G E N E R A L O P E R A T I O N Under the Direction of THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. December 16th, 1896 to June 30th, 1902. December 16th, 1896. 45 Directors present. On motion, a committee of five (5) consisting of Messrs. Reed, Dudley Smith, Wakefield, Youngs and W.H. Robertson of Dunn's Mercantile Agency, were appointed to investigate the list of subscribers in aid of the Exposition and report as to the solvency of said subscribers and also as to whether such subscriptions were made in good faith. Mr. A.L. Reed for the full committee, appointed December 8th inst? reported as follows: "TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Gentlemen: Your committee to whom was referred the question of examining and auditing the list of subscriptions to the capital stock of the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, and donations thereto, respectfully report that they have carefully examined same, and find the total amount to be $404,720.00; that a 5% assessment on same would amount to $20,236.00 and that of said assessment $18,174.50 has been paid on the call of the secretary, and small subscribers are still making payments; that we find no fake subscriptions, and no large subscriptions of doubtful character, and that, in our opinion, 90% of the amounts so subscribed and donated will be collectible under the plan of assessment proposed, extending over a period of eighteen (18) months. (Signed) A.L. Reed, Chairman ) W.H. Roberson ) F.M. Youngs ) Committee. John A. Wakefield ) Dudley Smith ) The report was adopted and ordered filed and used as a basis for certificate to the treasury of the United States that the requirements of the Act of Congress in aid of the Exposition had been fully complied with. December 26th,1896. 40 Directors present. Proposals for officers for the corporation, which had hitherto been at 320 Bee Building, were ordered advertised for, were received, considered, resulting in selection of rooms on sixth floor of the Paxton Building, at 16th and Farnam Streets, where they remained until removed to the Exposition grounds just before the opening of the Exposition period. The Executive Committee to whom had been referred the matter of preparation of By-Laws for the Corporation, here presented their report, which was read and on motion, adopted. (See copy on page ________) January 9th, 1897. Present 45 Directors. An assessment of fifteen per cent (15%) was ordered on subscriptions, due and payable, February 1st, 5 per cent, March 1st 5 per cent and on April 1st, 5 per cent. On March 13th, 1897. Present 32 Directors. The committee appointed at the meeting on December 26th, 1896, on request of the secretary, for an auditing of his accounts, etc. to date of reorganization now reported as follows: "To the Board of Directors, Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition. Omaha, Nebraska Your Committee appointed to check up and audit the accounts of Secretary Wakefield, from the organization of the Exposition Association, to and including December 2nd 1896, the date of re-organization, beg leave to report as follows: First: We find that the total amount of stock subscriptions up to December 2nd, 1896, amount to $404,720 Second: We find that the total amount of cash received up to and including December 2nd, as shown by journal, and checked with stubs of receipts,-----------------------$18,015.00 EXPENDITURES Third: We find that the total amount paid out for all purposes up to and including December 2nd, to be as follows: Receipts carried forward: $18,015.00 EXPENDITURES: Salaries and wages,----------------------------$2171.95 Freight and Express,--------------------------- .25 Advertising,----------------------------------- 31.85 Printing and stationery,---------------------- 573.15 General Expenses,------------------------------ 170.40 Telegrams and telephone,----------------------- 45.09 Traveling, messengers, etc.------------------- 427.15 Postage,--------------------------------------- 313.52 Rentals,------------------------------------- 165.00 3,898.36 $14,116.16 Balance on hand at the inception of the new organization, December 3rd, 1896. Respectfully submitted G.H. Payne A.T. Rector Isaac W. Carpenter Having examined and checked the Secretary's books, I certify to the foregoing facts and figures. 3/13/97 John Rush Auditor On motion, the report was adopted. At the request of organized labor the matter of wages to unskilled workman was considered, and resulted in the adoption of the following: "Resolved: That all contracts entered into by this Board of, its officers or agents, for work pertaining to the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, shall stipulate therein,that unskilled labor shall be paid a minimum of one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per day, ten hours to constitute a day's work." Meeting of April 19th, 1897. Quorum present. Speaking to the subject under consideration, viz: the making of further assessments upon stock subscriptions, Mr. Manderson referred to the expressed doubts of our citizens as to whether it was wise to go on with the Exposition in view, particularly of the fact that the adjoining states had not made the Legislative provisions for participation which it was expected and hoped they would do. Mr. Hitchcock spoke feelingly on the subject, and said that everything pointed to success; that this Exposition was greatly advanced over other previous Expositions at a like period in their history and offered the following resolutions which was promptly adopted. "Resolved: That there is no grounds for the vague rumors concerning a possible postponement of the Exposition, and that the progress of the Exposition is satisfactory." On motion, the Secretary was instructed to make an engrossed copy of the resolution, and under direction of the Executive Committee, a copy of same be sent to each Director, not present at this meeting, for his sanction or disapproval. Meeting May 7th, 1897. 