Isaac S. Taylor, the talented architect of St. Louis, discharged the duty of director of works.  To the united efforts of these gentlemen the exposition and the country are indebted for the magnificent architectural creations which adorned the exposition grounds.  Their relations to the work of construction and to the affairs of the company enabled them to act with a necessary degree of self-reliance and independence on their own initiative.

Among the many contributions made by the Government of the United States to the success of the exposition, the exhibit from the Philippine Islands deserves marked attention.  This exhibit was so extensive, interesting, and unique that it became the center of predominating interest.  Through its various departments a most valuable and accurate knowledge of the Philippine Archipelago was diffused, not only throughout the United States, but throughout the world.

By a fortunate coincidence it occurred that the Secretary of War, who had most to do with the marshaling of this exhibit, had been prepared for the work by his experience as governor of the Philippine Islands.  Hon. William H. Taft, as president of the Philippine Commission, and subsequently as governor of the Philippine Islands, manifested a sympathetic interest in the condition of the people, the resources of the islands, and in the proper adjustment of both to their new relationship with the United States.  About the time the exposition was projected Governor Taft, whose long and faithful service in the Philippines had endeared him to the inhabitants, was called by the President to accept the portfolio of war.  His familiarity with the people and the resources of the islands proved of inestimable value in the preparation of the representation and exhibits at the exposition.  Through his efficient Chief of the Insular Bureau, Col.  Clarence R. Edwards, the Secretary, with great zeal and effectiveness, addressed himself to the task of securing appropriate representation for the Philippine people.

The administrative work was placed in charge of Dr. W.P.  Wilson, of the Philadelphia Museum.  A more appropriate selection of an executive officer could not have been made.  Industrious, painstaking, and devoted, Doctor Wilson threw all his energy and superior ability into the task assigned him.

In Dr. Gustavo Neiderlein and Mr. Edmund A. Felder, Doctor Wilson had able and faithful lieutenants.  Through the combined efforts of such competent and devoted men the Philippine exposition was developed into a revelation of world-wide interest.

The extremes of civilization found in the Philippine Islands were exhibited upon the grounds.  The industrial conditions existing in the islands in their various stages of progress were clearly set forth.  The millions of visitors who were interested and instructed by this remarkable exhibit must have been deeply impressed with the importance and extent of our new possessions in the Orient.