Chapter 30

Finally, we authorize the committee to collect after the beginning of 1904, at our exchequer department, the above-mentioned amount appropriated by the Riksdag to be used as demands require for the purpose intended, with the obligation to account for same and with the understanding that the committee assumes the responsibility that this amount under no circumstances is exceeded; and we have ordered the exchequer department to pay from moneys on hand in advance, on requisition and to be deducted from the mentioned appropriation, what is necessary to carry on the work of the committee during the year 1903, not exceeding an amount of 20,000 kronor. Which we herewith communicate for your knowledge and abeyance as far as you are concerned, at the same time as a gracious letter is sent to the exchequer department.

PERU.

For the representation of Peru at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, the Peruvian Government appropriated approximately $100,000. The President of Peru appointed Mr. Alexander Garland, a distinguished Peruvian and noted writer of international and economical matters, commissioner-general. Mr. Garland, it is said, has always been noted in his country as a strong upholder of favorable trade relations with the United States. Mr. Miguel Miro-Queseda, a newspaper man of Peru, was appointed secretary to the commission. Subsequently Mr. Ernest H. Wands, of New York, and Wilfred H. Schoff were appointed commissioners and Mr. Manual C. Velarde secretary.

A variety of samples of cotton and woolen goods manufactured by factories lately established in Peru, at La Victoria, Vitarte, La Providencia, San Jacinto, Malastesta, etc., was displayed in the Peruvian section of the Agriculture Building, together with abundant samples of different qualities of Peruvian cotton. In the same building were exhibited excellent samples of sugar cane from Grande, Cartavio, Roma, and Chiquitoy. Samples of other products of the soil, as cotton, coffee, cacao, cocoa, cocaine, rice, etc., which figure under the exports of Peru, were also exhibited. In the same section were samples of Peruvian maize, white, yellow, and red, at least double the size of the corn raised in other parts of the world, as well as other specimens of the agricultural products of Peru.

The mines section showed the mineral resources of the country. Gold, silver, copper, lead, cinnabar, manganese, and all kinds of minerals were represented by a large variety of rich samples. Large blocks of lignite, anthracite, etc., gave an idea of the importance of the coal fields of Peru. Mineral oils, mineral waters, sands from placers, and a variety of salts samples were exhibited demonstrating that Peru is well endowed in minerals. There was also a mineral map of Peru made under the direction of the Sociedad Nacional de Mineria.

The Peruvian section in the Forestry, Fish, and Game Palace had samples of rubber of the Peruvian varieties in large quantities. Samples of wood gave an idea of the inexhaustible amount of raw materials that are contained in the vast forests of Peru, valuable for civil and naval construction and cabinetwork. Barks, resins, nuts, roots, seeds, and leaves for medical use and dyeing and tanning purposes confirmed the richness of Peruvian soil.

RUSSIA.

_Russian Commission._--Mr. Edward Grunwaldt, executive commissioner; Mr. Jacob Godberg, Mr. Max Berkowitz, Mr. L.A. Robinson.

Russia was at different times invited to participate in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904, but no definite acceptance was received until Mr. Thomas H. Cridler, the foreign representative of the Exposition Company, made a personal visit to the Emperor. His Majesty was heartily in favor of the proposition, and in proof of his good feeling toward the American people, ordered an appropriation of 450,000 rubles be set aside to meet the preliminary expense of the Russian exhibit.

A commissioner-general was appointed. He was instructed to proceed to St. Louis and secure the necessary space for exhibits and a site for Russia's pavilion.

Committees were appointed for the purpose of collecting exhibits and to look after the work of installation and maintenance.

On the outbreak of the Russia-Japan war it was deemed advisable to withdraw the Government exhibit. This was a cause of considerable concern to the Russian Emperor, who had been anxious to show his appreciation of the friendship that existed between Russia and the United States.

The commissioner-general then made a report that was unfavorable to Russia's participation at the exposition, and he was then informed through the minister of finance of the withdrawal of Russia as a Government exhibitor.

