lsgacion del Peru en los Estados Unidos de America, Washington, June 18, 1888. Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge your letter of the 16th instant and sundry inclo- sures, referring to a projected permanent exposition of the Three Americas, at this city, in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America. I have attentively perused your interesting papers and venture to assure you that my Government will no doubt find highly compatible with the national interests the realization of the scheme proposed. As far as I am concerned I will at once forward to Lima all the information you have furnished me on the subject, as the most prac- tical way of meeting your wishes with regard to the promotion of this important movement. I am, sir, yours truly, F. C. C. ZEGARRA Alex. D. Anderson, Esq. COLOMBIA. Legacion de Colombia, Washington , June 18, 1888. Dear Sir : It gives me pleasure to inform you that I have just sent a communica- tion to my Government concerning the very important subject referred to in your letter of 16th instant. Very respectfully, F. Mutis Duran. Mr. Alex. D. Anderson, Secretary National Board of Promotion. SALVADOR. No. 1301 K Street northwest, Washington, D. C ., December 4, 1886. Dear Sir : I have had the honor of receiving your invitation to attend the national convention of the Exposition Board of Promotion, in relation of the centennial cele- bration and exposition project, which convention is to take place at Willard’s Hall next Tuesday, the 7th instant. Already I have had the pain of expressing to you verbally the motive which will deprive me of the pleasure of being present, but you and your worthy associates may rest assured, as far as I am concerned, that I shall use by best endeavors to the end that the republic which I have the honor to represent here may be one of those which will take part in celebrating an event of lasting remembrance and of great veneration in the New World ; an event which sanctioned the political Constitution of the United States of North America, which has been the model and source that inspired all the other republics of the American continent to elaborate their different constitutions. To celebrate the first centennial of the Constitution which has made this century so grand, so prosperous, and happy, is for each one oi the [other republics the same as celebrating their own work. 46 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. I fed confident that Salvador will he present in the exposition, and I shall use my best elforts to accomplish such a happy result, as well as that she also takes part in the world’s exposition of 1892. My honorable friend, Senor Don Antonio Soteldo, the illustrious minister of Vene- zuela, has made the kind offer to present this letter to the convention, and also to interpret my sentiments in regard to these matters, which he, when the occasion ar- rives, will do in the eloquent and cultivated manner that so distinguishes him. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, Miguel Valas^o y Valasco. Alexander D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary of the Board of Promotion, Washington, D. C. GUATEMALA.. Legation of Guatemala at Washington, Washington, January 28, 1888. Sir : I have had the pleasure to receive your esteemed note of the 26th instant and the interesting documents which you are pleased to inclose me therewith, and. for which I give you my most expressive thanks. I will forward them to my Government by the first mail, and I have no doubt that this matter will be considered in due time with the interest vouchsafed by the deep sympathies which they entertain for this great people. I will do on my part all I can in this matter, in compliance with your request and in furtherance of the noble purposes which you intend to carry out so efficiently. I am your attentive and sincere 'servant, Manuel Montufar. Mr. Alex. D. Anderson, Secretary Board of Promotion . NICARAGUA. Legacion de la Republica de Nicaragua, Washington, D. C., January 26, 1888. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 26th instant, referring to the centennial^and exposi- tion movement for 1889 and 1892, has been received by me. I have carefully read the inclosed Senate bills, as well as the resolutions of national and international conven- tions upon the subject, and I can assure you that I will consider it a duty as well as a pleasure to do all iu my power to promote the celebration of those great historical events so dear to all true Americans, regardless of race or nationality. I am, very truly, yours, H. Guzman. Mr. Alexander D. Anderson, Secretary National Board of Promotion. COSTA RICA. Legation of Costa Rica, Washington, June 18, 1888. Sir : I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of the communication you were pleased to address to this legation, under date of the 16th instant, for the pur- pose of informing it of the bill for the celebration of the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America, as also of the resolutions adopted by the national conven- tions, and the commentaries of the press on the same subject, all of which documents you inclose and were dike wise received by me. I will inform my Government on the first opportunity of everything relating to this matter, and I may at once state to you that I do not entertain the least doubt but that it will receive with the enthusiasm which it deserves such a patriotic and fruit- ful idea, and that it will contribute to its realization within the sphere of its powers. It affords me pleasure to subscribe myself your attentive and sincere servant, Federico, volio. . Alex, D. Anderson, Esq., Secretary National Board of Promotion. XI EXTRACTS FROM