The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-02-26
HOW IT BEGAN.
History of the Organization of the
Centennial Celebration.


The Louisiana Purchase Centennial Con-
vention was held at the Southern Hotel,
in St. Louis. 10th and 18th Of last January.
A permanent organization was effected by
the appointment for president Of Mr.. j.
C. Milliman, Lieutenant Governor of Iowa;
for vice president. Hon. c. c. Rafter. OF
Wyoming. and for secretary. James Cox,
of Missouri with honorary vice presidents
representing each State and Territory IN
the purchase.
The following States were represented.
one delegate for each State at large: Ar
kansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana,
Minnesota Missouri, Montana, Nebraska,
North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota,
Wyoming.
Extracts from the report of the COM
mittee on resolutions, which was unani-
mously adopted, follow:
Whereas 50 important an event as the cen
tennial anniversary OF the acquisition by the
United State Of America OF the territory known
as the Louisiana Purchase should be tttingly cele-
DRAFTED and ccUmemorated IN some appropriate
yav that would best represent the improvement,
development, and growth, not only OF the great
central West but of entire country during
the last hundred years and also foreshadow IN
some degree the possibilities that may ne
achieved under the banner OF freedom and progress
during the next century; and
Whereas we believe that this object can be
host ACCOMPLISHED by an exposition international
in its character. where the products of the
labor. skill, genius, industry. and enterprise OF
county are brought INTO close COMPARISON n
with those OF all other countries. where the
peoples of the earth have an opportunity
10 behold and study the mighty impress which
the influence Of liberty makes upon the progress
OF man; and, in this great contest, where the
world i the field, this wonderful valley, eN-
tending from the semi-tropieal sea on the south
the semifrcze regions Of the north VIII
gladly submit its progress and achievements tor
the first century OF its growth in friendly COM
petition with the results of many centuries IN
The older world; and
Whereas il would be best and proper that sueh
exposition should be held during the years 1903
and 1901 At suitable place within the terri
tory covered by the Louisiana Purchase where 1t
would be most accessible and convenient for the
people Of this country; therefore. be II
Resolved That the acquisition OF the Louisiana
Purchase should he commemorated by an interIia-
tional exposition in the years 1903 ard 1901
Resolved. That such exposition should be held
at some suitable place within the territory COW
cred by the Louisiana Purchase, where 1t would be
most accessible and convenient for the people oil
Resolved. That the United States Government.
each Of the States and Territories. and all foreign
nations and countries should be invited TO assist
and participate in such exposition
Resolved That we recommend that the Congress
OF the United States he asked 10 make suitable
apJropriation 20 aid in making such an exposI-
ton grand success. and that each State and
TERRITORY be requested TO aid in making suitable
displays Tor their respective Commonwealth
On roll call OF States for location of
the convention, sixty-nine votes were re-
corded for ST. Louis and eight for New
Orleans. the Missouri delegation asking to
be excused from voting. On motion OF Mr..
Calhoun. of Louisiana. the selection of ST.
Louis was made unanimous.
An executive committee was appointed
with three representatives from each
State and Territory included in the Lou
isiana Purchase, to be nominated by the
respective delegations. with power to act
in the absence of the convention.
On the evening of January 10 banquet
was held in the large dining hall at the
Southern Hotel and $50 plates were laid
Stirring speeches were delivered by the
mayor of st. Louis. Hon. lafayette Young,
of Iowa; Ger. John W. Noble. former See
rotary OF the Interior; Judge Frank Hin,
Of Little Rock Ark: Hon. d. z Francis.
Chairman % the Executive Committee:
Mr. J. T. O'Donnell. OF Denver, Col, and
others.
ON the following day resolutions we're
adopted calling upon the legislatures OF
the different States included In the pur-
chase 20 assist In the work.
The following resolutions were unani-
mousiy adopted;
Resolved. That n i the Judgment q this con-
vruti9u that in order O. insure the suetss u the
iuf.tnatiual Exposition ia horur of the centsn-
ui4l q the purchase q the Louisiana territory
q scale worthy e Is importsEcy is will be
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