According to section 3 of the act of Congress approved March 3, 1901, the National Commission was allowed the sum of “ten thousand dollars per annum, or so much thereof as may be necessary,” for the purpose of defraying the clerical, office, and other necessary expenses of the Commission.  Including the year 1901 the amounts thus allowed aggregate the sum of $41,923.36.  The expenditures for the entire term of the Commission’s existence amount to $32,763.22.  This includes an investment of $952.16 in furniture, which has been delivered to the Secretary of the Treasury.

Total unexpended balance reverting to credit of Exposition Company, $9,160.14.

The expenditures made by the Commission from April 23, 1901, to June 30, 1905, are set forth in a statement, submitted herewith as Appendix No. 6.

This report can not fairly be concluded without commendatory reference to the zeal and devotion of the people of the city of St. Louis toward this great enterprise.  With great generosity and hospitality their beautiful homes were thrown open to visitors; constant and delightful entertainment was provided, and there can be no doubt that the millions who came to see the exposition took away with them abiding and affectionate remembrance of the universal consideration and courtesy shown them.

The directors of the Exposition Company, comprising ninety-odd representative business men of the city, devoted time and attention to the affairs of the exposition with unfailing interest and fidelity.  They not only contributed as subscribers to the stock of the Exposition Company, but in cases of emergency volunteered advances from their private fortunes and freely loaned their credit to the exposition.

The daily newspapers and other publications of the city were tireless in their efforts to sustain the enterprise, and to set forth its unusual attractions.

The residents of the Louisiana Purchase in particular, and the people of the whole country in general, are indebted to the people of St. Louis and the press of that city for the commendable and stupendous efforts made in behalf of the exposition.

As a landmark in the world’s progress the Louisiana Purchase Exposition well deserves and will doubtless be accorded a conspicuous place in exposition history.

Portland, Oreg., June 30, 1905.

THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION COMMISSION,
By JOHN M. THURSTON, President.
The PRESIDENT.

APPENDIXES.

APPENDIX I.

REPORT ON ACCOUNTS AND STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS

FROM INCORPORATION OF COMPANY TO APRIL 30, 1905.

The following is a copy of letter received from the firm of Messrs.
Jones, Caesar, Dickinson, Wilmot & Co.: 

    St. Louis, June 5, 1905.