PRESS COMMENTS. The following extracts from lengthy editorials on the bills introduced in Congress in behalf of the National Board of Promotion, providing, respectively, for a Constitu- tional Centennial Celebration at the national capital in 1889, and a Three Americas and World’s Exposition in 1892, in honor of the four hundredth anniversary of the dis- covery of America by Columbus, will be of general interest : [Philadelphia Record.] The movement is patriotic and dignified, and appeals to our pride as well as to our self-interest in American history, institutions, and progre&s. [Baltimore Sun.J Spain has already announced her approval of the project and intention to invite all the nations of Spanish America to take part in a celebration of Columbus’s great exploit, while in the United States, judging from the resolutions already adopted in favor of it by many influential bodies of citizens, there would seem to be no doubt of a general desire to see both these celebrations carried into effect. [Evening Press, Greenshurgh, Pa.] Congress is making a move to celebrate these coming centennials on a becoming scale of grandeur. The events they celebrate are worthy of the most magnificent commemoration the world has ever seen. [Albany Times.] In the celebration of no other event of the world’s history can the people of South America join with those of the northern continent on common ground so well as this. Such a celebration will not only stir the patriotism of the Americans, and create in their minds au abiding respect for the wise and heroic founders of the Republic, and a deeper admiration of the Constitution, which is the foundation of our Government, with a determination to defend its principles in all their purity, but will bring to- gether in mutual accord and respect, as they never have been brought together be- fore, the Anglo-Americans and the Spanish-Americans. [Boston Evening Record.] Apart from the patriotic effectiveness of the plan, and separate from the immense advantages of thus emphasizing the Monroe doctrine before the world, stand thegreat commercial possibilities of such an exposition. South America and Central America would reap a harvest of recognition and open new avenues of export for their riches, and North America would have her trading instincts stimulated to a degree that would add wealth to her coffers and honor to her merchants and statesmen. Chris- topher Columbus shall have such an anniversary as it has not entered into the minds of expositors to conceive. [Daily News, Moorhead, Minns.] The schemes are very broad ones, and are calculated to enlist the pride and pat- riotism of the people of this country, which should take the initiative in adopting measures to celebrate with appropriate ceremonies and forms these great historical events. [Trenton (N. J.) Times.] The successful accomplishment of these enterprises will not only tend to strengthen the fraternal relations of the sister American nations, but will also bring about recip- rocal international development and commerce. 47 48 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. In the language of the resolutions of the American Association of Agricultural Col- leges on this subject, “ all American patriots should join in making these celebrations worthy of the dignity, grandeur, and wealth of the western hemisphere.” [Jackson Weekly Patriot, Jackson, Mich.J Instead of spending millions of dollars for worse than useless ships and other im- plements of war to kill people and destroy property, how much worthier of a Chris- tian people would it be to devote the money to such ennobling enterprises. And, as the foremost American nation, it is the duty of the United States to take the initi- ative in commemorating these great historical events and in establishing a perma- nent exposition at our national capital for this hemisphere. [Macon (Ga.) Telegraph. 1 There is little doubt that Mexico and the countries of Central and South America will enter heartily into the proposed exposition. If general and liberal co-operation can be secured the exhibition at Washington in 1892 will be the largest and grandest enterprise of the kind ever known. [Harrisburg Independent. J It is to be hoped that Congress will make no delay in doing what is expected of it in this connection, for the bulk of the work and money required for it must necessarily come from the people of the United States, and therefore needs no special advocacy from the press of the country. The people will indorse whatever Congress does of a liberal character for this purpose. [Richmond Whig.] Many organizations in this country have already passed resolutions indorsing both celebrations, and there is no reason to doubt that they will be successfully carried into effect. The World’s Exposition in 1892 will no doubt surpass the centennial of 1876. [Times, Norristown, Pa.| The event which is thus to be celebrated will never be forgotten. Columbus will never be forgotten. The celebration on the four hundredth anniversary of th e-dis- covery of America should be on the grandest scale possible, and no doubt it will be. [Portsmouth Leader, Portsmouth N. Y.] If this great international enterprise should be carried to a successful issue, it will be the grandest art, industrial, and historical exposition of the world, eclipsing even the glory and the grandeur of the great centennial exposition, which has been en- shrined in history as the proudest peaceful achievement of the greatest of republics. Its greatest advantage over the centennial would be its permanency ; and another advantage would be the joint undertaking not of one nation, but of several. [Daily Light, San. Antonio, Texas.] Our own pride in all that is truly American should stimulate us as a people aDd as States and Territories of this grandest of all republics — the American nation — to take a foremost step in making these celebrations pre-eminently successful. [Baltimore Herald.] To think of the proposed plans must fill the mind of every patriotic citizep with pride. Those who live to see them completed will have perhaps a better right than now to say, “ This is a great country.” [Colorado Springs Gazette.] The idea is a good one. The American States can all prepare an exhibit which will show the growth and prosperity of the western hemisphere, XII. ACTION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF SPAIN The recent action of the Government of Spain on the subject of the coming anni- versary will be of peculiar interest and value in connection with the proposed bill. We reproduce it in full from the columns of the New York Independent. To the Editor of The Independent : At my last -audience with her Majesty the Queen Regent of Spain, I took the liberty of mentioning the increasing interest w r hich the people of the United States are tak- ing in the proposed international celebration of the discovery of America. She was prompt, sympathetic, and cordial in her response, repeated the expressions of interest which had been made to Mr. Bowen by the late King, and said she would cheerfully give what aid she could to an enterprise so proper and so adapted to bring all the countries represented into closer and more fraternal relations. Acting on Her Majesty’s suggestion to confer with Mr. Moret, the distinguished minister of state, I addressed to him a letter, personal and unofficial, and I have pleasure in inclosing a translation of his reply. Yours, truly, J. L. M. Curry. Madrid, July 15, 1887. To His Excellency, J. L. M. Curry : My Dear Sir and Distinguished Friend: In reply to the kind letter of the 4th instant, which you were good enough to address to me, I take pleasure in informing you that the Government has for some time been engaged in preparing the means for celebrating, in a manner worthy of its importance, the fourth centenary of the discovery of America. For this purpose the council of ministers has already exam- ined the question on different occasions, and I, in its name, have consulted with the Duke of Yeragua — the heir and most legitimate representative of the glorious navi- gator — as to the means most adequate for this object. These have not yet been defi- nitely determined upon, for which reason I reserve the communication of the pro- gramme of the festival; but I can announce the following decisions: (1) That Spain will take the initiative in celebrating in the most solemn manner the centenary of the discovery of America in the year 1492 ; (2) That for this purpose it will invite all the nations who people the territories discovered by Columbus to take part in the celebration ; and (3) That Spain is ready at the same time to take part in any other celebration and solemnity which may be undertaken on the American continent to commemorate the great event. I hope this reply will completely satisfy the inquiries which you have been good enough to make, andeuable you'to inform your Government and all interested in the matter as to the purposes and decisions of Spain. I gladly avail myself of this occasion to repeat myself your affectionate friend, S. Moret. Madrid, July 15, 1887. “May it please Your Majesty : Since it meets with general favor and the cus- tom is established of rendering a tribute of worship to heroes by holding magnificent centennial festivals, the idea occurred to the minds of many Spaniards of dedicating one of these festivals to the extraordinary man whose glory redounds chiefly upon Spain, and is likewise an honor to all other nations that partake in the benefits of the New World, whereon European civilization triumphantly expands. It is not to be wondered at, then, that on the approach of the fourth pentennial of the discovery of America the wish to celebrate it should be cherished with profound gratitude by H. Bep. 2601 4 49 50 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. the first colonizing countries and those sprung afterward from their prosperous and flourishing settlements. Nor is it strange that all these countries, including the powerful republic of British origin, should do justice to Spain, acknowledging her right to take the lead and occupy the foremost place in the solemn commemoration by which the great navigator is to be honored. Italy may boast of having given him birth ; Spain adopted him as a son, and provided him with resources and com- panions and successors capable of carrying his enterprise to it3 fulfillment. “Moved by these reasons, the Spanish Government, believing the moment to be at hand, prepares to solemnize the centennial. And although it will appoint a commit- tee fully empowered for the purpose, it deems that there are some features in said celebration which must be left to the Government’s care ; but we must secure the co- operation of Portugal, the country that inspired a sentiment of emulation in Spain, and lent her an aid by her Sagres school, the home of astronomers and mariners, and by the Gamas, Cabrals, and Magellans who revealed the ocean’s secrets, increased our knowledge of all created things, circumnavigated Africa, penetrated the far east, visited with us the islands of the Sea of Light, and circumnavigating the world in which we live. “Portugal, having been approached on the subject, is found to favor the same. This Government, therefore, considering that there is no time to be lost from now till 1892, to insure the success of the project, will forthwith invite the Lusitanian King- dom, as well as the Spanish- American republics and the Empire of Brazil, to an ex- position to be opened at this capital. “ This exposition will be divded into two parts, and its unique end will be to give the world an idea of what America was four centuries ago, and what it is at present. “A part of this exposition will present to the eye all that remains and can be gath- ered showing the several degrees of culture possessed by the natives at the time Span- iards and Portuguese first set foot in America, as well as the monuments and memen- toes of ancient and then extinct civilizations — types of different' human races, images of gods, religious symbols ; arms, vestments, jewels, and uteusils for the embellish- ment and comfort of their abodes ; agricultural implements, manufactures, means of locomotion, metals and stones, rich products of the Fauna and Flora, remaining un- seen to European eyes until Columbus and the Spaniards revealed their existence; all of which will form a picture reviving the memory of the great discovery. Side by side, i n opposition to this, and for the glory of those who there transplanted European civilization and the peoples who, springing from them, have made civilization flour- ish, the present state of Neo-Latin America shall bo represented by the works of their illustrious men. Statesmen, men of letters, artists, inventors, agriculturists, and scholars will exhibit to their great credit what those nationalities have come to be, in spite of wars and late misfortunes. Thus the exposition will be not only a faithful representation of the past, but also a testimony and a token of the future anticipated by those young peoples, rapidly advancing, and striving to elevate themselves to the degree of prosperity and greatness achieved by that powerful nation of a different race which has grown up on the same continent, and to the degree of progress of which the old European peoples are justly proud. “It would be useless to undertake this grand exhibition if Spain, at this very mo- ment, should not be aided by Portugal and the American peoples, and if we, on our part, should not do everything required in so glorious a project. Therefore, the Gov- ernment will send a special committee to visit the American States of Spanish and Portuguese origin, and urge them to come to the exposition, assuring them through our diplomatic agents of the ardent desire cherished by Spain that all these nations should repew their bonds of friendship upon this solemn anniversary, which is to commemorate the life and name of that genius who was the providential instrument to discover for them a land wherein they could live. “ But the great festival in honor of Columbus is not to be limited exclusively to the exposition. It is also necessary to indicate and encourage all the individual in- spiration, enthusiasm, historical remembrances, and sympathies which others may have suggested or will in future suggest, ths>t the festival be the more worthy of its purpose. And as this Government considers that its facilities do, not come up to the requirements of so vast a plan and purpose, it deems it its duty to confide everything to a committee who, by their position, merits, and learning, shall represent the high- est social elements and be capable of achieving the desired result. It is plain that Spain, numbering luckily among her sons the most direct descendant of the immortal discoverer, must naturally confer upon him the task of aiding the committee in its work, and the right of occupying a prominent place in the same and lending to it the prestige associated with the name he inherits, to the glory of which this celebration is undertaken. i 1 The committee shall not be large, as this would make its meetings difficult and interfere with its activity ; but it shall be empowered as the center and nucleus to charge different subcommittees with the organization or execution of such details of PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 51 the programme ad it deems proper, devising in itself the whole scheme and giving to it the unity which is indispensable for the success of the enterprise. “For all these reasons, the undersigned minister has the honor to submit to your majesty’s pleasure the following royal decrees. “May it please your majesty, “PrXxedes Mateo Sagasta. “Madrid, February 28, 1888.” The following are the royal decrees : In consideration of the reasons set forth by the president of the council of minis- ters, I the Queen Regent of the Kingdom, in behalf of my gracious son, the King, Don Alfonso XIII, do hereby decree as follows : Art. 1. To commemorate the fourth centennial of the discovery of America, and to do honor to the memory of Christopher Columbus, an exposition shall be prepared, to take place in the year 1892, to which the Governments of Portugal and Latin America shall be invited. Art. 2. The object of said exposition is to present, in as complete a manner as possible, the condition in which the peoples of America were at the time of the dis- covery, gathering for that purpose such exhibits as may convey an idea as to the state of their civilization as well as that of the races inhabiting the American continent at the end of the fifteenth century, and, moreover, to exhibit separately all the artistic, scientific, and industrial products, showing the present culture of the Latin- American peoples. Art. 3. A special committee, to be taken to South America in a war-ship of the state, shall be charged with making arrangements for the exposition uuder the su- pervision of the Spanish diplomatic representatives in the several American States. Art. 4. To defray the necessary expenses caused by the centennial celebration, the Government shall include in each of the next five budgets to be submitted successively to the cortes an appropriation of 500,000 pesetas exclusively devoted to the expenses of the celebration. This appropriation is to be declared permanent up to June 30, 1893, and the sums remaining unexpended at the end of each civil year shall be kept in the treasury until that date. Art. 5. The ministers of state, colonies, war, and marine are hereby directed to at- tend to the execution of this decree in the parts corresponding to their respective de- partments. Done in the royal palace on the 28th day of February, 1888. Maria Cristina. PrXxedes Mateo Sagasta, The President of the Council of Ministers. Considering the reasons set forth by the president of the council of ministers, I, the Queen Regent of the Kingdom, in behalf of my gracious son, the King Don Alfonso XIII, do hereby decree as follows : Article 1. To prepare the festival with which the fourth centennial of the discovery of America is to be celebrated, and in order not only to clothe it with such solemnity and grandeur as the case requires, but also to satisfy the aspirations and requirements of the several nations and peoples interested iu said commemoration, a committee is hereby appointed which shall be charged with the preparation of the programme of the celebration. Art. 2. The committee shall be fully empowered. (1) To organize on its own account, to prepare and submit to the Government the programme of the festivals to commemorate the discovery of America. (2) To create outside of its own membership, if necessary, subcommittees, and charge them with the task of developing and executing the programme or any part of the same which may be deemed proper. In this case the committee shall submit to the Government the names of such appointees as are not members of the committee. (3) To submit to the Government such measures as may be deemed proper for the best and most complete fulfillment of its commission. (4) To invite all such corporations or individuals as it may deem necessary for the purposes of association in furnishing the means and devising the methods necessary for giving to the celebration the greatest solemnity. (5) To appeal to the chief of the Government or the ministers, chiefs of the several departments, soliciting their support and co-operation. (6) To organize in such capitals of provinces as it may be deemed proper, branches 52 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. containing as many of tlie popular elements as possible, to co-operate in the labors of the committee. Art. 3. The committee may deliberate whenever two-thirds of its members and the chairman or assistant chairman are present. Done in the royal palace, on the 28th day of February, in the year 1888. Maria Cristina. Praxedes Mateo Sagasta, The President of the Council of Ministers . Considering the reasons set forth by the president of the council of ministers, l, the Queen Regent of the Kingdom, in behalf of my gracious son, the King Alfonso XIII, do hereby decree as follows : Article 1. The committee referred to in the royal decree of this date shall consist of the following members : The actual president of the council of ministers, as chair- man; one assistant chairman and two secretaries appointed by the Government, and as many members as may be included from the designation of the following persons : First. The presidents of tBe Royal Academies of History, Language, Fine Arts of San Fernando, Moral and Political Sciences, Natural and Exact Sciences, and two mem- bers of each to be nominated by the same. Second. The admiral of the Spanish naval forces, and four other officers of the differ- ent classes in the navy. Third. The captains-general of the army and eight other officers of the several classes in representation of the same. Fourth. The archbishop of Toledo and four dignataries of the Spanish Church. Fifth. The president and four members of the council of State. Sixth. The president of the supreme court and four Spanish magistrates. Seventh. The president and two members of the council for the colonies. Eighth. The presidents of the chambers of commerce in Madrid, Barcelona, and Huelva. Ninth. The president of the Geographical Society. Done in the royal palace on the 28th of February, 1888. Marla Cristina. PrLxedes Mateo Sagasta, The President of the Council of Ministers. Considering the reasons set forth by the president of the council of ministers, I, the Queen Regent of the Kingdom, in behalf of my gracious son, the King Don Alfonso XIII, do hereby appoint don Cristdbal Colon y de la Cerda, Duke of Veragua, as assistant chairman of the committee created to prepare the celebration of the cen- tennial of Christopher Columbus, and as secretaries, Senors Don Juan Valera and D3ft Juan Faumdo Riano. Done in the royal palace on the 28th of February, 1888. Maria Cristina. PrIxedes Mateo Sagasta, The President of the Council of Ministers. xm LIST OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF PRO- MOTION. OFFICERS. % President : William Claflin, Massachusetts. Vice-Presidents: A. A. Ames, Minnesota ; E. John Ellis, Louisiana ; Amor Smith, Ohio; Charles D. Fisher, Maryland; A. R. Little, Pennsylvania; A. P. Williams, California. Chairman Executive Committee: William B. Webb, Washington, D. C. Treasurer : E. Kurtz Johnson, Washington, D. C. Secretary : Alex. D. Anderson, Washington, D. C. MEMBERS. The following list of members, representing all of the States and Territories of the Union, have by formal letters (received during the past two years) accepted member- ship in the Board of Promotion, cordially indorsed the centennial and exposition movement, and promised their co-operation. The list includes the governors of 38 States