The question of having Russia represented at the exposition by private exhibitors was then considered. The minister of finance informed Mr. Grunwaldt that the Government would offer no objection to individual participation.

The Exposition Company allotted space to Mr. Grunwaldt in the various buildings. Exhibits were installed in the Fine Arts, Liberal Arts, Manufactures, Varied Industries, and Agricultural buildings. The exhibits were very extensive in all the departments.

The entire cost of collecting, transportation, and installation of exhibits, and the maintenance of same, was borne by Mr. Grunwaldt.

SIAM.

While making an extended tour of the United States in 1902, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Siam visited St. Louis and was the guest of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company. His entertainment was so generous and his reception throughout the entire country so cordial that he decided to use his influence toward inducing His Siamese Majesty to participate in the exposition of 1904. The plan, consequently, that suggested itself as to the character of Siam's display was to send to St. Louis the most interesting articles and the best examples of Siamese industries.

The National Siamese Pavilion, a typical specimen of the architecture of the country, was a reproduction of the Wat (or temple), Benchamabopit, now in the course of erection at Bangkok. The plans were closely followed, thus creating a type of Siamese architecture which in itself was an exhibit of interest and instruction. The building cost $25,000.

Within the pavilion were placed many objects from the Royal, Museum, notably a large collection of ancient weapons, drums, cymbals, temple gongs, howdahs, some wonderful examples of mother-of-pearl work, hammered silver of antique designs, old lacquer, enormous elephant tusks, ancient theatrical costumes and properties, and portraits of Their Majesties the King and the Queen and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

In the Agricultural Building were displayed models of farming implements of all kinds and examples of the agricultural products of the land. Especially noticeable was the large collection of rice, the most important of Siam's exports.

The exhibit in forestry, fish, and game showed the great variety of woods that grow in Siam, the appliances that are used for fishing, skins of the many wild animals of the country, and a large collection of forest products.

Teak, for which Siam is famous, was shown in a number of ways--cross sections, longitudinal cuts, and portions of the outer surface.

In the Transportation Pavilion were shown models of boats, panniers, and carts, howdahs, a buffalo cart, and a buggy in full size. The boat models were especially interesting. Because of the many navigable rivers and canals a greater part of transportation is by water; consequently a large variety of boats has been evolved to meet the various conditions.

The collection of spinning and weaving appliances in the Manufacturers' Building was large and instructive. Here, too, were many fine examples of mother-of-pearl work, pottery, hammered silver, and lacquer; also a collection of mats and textiles, both cotton and silk.

In the Mines and Metallurgy Building were displayed samples of the many minerals that are found in the country and models of the appliances used to secure them.

Altogether nearly six thousand individual articles were on exhibition and represented more completely the industries and resources of Siam than has any previous collection. In each State or Province of Siam a local committee was appointed with instructions to gather and forward to Bangkok at least one example of every article produced either for home use or sale. From these consignments a selection was made by the Commission and forwarded to St. Louis. In this way objects representing every section and all the arts and industries were shown. The total cost of the exhibition of the Government of Siam was approximately $120,000.

Although the trade of Siam has developed very rapidly during the past few years, the exhibits sent did not have for their purpose the extension of commerce with this country. The relations between the United States and Siam are most cordial. The latter recently accredited to the United States a minister, and Congress very promptly elevated the rank of the United States representative to that of minister plenipotentiary. Thus when the invitation to participate in the exposition was accepted, prospects of commercial gain were not in contemplation. The one idea was to contribute in every conceivable manner to the attractiveness of the exposition and add to its educational possibilities. The invitation was looked upon by the Siamese Government as a compliment, and the unselfish manner in which its acceptance was shown proved conclusively that the compliment was appreciated.

On the occasion of the exposition there was published by the Commission a richly illustrated book entitled "The Kingdom of Siam." This work was presented to the educational institutions of this country, to public libraries, and to all persons who were known to be interested in Siam. The book, written by experts, will be an authority for years to come upon Siam, its climate, resources, people, institutions, and industries, and will doubtless supplant the writings of hurrying traveler and transient visitor.

The commissioners appointed by the King of Siam were as follows: His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, president. Vice-presidents: His Royal Highness Prince Devawongse Varopakar, minister of foreign affairs; His Royal Highness Prince Mahisra Rajaharudhai, minister of finance; His Excellency Chow Phya Devesra Wongse Vivadhna, minister of agriculture; Mr. A. Cecil Carter, M.A., department of education, secretary-general. Members: His Royal Highness Prince Sanbasiddhi Prasong, His Royal Highness Prince Marubongse Siribadhna, His Highness Prince Vadhana, His Excellency Phya Vorasiddhi Sevivatra, His Excellency Phya Sukhum Nayavinit, His Excellency Phya Amarindra Lujae, His Excellency Phya Surasih Visisth Sakdi, His Excellency Phya Kamheng Songkram, His Excellency Phya Sunthorn Buri, His Excellency Phya Rasda Nupradit, His Excellency Phya Kraibej Ratana Raja Sonkram, His Excellency Phya Vijayadibadi, Phra Phadung-Sulkrit. Prof. James H. Gore, Columbian University, commissioner-general.

SPAIN.

The only Spanish exhibits at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition were shown in the Agricultural Building. There were but three displays, one being of pure sherry brandy, another of wines, and another of olive oil.

D. Mauricio Mandil was the only exhibitor from Spain, and he had the brandies, wines, and olive oil analyzed by well-known analytical chemists. The brandy exhibit consisted of a pyramid of ten barrels, well finished and varnished, placed on a fancy stand in the center of a well-polished platform, in the corners and sides of which were piled up polished pine cases of pure brandy distilled from sherry wine. On the top box of each pile were pyramids of bottles of different fancy packings artistically located.

The wine exhibit occupied a square 20 feet on each side. It represented a vine in full growth, being 18 feet high. The four corners were the trunks, on which were painted life-size figures of Spanish girls surmounted by the vine, bearing grapes. This square was covered by a silk awning made in the Spanish colors. In the center of the tent and on a platform was located a pyramid 15 feet high, composed of barrels and bottles artistically placed. The wines exhibited were mostly of old vintages, dating as far back as 1809, and among these was a special brand brought to America for the first time, and called Solera Lincoln, it being of the vintage of 1865, the year of Lincoln's assassination.

The olive-oil exhibit was made by one of the largest exporters of olive oil in the world.

TURKEY.

The Imperial Government of Turkey with great regret decided, for financial reasons, not to participate officially in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, and therefore no official pavilion was built. The three functionaries appointed for the Turkish commission were instructed to aid and to give advice to private exhibitors only who were Turkish subjects and who could be accommodated in exhibit buildings.

The three officials appointed were Chékib Bey, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to the United States, commissioner-general; Dr. Hermann Schoenfeld, consul-general in Washington, associate commissioner-general; George Eli Hall, consul-general in San Francisco, secretary-general of the commission.

VENEZUELA.

The participation of Venezuela in the St. Louis Exposition was authorized in the month of October, 1903, immediately after the end of one of the most sanguinary civil wars known in the history of the country. The following-named gentlemen were appointed as commissioners of the Venezuela Government: Gen. Cipriano Castro, honorary president; Eugenio M. Ambard, commissioner-general; Dr. H. Lameda, attaché; H. Meinhard, secretary.

The amount of the Government appropriation was at first $25,000, but this amount was soon exhausted and smaller amounts were subsequently sanctioned for the maintenance, transportation, and installation of exhibits. The total amount of appropriation was $30,000. There was absolutely no private contribution in cash. The approximate value of the exhibits was about $105,000.

Some of the most interesting features of the exhibition were:

First. A collection of over 200 varieties of fibers prepared under different processes and taken from different altitudes. Nearly all were prepared by a machine invented by Dr. J. Lameda, who collected and took the greatest interest in the fiber exhibit. From the coarsest to the finest were to be found among these fibers. The longest was of the musa variety, a coarse fiber which grows to the length of 10 feet. The _Annanassa sativa_, a fine fiber, grows to the length of 5 feet. This was the only collection of the kind at the exposition or which has ever been shown at any other exposition.

Second. The magnificent collection of hard woods from the Government States of Carabobo, Zulia, and Guayana, each comprising over 600 specimens of native logs, woods for cabinetwork, for building construction, lumber, staves, dyewoods, tanning, resinous, oil, rubber, and fragrant woods.

Third. A most unique and complete collection of forest plants, roots, herbs, leaves, barks, seeds, fruits, resins, gums, and dyeing and flavoring materials used by herbalists and pharmacists. These were collected, prepared, and classified by E.M. Ambard.

Fourth. A complete collection of all the minerals and precious stones (uncut) found in South America, prepared, collected, classified, and catalogued by Dr. Louis Plazard, who devoted nearly all his life to this work.

Fifth. A collection of cocoa beans from different regions, which is considered to be one of the best and most nutritious cocoas in the world, and has always obtained a far higher price than any other cocoa; also a collection of coffee from different altitudes, considered by authorities to be of very fine flavor and high grade.

The Venezuela Government had no special building. The exhibits were shown in the various exhibit palaces on the grounds.

VATICAN.

The Holy See having been requested to take part in the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition, accepted the invitation and sent to St. Louis, Mo., as its commissioner, Mr. Francis Cagiati, of Rome.

The exhibits sent by the Vatican to the fair were phototypical reproductions of the most valuable manuscripts existing in the Vatican Library, as well as some excellent specimens of works in mosaic, manufactured by the Studio del Mosaico Vaticano.

No special building was erected for the Vatican exhibit, but as the special nature of the objects required, the entire exhibit was placed in the Administration Building.

The exhibits sent by the Holy See to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition were as follows:

Copies of valuable manuscripts, codes, and documents from the Vatican Library.

The Roman Virgil (fifth century), the miniatures of the Greek Palatine Balter (twelfth century), the famous Greek Vatican Bible (fourth century), the Vatican Virgil (fifth century), the miniatures of the Bible of the Patricins Leo (tenth century), selected pages from the Papal Letter Book (eleventh century), Papal letters regarding Greenland (ninth century), earliest Papal documents regarding America (sixteenth century), the miniatures of the Ottobonian Pontifical (fifteenth century), the Palmipsett manuscript of the (de republica) of Cicero (fifth century), the ivories of the Christian, Museum of the Vatican Library.

Many phototypical and photographical reproductions of the Borgia rooms, Sistine Chapel, Raphael's Stanze.

Forty-one different pieces of mosaic work.

The death mask of Leo XIII.

Cast of the right hand of Leo XIII.

APPENDIX 4.

REPORTS OF STATES, TERRITORIES, AND DISTRICTS.

ALABAMA.

Committee on Birmingham district exhibit: Fred M. Jackson, president; J. B. Gibson, secretary; J.A. MacKnight, special representative; Rufus N. Rhodes, Culpepper Exum, F.H. Dixon, George H. Clark.

The legislature of Alabama failed to provide any funds for an exhibit of the resources of that State. A commission which had been appointed by the governor to attend to the business for the State was powerless to act and gave up the undertaking. In consequence of this failure the Commercial Club of Birmingham decided, when it was almost too late to arrange for any kind of an exhibit, to make a display of the State's mineral resources by means of a fund raised by popular subscription. The actual amount of money raised was approximately $20,000.

After considerable discussion the Commercial Club decided, upon a suggestion made by J.A. Mac Knight, to build a colossal statue of Vulcan, god of fire and metals, in iron. F.M. Jackson, president of the club, and J.B. Gibson, secretary, took a deep interest in the matter, and as a result the work was commenced in October, 1903. Great difficulty was met with in securing the services of a competent sculptor who was willing to build the model for such a statue, which was to be of a height of at least 50 feet. Mr. Mac Knight was appointed special representative of the club to promote this work and finally secured the services of Mr. G. Moretti, a sculptor residing in New York, who undertook to perform the task and to complete it in time for the exposition.

