Francis by President Carter under date of November 26, 1902, on the second page of which you will note this Commission desires a statement showing the contract obligations for the several buildings, the name of the contractors, the dates fixed for payment, the amounts heretofore paid, and the date for final completion of each structure.  Also all contracts existing requiring the payment of money for the acquisition of grounds and improvements to be made thereon, and for services rendered or to be rendered, together with the amounts heretofore paid on the respective contracts, and the names of the contractors to whom payments have been or are to be made, giving the substance of each and every contract for the payment of money made by the Exposition Company prior to November 1.  If you could have the statement include the months of November, December, and January it would be appreciated.

You will also note that it is desired that the statement should embrace an approximate estimate of the cost of all contemplated construction, improvements, and necessary expenditures connected with the exposition, as contemplated by the plan and scope thereof heretofore approved.

    This Commission will meet on March 10, and I will appreciate it
    if you will have the statement furnished at your earliest
    convenience.

    Thanking you in advance for your kindness, I beg to remain,

    Yours, very truly,
    JOSEPH FLORY,
    Secretary.

    W.B.  STEVENS, Esq.,
    Secretary Exposition Company, Building.

    ST. LOUIS, U.S.A., February 19, 1903.

DEAR SIR:  The information asked for in your letter of the 5th instant, namely, “A statement showing contract obligations for the several buildings, names of contractors, dates fixed for payment, amount heretofore paid, and dates for final completion of each structure,” is being prepared and will be forwarded to you.

    Respectfully,
    W.B.  STEVENS,
    Secretary.

    Mr. JOSEPH FLORY,
    Secretary.

The statements furnished by the Exposition Company following this correspondence did not seem to the Commission to be sufficiently explanatory of the financial condition of the exposition, and with a view of obviating this difficulty, and of insuring better results in the future, the Commission on March 13, 1903, appointed a special auditing committee, consisting of Messrs. Scott, Thurston, and Miller, to audit the books and accounts of the Exposition Company up to April 1, 1903.  Mr. Scott, as chairman, was authorized by the following resolution to make the audit: 

    Copy of Resolution.