Specific action was restricted, however, by the Exposition Company, and the committee on woman’s work was not enabled to give an international character to its work.  While the life of its organization was in no way affected, the board was not allowed to expend any money except under the authority of the Exposition Company, and although the members believed that whatever action they might take in regard to sending a representative of the board abroad was legitimate exposition work and would be promptly ratified by the National Commission and local company, their request was denied by the executive committee of the company, and they were not permitted to extend their work on the broad lines for which they had hoped.

An effort was made by two members of the committee on woman’s work, in conference with the heads of the departments in Washington, to secure information as to the details of the work performed by women in the various Government departments, and their salaries.  This matter was brought before the board at its session held February 18, 1903, and it was believed by the members that if such a statement could be obtained it would be helpful in the development and organization of woman’s work in connection with the board.  As all arrangements had previously been planned in Washington to have the work done if desired by the board, the secretary was instructed to write to Hon. John R. Procter, president United States Civil Service Commission, and ask for statistics.  In order to procure the data from all the departments, it was necessary to have an Executive order from the President.  Mr. Procter made this request, and the President graciously issued the following: 

    Executive Order.

    The HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS: 

The board of lady managers of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition desires a statement prepared, showing the work performed by women in the departments, together with their official designations, salaries, etc.  It is requested that so far as it will not inconvenience public work, such information may be supplied.

    THEODORE ROOSEVELT.

    WHITE HOUSE, March 21, 1903.

It may be said that the occupations in which women are now engaged in the Departments, where their duties range from those involving mere manual labor to skilled professional service, represent many of the lines in which women are now so active everywhere.  The salaries vary from $240 to $1,800 per annum.

It is believed that the citation of a few examples of the high positions of importance and responsibility now held by women, compiled for the information of the board of lady managers, may be a source of encouragement to others by showing what natural ability, backed with determination and industry, may accomplish.  The following memoranda has been taken at random from but four of the Departments: