to appoint a board of lady managers became from day to day more apparent, and, therefore, in pursuance of that authority it was determined, with the consent and approval of the local committee under whose auspices the exposition was given, to appoint a board consisting of twenty-one persons; and of the twenty-one nineteen members have now been appointed. * * * It will rest with you ladies, and the two additional members hereafter to be appointed, whether or not you wish to increase the size of your board. * * *

After or about the time of the New York meeting the National Commission, acting under the authority of the law, prescribed certain general limitations or rules within which this board of lady managers would continue to exercise their functions.  These rules were, I think, made very general, and were submitted to the local company for approval, as the statute requires.  The company has suggested certain amendments, which are not of great importance and do not at this time limit your deliberations to any considerable extent. * * * The rule upon which your authority will rest reads:  “The board of lady managers, appointed as authorized by section 6 of the act of Congress, shall have authority to exercise general supervisory control over such features of the exposition as may be specially devoted to woman’s work.”  That rule is practically without any limitation whatever.  It places under your control and supervision the work for the exhibits, whether appearing in the manner of artistic, industrial, or other tangible production, or whether appearing in the manner of woman’s engagement in any part or portion of the exposition work.  I think it will rest with you that girls under a certain age should not be permitted to be employed in the exhibits, or in any manner made a part of the coming exposition. * * * You will find in this rule the amplest authority with reference to any subject-matter over which you seek to exercise jurisdiction, composed in whole or in part by woman’s work.  That is all the limitation you will find.  That rule the company has approved without amendment, and in approving it * * * I believe that it is clearly the earnest desire of the company to secure and at all times approve of your cordial cooperation.

In the matter of executing the duties before you, it will be found necessary, I believe, at this meeting, after the election of your officers, to secure such quarters as may, in your opinion, be necessary for the convenient transaction of the business committed to your charge.  It will likewise be necessary for you to begin to consider the scope of woman’s work in connection with the exposition, and likewise form proper rules and regulations for the government of your officers and the direction of the general task that you have before you.  It is needless to suggest that future success will, as you know, to a considerable extent, be dependent upon the thought and consideration