It is quite impossible to compute the value to the American people of this Philippine exhibit.  In giving to the country the basis upon which to form a just conception of the character and possibilities of our new possessions the Philippine department alone fully justified the interest of the nation in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition.

The official report of the Philippine exhibit, filed with the records of the Commission, is replete with interest and will justify careful perusal.

REPORTS OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES.

The response of foreign governments and peoples to the invitation of the President of the United States was in every way most gratifying.  For an adequate description of the manner and extent of foreign participation in the exposition, reference must be made to the reports of the respective commissioners to their governments, copies of which are filed with this report.

The Commission, desiring to tersely review the exhibits of the various countries, called upon their several representatives for a brief statement of the nature and extent of their exhibits.  The responses received convey but a meager idea of the great display made, but a perusal of the epitomized reports will serve to convey an outline of the exhibits made and the buildings constructed.

Condensed summaries of these reports have been prepared and are submitted as a part of this report, marked “Appendix No. 3.”

REPORTS OF STATES, TERRITORIES, AND DISTRICTS.

Inspired by the example of the General Government, and stimulated by the extent of foreign participation, in response to the invitation of the President, the several States, Territories, and Districts of the United States contributed to the success of this exposition in a far greater degree than on former occasions of like character.

As in the case of foreign countries, the Commission called upon the representatives of the various States, Territories, and Districts for a brief statement of the extent and character of the exhibits made by them.  The reports of the representatives to the authorities by which they were appointed have been collected as far as practicable and are filed with this report.

Condensed summaries of these reports have been prepared and are submitted as a part of this report, marked “Appendix No. 4.”

THE BOARD OF LADY MANAGERS.

The board of lady managers appointed by the Commission proved themselves eminently qualified to perform the exacting and comprehensive duties assigned them.  Their organization was one of the most popular and successful instrumentalities of the exposition.

These distinguished and representative women of our country were quickly recognized as organizers and leaders of the many public and semiofficial entertainments and functions, which all must agree were so necessary and contributed so greatly to the success of the exposition.