I am very positive in my views that when it comes to providing for the legislation of this board for its participation in the fair, it can not be done without the National Commission, and especially without the permission of the company.  I do not think that they can decide to take up certain lines of work and go out there to do it without having some agreement on the subject.

At the meeting of the board on the day following, December 17, 1903, Mrs. Hanger tendered her resignation from the office of the secretary of the board of lady managers, and Miss Lavinia II.  Eagan was unanimously elected to fill the vacancy.  Upon this occasion Mrs. Coleman presented the following motion: 

That the resignation of Mrs. Hanger from the office of secretary of this board be accepted with regret, and that Mrs. Hanger be extended a hearty vote of thanks for her faithful, painstaking, and efficient work for the board as such official.

One of the most brilliant courtesies tendered the board of lady managers was the reception given in its honor by the Woman’s Club, at the club house, on December 17.

Up to this time the plans outlined by the members of the Commission, such as sending representatives abroad to interest the women of foreign countries in the exposition, and other “suggestions” made by the board, designated by the president of the Commission as legitimate exposition work, had been rejected by the company.  The members of the board of lady managers, therefore, were now of the unanimous opinion that they would be most seriously embarrassed and their services rendered ineffective and inoperative unless an appropriation could be secured from Congress to defray the cost of meetings and other necessary expenses.  If they failed to secure funds of their own, their power and influence in connection with the exposition would continue to be limited and indefinite.

Pursuant to the recommendations of the National Commission, therefore, as expressed at their meeting December 16, 1903, a new legislative committee was appointed on December 18, to take the place of the one created under the resolution of May 2, 1903, with instructions to the members to proceed immediately to Washington, which they did on January 5, 1904.  The history and successful result of their work is given by the chairman of that committee in her final report.

At the meeting of the board of lady managers, held at its rooms in the Administration Building, March 1, 1904, before the regular order of business was taken up, Mrs. Andrews asked for and obtained unanimous consent to speak to the members of the board, and said: