The Van Buren press., 1901-10-05

10 EoiT WI
Following is an address by Presi-
dent Whitaker touching Arkansas
exhibit at st. Louis in 1903:
To the People Of Arkansas:
We take this method of informinA
the honorary commissioners OF the
state, and others who are interested
in the great exhibit to be made by
Arkansas at ST. Louis in 1903. that our
policy in the future, as in the past,
shall be as impartial and as liberal to
each county in the state as our knowl-
edge and ability will permit us to be.
To make a perfect success with the
small amount appropriated by the leg
islature and to place our state in the
front rank of other leading states, we
have decided that 1t is best to expeud
all the money appropriated in the cree
ton of the Arkansas state building.
less what is required to pay current
expenses; not only this. but add an adj
ditional amount thereto. This the
board of directors has to accomplish
by plans already laid down. Hence,
It will be seen that each county will
be asked to organize and adopt its own
plans and regulations best suited to
accomplish a successful exhibit there
from. Each county Of the state will
be represented in St. Louis according
to the amount of resources she pos
sesses and the amount Of money raised
to properly place these specimens on
exhibition. However, there will be a
general exhibit department to accom-
modate the counties that are too poor
or are not enterprising enough to beau
tify and arrange an exhibit Of their
own. To do this successfully and for
each county to make creditable ex-
hibit, could give you no better advice
than to adopt the plans laid down by
Jefferson county in her permanent or
ganization on the 18th inst. at Pine
Bluff, copy of which will be fur
nished by Mr.. Chas. Watkins on ap-
plication. For fear that other boards
might absorb and destroy the useful
ness of the parent board. | will sug-
gest that you direct all communications
Of every nature relative to work in
hand to Mr.. Chas. Watkins, secretary
board of directors, stat, treasurer's
office, Little Rock, Ark. Again. please
do not tax your minds with the plans,
style or finish or possible cost of the
state building, as that matter will be
placed in the hands Of the best archi-
tects Of the country. to be approved by
the board OF directors. Separate apart
ments will be arranged for every coun-
ty in the state that wishes to make an
exhibit. Several counties can combine
where they expect to advertise the
same material, for instance, the miner
al region. marble, etc.
SO 1t can readily be seen that any
section will be allowed to get out as
large specimens and advertise them in
proportion to the amount she wishes to
expend on them. The plan works no
hardships on any one or any section.
Knowing these facts. over half Of the
counties Of the state have organized
for the purpose Of preparing and beau.
flying specimen lot Of their county's
resources. The state Is being thor.
oughly aroused to this great import.
ance and Is literally responding.
want to assure the good people of Ar.
kansas that nothing is being left un.
done that will place the state In the
front ranks Of other states. The
building will exceed your most san.
guine expectations.
The manager and the assistant lady
mnager to preside over this grand
display OF Arkansas resources will be
selected not later than Thursday, the
10th day Of October, 1901. They will
be chosen from among the most influ.
entail and the most distinguished peo.
pie Of the state, and while great many
will be disappointed, we feel that we
can safely say In advance that the ap-
pointment will meet with the univer.
sal approval of the public. Having
laid aside every personal preference,
It shall be our only aim to encourage
the selection Of those who will best
advance the interest Of the entire state.
and who are more In accord with the
duties that will be devolved upon them.
After these two positions are filed the
great work will begin In earnest
Trusting hearty co.operttion of the
honorary commissioners of the state
as we'll as the lady auxiliary boards,
am sincerely.
John J Whitaker,
President Board OF Directors,