The model of this colossal statue of Vulcan was first built in clay at Passaic, N.J., where Mr. Moretti carried on the work under adverse circumstances and through the zero weather of the winter of 1903-4. It was then cast in plaster of Paris in sections, which were braced and stayed with scantling on the inside of the shell, to be used as patterns in the foundry. The entire model was shipped to Birmingham, Ala., on seven flat cars, its bulk rendering it impossible to put it in box cars. As soon as it reached Birmingham the work of casting the figure in iron was begun in the foundry of the Birmingham Steel and Iron Company.

Mr. Moretti went to Birmingham to keep the patterns in condition during the process of casting, and it was well that he did so, because the extreme cold had frozen the plaster casts before they were dry, rendering them so brittle that many of them were broken in handling, and the head itself was crumbled into a hundred pieces and had to be entirely remodeled.

Iron manufacturers from all parts of the world have said in regard to this statue that it was the most remarkable piece of iron casting they had ever seen. An agent of the Japanese Government was present at Passaic to watch the building of the model, and followed the work to Birmingham to make notes on the methods of casting it in iron. He also went to St. Louis and remained during its erection in the Mines Palace, and made an extended report to his Government on the subject.

The statue was successfully completed and set up in the exposition within three weeks after the day of opening. At the close of the exposition it was taken down and removed to Birmingham, where it is to be set up in a public park. Its height is 56 feet, and its weight a little more than 60 tons. The head was cast in one piece and weighed over 17,000 pounds. There were 20 casts in all, including the anvil and anvil block. The statue, which was intended to show forth the colossal iron deposits of Alabama, representing primitive man at the time he discovered the method of hardening iron into steel. Vulcan held aloft in his right hand the finished spearhead as a result of his knowledge and handicraft. It is the largest cast statue in the world, and it could not be duplicated for less than $40,000.

The space occupied by the exhibit collected and installed by the Commercial Club was 62 by 32 feet on the south side of the Mines Building, and contained approximately 2,000 square feet. The statue of Vulcan stood in the center of one side of the space facing the center of the Mines Palace. It was placed on a platform built upon nine heavy piles, which were driven to bedrock. The figure was perfectly poised when set up, but as an additional safeguard anchor bars were run down through the legs and through a heavy timber, which was bolted to the piles. These passed through plates on the inside of the timber and were screwed up tight. The rest of the space was occupied by a complete exhibit of raw mineral products from all parts of Alabama and especially iron and coal from the Birmingham district. The raw materials embraced the following: Brown hematite iron ore, soft red ore, hard red ore, bituminous coals, building stone, gray iron, limestone, dolomite, kaolin, clays, cement rocks, gold ores, copper ore, lignite, and glass sand, and a long list of other minerals which have not been developed. The products of coal and iron were coke and pig iron. The finished products were as follows: Open-hearth steel rails, bar and angle iron, car wheels, bar steel, steel plate, sewer pipe, and vitrified brick. This entire exhibit was displayed in an attractive manner and was the object of a great deal of comment by visitors to the exposition and by newspapers throughout the country and Europe.

A display of Alabama marble was made in the form of a head of Christ, which was carved by Moretti, while he was at work on the Vulcan statue at Birmingham. This marble is of exceedingly fineness and whiteness. Moretti gave it as his opinion that this marble is equal to the best Carara or Parian marbles, and it is believed that the making of this exhibit will lead to the development of the marble deposits of Alabama, which are believed to be very extensive and of superior quality. The raw materials displayed offer to capital and enterprise a number of splendid opportunities. The glass sands are probably destined to place Alabama in the front rank in glass making in the future, while the following resources were displayed in such abundance and were of such excellent quality as to offer the greatest inducements to capital and skill: