Evening star., 1901-01-24
THE ST. LOUIS EXPOSITION
Ex-Gov. FraHheis Explains what Has
Been Di. ; the o''''s.'-
Status of Eesislation.

large ana influential delegation repre-
senting those Interested in the Louisiana
purchase worlds exposition. to be held at
st. Louis In 1908, was heard today by the
special commf6e ollthe House of Repre-
sentatves having Charge Of that subject.
The exposition is designed on scale OF
unusual magnitude. SIS. .0oo. eco already be-
ing assured fofit by. the United States gov
ernment and the city of St. Louis. 1t will
partake OF the International scope OF the
Paris exposition and the Chicago worlds
fair.
The delegation present today included
former Governor D. r. Francis of Missouri,
Charles W. Knapp. president OF the st.
Louis Republic: ex-Representative Nathan
FRANK, who was one of the representatives
who framed the Chicago exposition legis-
lation; ex-Representative Seth w. Cobb OF
Missouri, and Messrs James Hagerman and
C.. H. Spencer.
Chairman Tawney of. the congressional
committee explained the present status OF
the measure. The sundry civil appropria-
ton bill Of last year contained a provision
pledging the United States government to
appropriate $500, COO when the local au-
thorities had provided SIC. .O00, 600 to the sat
ls!actlon Of the Secretary of the Treasury.
The present bill contemplated carrying out
this pledge by making the appropriation OF
S.. .OO0,00 and at the same time providing
a comprehensive plan Of government par
ticipation along the lines of the participa-
ton at Chicago.
Statement by: k4-Gsv. Francis.
Governor Francis addressed the commit
tee, pointing out that the s10.0OO.0OO had
been secured by the local authorities. Or
this amount $50OO.OOO had been raised by
popular subscription and $5.OOOO0O by the
issue of bonds. He said the spirit of the
people Of the state of Missouri and Of the
vote supporting the issuance OF bonds for
exposition purposes. The certificate OF the
secretary Of state OF Missouri showed a
large majority in the state vote favorable
to the amendment authorizing the bonds,
and In St. Louis the vote showed eight
ninths favorable to the bonds.
Governor Francis explained the enthu-
siastic manner in which St Louis had taken
up the work of preparing itself for re-
ceiying the worlds guests on that Occa-
sion. In addition to pledging $5OOO.OOO the
city was arranging expenditures OF about
100000 for streets, boulevards. parks,
improved water filtration and other fea-
lures putting St. Louis in creditable condi-
tion for this international event: AS con-
elusive evidence that st. Louis had raised
the $1,000, 900 required Governor Francis
read letter from VIM. H. Thompson,
chairman Of the finance committee Of the
exposition. stating that st. Louis had full
filled it's promise.
It's National Aspect.
The national aspect Of the project was
explained. 1t was an event Of interest not
only to ST. Louis, but to that vast section
west of the Mississippi which became a
part Of the United States by the louisiana
purchase. Gov. Francis said it was essen
tial that Congress should at this session
carry out the provision Of last years bill
by making the appropriation. The bill also
provides for a. national commission OF nine
members, to be appointed by the Presi-
dent; for a local commission, board OF lady
managers. etc. and for the selection OF site,
invitation to foreign governments and the
other requirements Of worlds fairs. A gov
ernment building Is provided for. to cost
800, 900, and a suitable exhibit Of govern
ment resources i
Gov. Francis disclosed plan of having
President Mckinley visit st. Louis In the
spring on his way back from the Pacific
coast and christen the exposition site.
Tribute to Jefferson.
In closing Gov. Francis read from an ad-
dress Of James G. Blaine at st. Louis, in
which, after referring eloquently to the act
of Thomas Jefferson in creating by a
scratch Of his pen the imperial empire west
of the Mississippi he pointed out that there
was no statue of jefferson within the seven
states and three territories acquired by the
Louisiana purchase. This reproach, Gov.
Francis said, would not long continue, Tor
during the exposition a fitting memorial
shaft, edif1ce or monument would be raised
to the memory of Jefferson.
The committee adjourned until next Mon
day, when the bill will be considered by
sections and doubtless reported soon there