The age-herald., 1902-01-18
Ey-GOV Francis Says He Never
 Contemplated Such Action
WILL BE READY ON TIME
Says His Statements Were Miscon- strued, But Admits That Better Falr Could Be Prepared for
 1eo4Lsurprise In St.Louis

Washington, January 1T.-Ex-Governor Francis tonight, in response to d request from the Associated Press made the fol- lowing statement regarding reports that the exposition would be postponed from 1903 to 1904:
 T was much surprised to learn that a statement had been printed to the effect that I had virtually adrlittad that the fair would be postponed from 1908 to 1904 l have never advocated nor contemp plated such action. On behalf of the local com. pany l desire to say that 1t can be ready for the exposition in 1903 and will be ready. When some newspaper men asked me today if the fair would be postponed and l made a negative reply 1 was ask ed if we could not prepare a better fair in 1904 than in 1903. l replied yes and so can we prepare better fair for 2004 than for 1907 I cannot say why this statement should be construed as an ad- mission that the Louisiana Purchase Ex- position would be postponed from the date fixed by Congress and announced by the President in his proclamation in viting foreign countries to participate. Some of European governments have sent replies declining, and one object of my visit to Washington is to ask the state department and the administration to bring additional pressure upon such gov ernments to reconsider their conclusion.
 Would Have Some Anyway.
 If, however, they refuse to do so it would not mean that St. Louis would not have exhibits from those countries, as our com missionors would make ap- pepals to manufacturers and other ex- hfDitorS therein. One or more of the for eign countries have given as reasons for their declination that they have not time enough in which to prepare exhibits. Whether the governments so declining would participate in the event of a post ponement has not been ascertained
 T am still in conference with the State Department and trust that within tns next few days some plan will be evolved whereby foreign governments that have declined can be induced to reconsider
 If. continued MT. Francis, the State Department or the administration, or Congress should desire this fair postponed in order to give foreign governments a longer time in which to prepare, I have no doubt the local corporation would readily grant such wishes.''
 Do you expect that such & contingency will arise?' was asked.
 NO, I do not expect but firmly be- lieve that everything will be in readiness and the fair will open on time" was Mr. Francis reply.
 Will Be No Postponement.
 St. Louis, January n.-"Whereas, The public press has agitated the question of postponement of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition;
 Resolved. That under the act of Con gress and under every plan of the board of directors and executive committee the exposition will open and close in the year 1903."
 These resolutions were unanimously adopted at a meeting of the executive committee of the Exposition Company this afternoon to set at rest statements coming from Washington to the effect that the worlds fair might have to be postponed from 1903 until 1904.
 The dispatches from Washington quot ing President D. R. Francis and Director Adolphus Busch of the Worlds Fair Company as intimating that the Louisi- ana Purchase Exposition might not be held until 1904 created surprise among those who have from the first consistent ly adhered to the statement that the worlds fair would open and close in 1903.
 A meeting of the executive committee was held and all present were of the opinion, it was stated that the original intention or nolulng the Tar III lsVo should be adhered to.
 It is generally understood that Presi dent Francis, the board of directors and the executive committee are working en- e. getically for the opening of the fair in 1903
 The following dispatch was sent today: "To the Secretary of State, Department
 of State Washington, D. C.:
 Tn behalf of the city of St. Louis and of the directors of the Louisiana Pur- chase Exposition Company we desire most earnestly to solicit your assistance to the end that St. Louis may be included in the itinerary of Prince Henry. A for mal invitation will be forwarded by mail.
 (Sgned) ''ROLLA WELLS. Mayor.
 DAVID R. FRANCIS, President Louisiana Purchase Exposi-
 tion Company"