the earliest practicable
date, to the end that it may be examined during the present
meeting of the Commission.

The Commission desires that the statement should show the
contract obligations for the several buildings, the names 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. In short, it is the desire of the Commission that the
statement should give the substance of each and every contract
for the payment of money made by the Exposition Company prior to
November 1.

The Commission also desires 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.

The Commission deems the statement referred to necessary under
the requirements of section 11 of the act of Congress approved
March 3, 1901, which requires the Commission to give a general
summary of the financial condition of the exposition.

The Commission will appreciate the courtesy of the statement in
duplicate.

Very respectfully,
THOS. H. CARTER,
_President_.

Hon. D.R. FRANCIS,
President Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company,
_St. Louis, Mo_.

ST. LOUIS, _November 26, 1902_.

DEAR SIR: I beg to acknowledge receipt of a communication dated
November 26, signed by President Carter, requesting a detailed
statement of the financial obligations and expenditures of the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company up to and including
October 31, 1902.

Respectfully,
W.B. STEVENS,
_Secretary_.

Hon. JOSEPH FLORY,
_Secretary National Commission, City_.

ST. LOUIS, U.S.A., _November 26, 1902_.

DEAR SIR: I send herewith a statement of the disbursements and
liabilities of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company, which,
I think, meets the request made by the National Commission.

Respec