and Territories, the mayors of 53 lead- ing cities, 155 presidents and secretaries of boards of trade and other commercial or- ganizations throughout the United States, the masters and secretaries of many State and Territorial grauges, the officers of several State agricultural societies, and the regent and many of the vice^regents of the Mount Yernon Ladies’ Association of the Union. Alabama. — T. G. Bush, president Mobile Chamber of Commerce ; A. Pope St. John, secretary Mobile Chamber of Commerce ; R. H. Bolling, superintendent Mobile Cot- ton Exchange ; H. Hawkins, master State Grange ; Florence Gilmer, secretary State Grange ; Thomas J. Key, secretary State Agricultural Society, Alaska. — A. P. Swineford, governor of Alaska. Arizona. — C. Meyer Zulick, governor of Arizona; G. W. Johnson, secretary Arizona Industrial Exposition Association. Arkansas. — Simon P. Hughes, governor of Arkansas; J. O. Bagnell, secretary Hel- ena Chamber of Commerce. California. — George Stoneman, governor of California ; H. L. Dodge, president San Francisco Chamber of Commerce; Eugene Germain, president Los Angeles Produce Exchange; E. L. Stern, president Los Angeles Board of Trade; A. M. Lawrence, sec- retary Los Angeles Board of Trade. Colorado. — Josiah Hughes, president Pueblo Board of Trade. Connecticut. — Phineas C. Lounsbury, governor of Connecticut ; Henry B. Harrison, governor of Connecticnt ; M. G. Buikeley, mayor of Hartford ; George F, Holcomb, mayor of New Haven; James D. De well, president New Haven Chamber of Com- merce; T. Atwater Barnes, secretary New Haven Chamber of Commerce ; Civilion Fones, mayor of Bridgeport ; H. I. Boughton, mayor of Waterbury ; Charles H. S. Davis, mayor of Meriden ; Arthur Sikes, secretary State Grange ; T. S. Gold, secre- tary State Board of Agriculture. Dakota. — Louis K. Church, governor of Dakota ; Gilbert A. Pierce, governor of Dakota; W. F. T. Bushnell, secretary Territorial Farmer’s Alliance and Dakota Board of Agriculture ; W. R. Bierly, secretary Grand Forks Chamber of Commerce , H. P. Rucker, president North Dakota Agricultural Exposition ; W. T. Collins, secre- tary North Dakota Agricultural Exposition. Delaware. — B. T. Biggs, governor of Delaware ; C. B. Rhoads, mayor of Wilming- ton ; Margaret A. Comegys, vice-regent for Delaware of Mount Vernon Association ; M. Hayes, secretary State Board of Agriculture; William B, Records, secretary of State Grange. . 53 54 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. District of Columbia. — Lewis Abraham, Alex. D. Anderson, George A. Armes, J. A. Baker, James L. Barbour, W. A. .Bartlett, J. E. Beall, W. W. Belknap, J. C. Black, L. L. Blake, R. J. Bright, L. S. Brown, Horatio Browning, S. S. Burdett, I. N. Burritt, J. W. Carson, John Chamberlain, Jeff. Chandler, C. B. Church, J. Q. Chenoweth, W. E. Clark, I. Edwards Clark, N. J. Colman, H. L. Cranford, F. B. Conger, W. H. Crosby, Fred. Douglass, E. G. Davis, H. G. Dulanv, G. W. Dyer, W. C. Dodge, C. C. Duncanson, E. John Ellis, Reginald Fendall, R. I. Fleming, Ed. B. Fox, E. W. Fox, R. C. Fox, George C. Gorham, Lawrence Gardner, A. W. Greely, W. R. Herbert, J. J. S. Hassler, Charles S. Hill, W. S. Hoge, Arch. Hopkins, Stilson Hutchins, Walter S. Hutch- ins, E. Kurtz Johnson, Hallet Kiibourn, Harry King, J. P. Klingle, R. A. King, C. C. Lancaster, G. E. Lemon, C. P. Lincoln, R. B. Lines, James Lipseombe, George B. Loring, Thomas J. Luttrell, W. A. Leonard, W. J. Lampton, F. P. Madigan, J. H. Ma- gruder, J. D. McChesney, Jos. C. McKibbin, D. A. McKnight, W. A. Meloy, H. D. Money, M. V. Montgomery, M. F. Morris, A. B. Mullett, T. G. Morrow, J. S. Miller, W..G. Moore, Garrick Mallory, J. P. Newn3an, Samuel Norment, C. S. Noyes, F. B. Noyes, T. W. Noyes, J. D. O’Connell, Albert Grdway, N. G. Ordway, Horace F. Page, Robert A. Parke, M. M. Parker, Philip Pendleton, R. Ross Perry, J. W. Powell, F. B. Power, J. Y. Potts, Green B. Raum, F. A. Richardson, Cuthbert W. Ridley, T. E. Roessle, J. W. Ross, William Saunders, C. W. Spofford, W. H. Selden, C. M. Shelly, Z. T. Sowers, A. R. Spofford, O. G. Staples, S. T. Suit, B. Sunderland, W. F. Switzler, R. H. Sylves- ter, Richard Sylvester, Charles Thompson, jr., Philip B. Thompson, W. S. Thompson, J. W. Thompson, J. M. Toner, J. B. Trainer, John Trimble, George Truesdell, Beverly Tucker, M. Trimble, H. K. Yeile, T. S. Verdi, W. B. Webb, H. K. Wilard, C. C. Willard, Jesse B. Wilson, J. O. Wilson, T. E. Waggamau, W. B. Webb, H. L. West, H. A. Willard, R. H. Wiliet, Simon Wolf, Levi Woodbury, S. W. Woodward, Carrol D. Wright, Marcus J. Wright, J. V. Wright, A. S. Worthington, James T. Wormley, E. B. Youmans. Florida. — E. A. Perry, governor of Florida ; J. J. Daniel, president Jacksonville Board of Trade; James M. Fairlie, secretary Jacksonville Board of Trade; L. M. Merritt, president Pensacola Board of Trade ; Thomas C. Watson, secretary Pensa- cola Board of Trade; JohnQ. Burbridge, president Florida State Park Association; James M. Fairlie, secretary Florida State Park Association. Georgia. — John B. Gordon, governor of Georgia; Philoclea E. Eve, vice-regent for Georgia of Mount Vernon Association; George Hillyer, mayor of Atlanta; Robert J. Lowry, president Atlanta Chamber of Commerce ; M. M. Welch, secretary Atlanta Chamber of Commerce; Fred. M. Hull, president Savannah Board of Trade; E C. Grier, secretary State Agricultural Society; E. Taylor, secretary Georgia State Grange. ' Idaho. — Edward A. Stevenson, governor of Idaho. Illinois. — Perley Lowe, president Chicago Lumberman’s Exchange; George W. Hotchkiss, secretary Chicago Lumberman’s Exchange; Samuel B. Raymond, presi- dent Chicago Commercial Exchange; W. S. Knight, secretary Chicago Commercial Exchange; George W. Linn, president Chicago Produce Exchange; R. P. McGiincy, secretary Elgin Board of Trade; J. Parkhurst, mayor of Quincy; Thomas Keady, secretary State Grange ; Lewis B. Thomas, mayor of Bloomington. Indiana. — Silas T. Bowen, president Indianapolis Board of Trade ; Caleb S. Denny, mayor of Indianapolis; Charles F. Muhler, mayor of Fort Wayne; Milton Trusler, master State Grange ; J. C. Kolsem, mayor of Terre Haute. Indian Territory.— Joshua Ross, secretary Indian International Agricultural Society and Fair Association. Iowa. — William Larrabee, governor of Iowa; J. H. Philips, mayor of Des Moines; James C. Davis, mayor of Keokuk; A. G. Adams, mayor of Burlington and president Burlington Board of Trade ; G. R. Badgerow, secretary Sioux City Chamber of Com- merce; John Glab, mayor of Dubuque; JohnR. Shaffer, secretary State Agricultural Society. Kansas. — John A. Martin, governor of Kansas ; R. L. Cofran, mayor of Topeka ; S. H. Kelsey, mayor of Atchison; Jennie M. Ward, vice-regent for Kansas of Mount Vernon Association ; H. Miles Moore, secretary Leavenworth Board of Trade; Will- iam Sims, master State Grange; George Black, secretary State Grange; George Y. Johnson, secretary .State Fair Association ; J. D. Bowersock, president Lawrence Chamber of Commerce ; H. C. Whitehead, secretary Lawrence Chamber of Com- merce; Robert Atkinson, president Ottawa Board of Trade. Kentucky. — J. Proctor Knott, governor of Kentucky ; H. A. Dudley, secretary Louisville Board of Trade ; Eliza B. Woodward, vice-regent for Kentucky of Mount Vernon Association ; James C. Wright, mayor of Newport. Louisiana. — S. D. McEnery, governor of Louisiana ; N. D. Wallace, president New Orleans Produce Exchange ; Henry H. Smith, secretary New Orleans Produce Ex- change ; William M. Burwell, secretary New Orleans Chamber of Commerce ; Pearl Wright, president New Orleans, Mexican, South American, and Central American Commercial Exchange; G. T. McCune, secretary New Orleans, Mexican, South Ameri- PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. 55 can, and Central American Commercial Exchange ; Ida A. Richardson, vice-regent for Louisiana of Mount Vernon Association ; Isaac N. Maynard, manager New Orleans Clearing House ; A. K. Miller, president New Orleans Maritime Association ; L. La- combe, secretary New Orleans Maritime Association ; Daniel Morgan, master State Grange ; H. W. L. Lewis, secretary State Grange ; R. N. McKellar, president Shreve- port Cotton Exchange ; J. V. Nolan, secretary Shreveport Cotton Exchange. Maine. — Frederick Robie, governor of Maine; S. S. Marble, governor of Maine; Margaret J. M. Sweat, vice-regent for Maine of Mount Vernon Association ; Charles J. Chapman, mayor of Portland; Joseph E. Blabon, president Portland Merchants , Exchange ; M. N. Rich, secretary Portland Merchants’ Exchange; A. J. Fuller, pres- ident Bath Board of Trade ; F. W. Weeks, secretary Bath Board of Trade ; Charles S. Pearl, secretary Bangor Board of Trade; Frederick A. Allen, secretary State Grange. Maryland. — E. E. Jackson, governor of Maryland; James Hodges, mayor of Balti- more ; Charles D. Fisher, president Baltimore Board of Trade ; Charles T. Crane, secretary Baltimore Board of Trade; E. M. Shryver, president Baltimore Corn and Flour Exchange; H. A. Parr, president Baltimore Coru and Flour Exchange; Will- iam F. Wheatly, secretary Baltimore Corn and Flour Exchange ; John E. Hurst, president Baltimore Merchants and Manufacturers’ Association ; John R. Bland, sec- retary Baltimore Merchants and Manufacturers’ Association ; Robert Ober, president Chemical and Fertilizer Exchange ; Frank Brown, president Maryland Agricultural Association ; H. M. Murray, master State Grange ; Thos. Deford, president Baltimore Shoe and Leather Board of Trade ; J. Ross Diggs, secretary Baltimore Shoe and Leather Board of Trade ; Felix Agnus, D. L. Bartlett, W. T. Biedler, J. R. Brewer, D. E. Conklin, J. M. Dulany, Frank Frick, James A. Gary, O. A. Gill, Ernest Hoen, Frank N. Hoen, J. M. Hood, T. W. Johnson, F. C. Latrobe, Eugene Lovering, Henry McShane, C. P. Paine, W. S. Powell, J. Frank Supplee, J. McK. White. Massachusetts. — William Claflin, president New England Shoe and Leather Associa- tion ; Charles S. Ingalls, secretary New England Shoe and Leather Association ; pres- ident Boston Board of Trade; Charles F. Crosby, secretary Boston Board of Trade; Edwin D. Metcalf, mayor of Springfield ; William S. Greene, mayor of Fall River; A. B. Bruce, mayor of Lawrence; William E. Russell, mayor of Cambridge; John M. Raymond, mayor of Salem ; George Jewett, president Fitchburg Board of Trade; Arthur A. Brigham, secretary State Grange. Michigan. — M. H. Chamberlain, 'mayor of Detroit ; F. William Lichtenburg, presi- dent Detroit Board of Trade ; George M. Lane, secretary Detroit Board of Trade ; T. H. Hinchman, president Detroit Merchants and Manufacturers’ Exchange ; J. T. Cobb, secretary State Grange; Elizabeth Rathbone, vice-regent for Michigan of Mount Vernoh Association. Minnesota. — L. F. Hubbard, governor of Minnesota; J. M. Bohrer, president Saint Paul Board of Trade; W. G. Gates, secretary of the Saint Paul Board of Trade; Ed- mund Rice, mayor of Saint Paul ; William F. Phelps, secretary of the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce ; A. A. Ames, mayor of Minneapolis ; Isaac Atwater, president Minneapolis Board of Trade ; R. C. Judson, secretary State Agricultural Society ; W. S. Chowen, secretary State Grange; Edgar R. Mills, secretary Duluth Chamber of Commerce; William F. Phelps, secretary Duluth Chamber of Commerce; Lucien J. Barnes, secretary Duluth Produce Exchange ; Ralph W. Baker, secretary Duluth Board of Trade; M. J. Forbes, president Duluth Board of Trade; L. A. Hancock, president Red Wing '’Board of Trade ; M. J. Daniels, president Rochester Board of Trade; A. T. Stebbins, secretary Rochester Board of Trade; B. B. Herbert, secretary Red Wing Board of Trade. Mississippi. — Robert Lowry, governor of Mississippi ; Philip Crutcher, secretary of Vicksburg Cotton Exchange ; L. F. Chiles, secretary State Fair Association. Missouri. — A. P. Morehouse, governor of Missouri ; J. W. Sanborn, secretary State Board of Agriculture ; W. H. Miller, secretary Kansas City Commercial Exchange ; F. W. Wyman, president Hannibal Board of Trade ; T. T. Luscombe, president Car- thage Board of Trade; Charles O. Harrington, secretary Carthage Board of Trade; H. R. W. Hartwig, president Saint Joseph Board of Trade; John L. Motter, secre- tary Saint Joseph Board ofTrade; Joseph H. Alexander, president Saint Charles Com- mercial Exchange ; John F. Cahill, manager. Montana. — S. T. Hauser, governor of Montana ; Robert C. Walker, secretary Helena Board of Trade. Nebraska. — James W. Dawes, governor of Nebraska ; James E. Boyd, mayor of Omaha; Max Meyer, president Omaha Board of Trade; George M. Nattinger, sec- retary Omaha Board of Trade ; O. E. Hall, master State Grange ; R. W. Furnas, sec- retary State Board of Agriculture. Nevada. — C. C. Stevenson, governor of Nevada. New Hampshire. — Charles F. Sawyer, governor of New Hampshire; Moody Currier governor of New Hampshire ; William H. Sise, president Portsmouth Board of Trade William H. Stinson, master State Grange ; N. J. Bachelder, secretary State Grange H. K. Slayton, secretary Manchester Board of Trade. 56 PERMANENT EXPOSITION OF THE THREE AMERICAS. New Jersey. — Robert S. Green, governor of New Jersey; Jesse Pratt, mayor of Camden ; William S. Strong, mayor of New Brunswick ; B. H. Campbell, president Elizabeth Board of Trade ; C. A. Swift, secretary Elizabeth Board of Trade; P. T. Quinn, secretary Newark Board of Trade ; M. D. Dickinson, secretary State Grange ; W. G. Scott, secretary Paterson Board of Trade. New Mexico. — E. G. Ross, governor of New Mexico. Neio York. — D. D. Whitney, mayor of Brooklyn; M. Lernrin, secretary Italian Chamber of Commerce of New York; Ambrose Snow, president New York Board of Trade and Transportation ; Louis Contencin, president Italian Chamber of Com- merce; Alexander Oldrini, member Italian Chamber of Commerce; Phillip Beckor, mayor of Buffalo ; Thomas E. Kinney, mayor of Utica ; Albert J. Wright, president Buffalo Merchants’ Exchange ; William Thurstone, secretary Buffalo Merchants’ Ex- change ; J. R. Joslyn, secretary Elmira Board of Trade ; John Boyd Thacher, mayor of Albany ; S. H. Parker, secretary Geneva Board of Trade ; Edward C. Boynton, secretary Newburgh Board of Trade ; Edward Elsworth, mayor of Poughkeepsie. North Carolina. — A. M. Scales, governor of North Carolina; J. H. Currie, presi- dent Wilmington Produce Exchange; T. C. Williams, secretary State Agricultural Society; W. R. Williams, master State Grange. Ohio. — Amor Smith, jr., mayor of Cincinnati ; George W. Gardner, mayor of Cleve- land; Samuel F. Forbes, mayor of Toledo; William Edwards, president Cleveland Board of Trade ; X. X. Crum, secretary Cleveland Board of Trade ; Denison T. Smith, secretary Toledo Produce Exchange; C. D. Firestone, president Columbus Board of Trade; Charles G. Lord, secretary Columbus Board of Trade; James P. Goodwin, mayor of Springfield; O. S. Kelly, mayor of Springfield ; Ira Crawford, mayor of Day- ton ; M. Churchill, president Zanesville Board of Trade ; William M. Shinnick, secre- tary Zanesville Board of Trade ; J. H. Brigham, master State Grange ; T. R. Smith, secretary State Grange. Oregon. — Z. F. Moody, governor of Oregon ; Donald Macleay, president Portland Board of Trade; John Gates, mayor of Portland. Pennsylvania. — Robert E. Pattison, governor of Pennsylvania; William B. Smith, mayor of Philadelphia ; J. Wesley Supplee, president Philadelphia Commercial Ex- change ; C. Ross Smith, secretary Philadelphia Commercial Exchange ; George E. Paul, president Philadelphia Produce Exchange ; Howard Austin, secretary Phila- delphia Produce Exchange ; John F. Dravo, president Pittsburgh Chamber of Com- merce ; S. L. McHenry, secretary Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce ; Thomas J. Edge, secretary State Board of Agriculture ; Leonard Rhone, master State Grange ; Ezra H. Rippie, mayor of Scranton ; E. G. Martin, president Allentown Board of Trade; E. H. Reninger, secretary Allentown Board of Trade; Benjamin Blum, sec- retary Meadville Board of Industry ; W. R. Johns, secretary Oil City Board of Trade ; J. B. Olmstead, president Titusville Merchants’ Association ; E. H. Ames, secretary Titusville Merchants and Manufacturers’ Association ; James R. Kenney, mayor of Reading ; Isaac McHose, president of Reading Board of Trade ; J. F. Keever, secre- tary Reading Board of Trade. Rhode Island . — John W. Davis, governor of Rhode Island ; G. F. Robbins, mayor of Providence ; C. W. Smith, secretary Rhode Island Society for Encouragement of Domestic Industry. South Carolina. — John P. Richardson, governor of South Carolina; Thos. D. Jenry, president Charleston Chamber of Commerce; A. Walton Taft, president Charleston Exchange ; Geo. W. Bell, secretary Charleston Merchants’ Exchange ; S. A. Pearce, president Columbia Board of Trade ; Robert M. Anderson, secretary Columbia Board of Trade; James N. Lipscomb, master State Grange ; Thomas W. Holloway, secretary State Grange and secretary State Agricultural and Mechanical Society ; E. L. Roche, secretary Agricultural Society of South Carolina. Tennessee. — William B. Bate, governor of Tennessee; Thomas A. Kercheval, mayor of Nashville ; H. C. Hensley, president of Nashville Merchants’ Exchange ; O. H. Hi