The honorable the SECRETARY OF STATE.

SIR:  I have the honor to transmit herewith invitations which the board of lady managers of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition have addressed to the women of foreign countries, through the respective diplomatic envoys, with a view to promoting women’s interests at the exposition.

In view of the indorsement which the Congress of the United States has given to the exposition, and the recognition it has accorded to the board of lady managers, I should be pleased were it found consistent with practice for the invitations to be delivered by the diplomatic envoy of the United States, and if they were instructed to give them their support.

    I have the honor to be, sir,

    Your obedient servant,
    M. MARGARETTA MANNING.

MRS. M.M.  MANNING, President Board of Lady Managers of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, The Arlington, Washington, D.C.

MADAM:  I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 14th instant transmitting invitations which the board of lady managers of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition have addressed to the women of foreign countries, through the ministers for foreign affairs, with a view to promoting women’s interests at the exposition.

In reply I have to inform you that these invitations, with suitable instructions, have been sent to-day to the diplomatic representatives of the United States in the countries mentioned by you.

    I am, madam,

    Your obedient servant,
    FRANCIS B. LOOMIS,
    Acting Secretary.

Letters were received from most of these countries expressing their gratification and cordial cooperation in the matter, a fact which was evidenced by many letters from associations and individuals with reference to exhibits, etc.  For instance, a committee of women at Berne, through its secretary, sent a very remarkable consignment of pamphlets relating to the condition and work—­philanthropic and otherwise—­of the women of that nation.  These were intrusted to the Department of Social Economy.  Also in Italy a national committee of women of great consequence was formed.

Circumstances prevented any further initiative on the part of this committee outside the limits of the exposition itself.  Within those limits it has, in common with the whole board, done much for the exposition, and for the country by social courtesies extended to the representatives of foreign lands and received from them—­a service which has been performed by the board with success and dignity, and with great value to the interests of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition.

    ANNA L. DAWES. 
    EMILY S.G.  HOLCOMBE. 
    MARY PHELPS MONTGOMERY. 
    ANNIE MCLEAN MOORES. 
    DECEMBER, 1904.