In 1889, she was sent as representative of the "Associated Press" to the International Exposition at Paris. She was the first woman who ever represented the press at an international council. When she and her companion presented themselves at the council room, the French official refused them tickets of admission. "But, madam, you are a woman," he said in explanation. "Yes, and in monsieur, I expect to find a gentleman," she answered. The official went on to explain that a woman had never sat at such a gathering, and that it was impossible for him to allow her to enter. With characteristic persistency, Sullivan stuck to her point, saying, "do you not think that Paris should establish a precedent?" She and her companion were given tickets of admission. At the exposition, the President of France wanted to put her in a somewhat subordinate position at some great function held in Paris. She refused as representative of the American press to take it and through a telegram to James G. Blaine, then Secretary of State, she was given the place of honor.