A commissioner-general was appointed.  He was instructed to proceed to St. Louis and secure the necessary space for exhibits and a site for Russia’s pavilion.

Committees were appointed for the purpose of collecting exhibits and to look after the work of installation and maintenance.

On the outbreak of the Russia-Japan war it was deemed advisable to withdraw the Government exhibit.  This was a cause of considerable concern to the Russian Emperor, who had been anxious to show his appreciation of the friendship that existed between Russia and the United States.

The commissioner-general then made a report that was unfavorable to Russia’s participation at the exposition, and he was then informed through the minister of finance of the withdrawal of Russia as a Government exhibitor.

The question of having Russia represented at the exposition by private exhibitors was then considered.  The minister of finance informed Mr. Grunwaldt that the Government would offer no objection to individual participation.

The Exposition Company allotted space to Mr. Grunwaldt in the various buildings.  Exhibits were installed in the Fine Arts, Liberal Arts, Manufactures, Varied Industries, and Agricultural buildings.  The exhibits were very extensive in all the departments.

The entire cost of collecting, transportation, and installation of exhibits, and the maintenance of same, was borne by Mr. Grunwaldt.

SIAM.

While making an extended tour of the United States in 1902, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Siam visited St. Louis and was the guest of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company.  His entertainment was so generous and his reception throughout the entire country so cordial that he decided to use his influence toward inducing His Siamese Majesty to participate in the exposition of 1904.  The plan, consequently, that suggested itself as to the character of Siam’s display was to send to St. Louis the most interesting articles and the best examples of Siamese industries.

The National Siamese Pavilion, a typical specimen of the architecture of the country, was a reproduction of the Wat (or temple), Benchamabopit, now in the course of erection at Bangkok.  The plans were closely followed, thus creating a type of Siamese architecture which in itself was an exhibit of interest and instruction.  The building cost $25,000.

Within the pavilion were placed many objects from the Royal, Museum, notably a large collection of ancient weapons, drums, cymbals, temple gongs, howdahs, some wonderful examples of mother-of-pearl work, hammered silver of antique designs, old lacquer, enormous elephant tusks, ancient theatrical costumes and properties, and portraits of Their Majesties the King and the Queen and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

In the Agricultural Building were displayed models of farming implements of all kinds and examples of the agricultural products of the land.  Especially noticeable was the large collection of rice, the most important of Siam’s exports.