27 Directors present. On motion,an assessment of twenty-five per cent (25%) on the subscriptions to the Exposition was made due and payable, June 1st, 1897. Meeting of June 19th, 1897. 33 Directors present. The following, from the Executive Committee with recommendations for adoption, was presented. "Resolved, That for the purpose of securing, speedily benefits to the Exposition, arising under the act of the Nebraska Legislature, the Executive Committee recommends to the Board of Directors that the 35% of subscriptions not assessable under the terms of the subscriptions, until 1898 be subject to discount of five (5) per cent, if paid by or prior to June 10th prox. And that the Secretary be authorized to accept payments on this basis." After discussion of twenty minutes, adopted. The following was also adopted. "Resolved, That the thirty-five (35) per cent of subscriptions to the Exposition not assessable until 1898, be not subject to discount until the previous sixty-five (65) per cent has been paid." The legislative act referred to contained a provision that no money should be available under the act, until there had been paid to the Exposition Treasury, by subscribers, the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00), and the state commissioners being anxious to proceed with their duties, action as above seemed necessary and politic. On motion, a further assessment of twenty (20) per cent was made in subscriptions to the Exposition, due and payable on or prior to August 1st, prox. ___________________ At meeting October 12th, 1897. 36 Directors present. The executive Committee presented the report of the special committee previously appointed by it to examine into and report upon various charges preferred against Mr. Dion Geraldine, Superintendent Building and Grounds Department, charging that in his conduct of affairs he usurped the powers and prerogatives of the Executive Committee, was guilty of willful deception, indefensible partiality to contractors, flagrant disregard of the interests of the Exposition, and expensive incompetency. The report of the committee was very full and lengthy, and was read to the meeting. The pith of it was contained in its concluding paragraphs, which read as follows: "It appears from all the testimony submitted to your committee that in his administration of the duties connected with his employment, Superintendent Geraldine has not had that regard for the manager of his Department, and for the Executive Committee that would seem proper, by way of submitting general information concerning the work to his manager and to the Executive Committee, through his manager in order that the approval and endorsement of the manager of the Department might be secured in advance of actual execution of proposed details; and it would seem that this was a matter of which could be remedied for the benefit of the service. If Superintendent Geraldine remains in the employ of the Exposition he should in all cases adhere strictly to the rules of the Department and instructions of the manager. The subordinate employee should and ought to be willing to keep in close touch and report fully to and act under clearly stated instructions of the Department manager. We are unable to discover any indications of dishonesty on the part of the Superintendent or any employee connected with the Exposition, and believe the controversy to be one of misunderstanding of the motives and positive acts which can readily be adjusted in future transactions by a union of heart and sentiment in the great work by all under the guiding wisdom of the Executive Committee as a whole. Your Committee would extend its influence in its present relations as a special committee and recommends that such a result be arrived at. Herman Kountz ) Lucius Wells ) Committee George F. Bidwell ) Mr. Rosewater offered the following: "Resolved, that the services of Dion Geraldine, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, be dispensed with from and after this date." After a very full, free and spirited discussion of the situation, on motion, a note by ballot was taken on the resolution of Mr. Rosewater, resulting 12 votes for, 22 votes against. Chair declared the resolution lost. Mr. Rosewater thereupon tendered his resignation as a member of the Executive Committee, effective October 15 inst. Without action thereon the meeting, on motion adjourned. _____________ Meeting October 19th, 1897. 40 Directors present. Mr. Manderson presented the following. "Resolved, That the Board of Directors of the Trans-Mississippi & International Exposition regret the conflicts that have arisen, growing out differences of opinion, among those charged with the actual work of preparation for the exposition; realizing fully that success can only be secured by the harmonious action and earnests co-operation of all interested in the enterprise and particularly among those charged with Executive power." In the matter of the charges preferred before the Executive Committee against an employee of the Exposition, charged with the superintendence of the Grounds and the erection of buildings, the Board endorses the action of the Executive Committee in the appointment of Directors Kountz, Bidwell and Wells as a Committee of Investigation and expresses its conviction that the findings of this committee, made after full, careful disinterested and impartial investigation, were just and true, and that the conclusions of fact reached by them are worthy of credit and belief. So believing the Board of Directors approve the same by the adoption of the following resolution: "Resolved: That we affirm our confidence in the wisdom integrity and efficiency of the President and Officers of the Exposition, and the members of the Executive Committee. Amid adverse and untoward circumstances, under undeserved criticism, without reward or the expectation thereof and at an immense personal sacrifice of time and expenditure of labor they have pursued their course. If mistakes have been made they have been minor and unimportant and only those usually incident to enterprises of great moment. With this expression of confidence we declare our unswerving purpose to hold up their hands and aid them with all our force and power to carry on this great work to the full success that means so much for the Trans-Mississippi Country, and particularly for this state and community." On vote, Roll-call, the resolution was adopted. Yeas 37, Nays 1. Mr. Youngs offered the following: "Whereas, Organized Labor and other have protested against the longer detention of Dion Geraldine as Superintendent of Construction of the Exposition, Therefore, be it Resolved, that the services of Dion Geraldine be and are hereby dispensed with." On vote, Roll-call, the resolution was referred to the Executive Committee. Yeas 32. Nays, 8. Mr. Rosewater then stated that in view of this resolution, referred to the executive Committee, he withdrew his resignation as a member of the Executive Committee and would await its action on the resolution. Meeting October 28th, 1897. 29 Directors present. Mr. Kirkendall presented the resignation of Superintendent Geraldine and advised that it had been accepted by himself and the Executive Committee, effective at once, with full pay for the month of October. Letter of resignation was as follows: "Omaha, Neb. Oct. 26th, 1897. F.P. Kirkendall, Mgr. Grds. & Bldg. Dept. Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition, Omaha, Nebraska My Dear Sir: I am informed that it is claimed by certain parties or elements that my retention as Superintendent of your Department threatens the success of the county bonds of $100,000.00 for the Exposition to be voted on next week. While I feel keenly the utter injustice of such a a claim, I cannot consent to be in any sense, nor in any degree an obstacle to the success of the Exposition. I therefore tender my resignation to take effect at your option. I shall always be deeply grateful to you for the manly unwavering support and confidence you have steadily given me. I am thankful to your Executive Committee for its kind indulgence and endorsement: and to your Special Committee of the Directory for its fearless vindication of my character and ability. Very truly yours, (Signed) Dion Geraldine The following communication advising of recommendations of Executive Committee was then read, as follows: "Omaha, Neb. Oct. 28th, 1897. Board of Directors, Trans-Mississippi & International Exposition, Omaha, Nebraska. Gentlemen: For the purpose of presenting to you the object of this meeting, the following extract from the record of proceedings of Executive Committee at meeting held Oct. 27th is given: Mr. Hitchcock of the Committee appointed by the Board of Directors, at meeting held Oct. 19th, Committee consisting of Messrs. Hitchcock, Hoctor and Montgomery, reported a proposed form of contract by and between the Exposition of the one part and the Building Trades Council & Central Labor Union of the other part, covering the subject of wages and hours for skilled workman on constructive work. The various points of the agreement were discussed, and it was thought advisable to have legal counsel on some of the points, and Messrs. John L. Webster and W. J. Connell were sent for, and consulted with on the subject. As a result of the conference, Mr. Rosewater drew up and presented the following resolution: RESOLVED, That from and after this date, all contracts for construction which shall be awarded by the Exposition, shall provide that the Union scale of wages, as appended, in force on October 1st, 1897, shall govern in the payment of skilled labor, and that eight hours shall constitute one days work, providing that extra shifts of eight hours may be used without overtime charge. Resolved, that for all skilled labor employed directly by the Exposition, the union scale of wages and eight hour day, as provided above shall prevail." Mr. Rosewater moved, Mr. Reed seconded, that this Committee recommended to the Board of Directors their approval of the foregoing resolution, a meeting of the Directors for this purpose be called to meet to-morrow, October 28th, at Four o'clock P.M. Motion carried, six votes "Aye" Respectfully submitted, (Signed) John A. Wakefield Secretary BUILDING AND TRADES COUNCIL of - OMAHA AND VICINITY ________________ Omaha, Neb. Oct. 28th, 1897. THIS IS TO CERTIFY that the appended schedule of wages of the trade unions, affiliated with the Central Labor Union and Building Trades Council, were in force and effect on October 1st, 1897. Carpenters and Joiners, No. 427,------- 30 cents per hour. Bricklayers, No. 1--------------------- 50 " " " Plasterers, No. 4---------------------- 30 " " " Painters and Decorators, No. 109,------ 30 " " " Plumbers, Steam and Gas Fitters, No. 16 -------- 45 " " " Sheet Metal Workers, No. 3 ------------ 30 " " " Staff Workers, Modellers,-------------- 50 " " " " " Casters,----------------- 30 " " " CENTRAL LABOR UNION, BUILDING TRADES COUNCIL. W.H. Bell, President. T.O. Slack, President V.B. Kinney, Secretary. O.P. Shrum, Secretary. On motion, the resolution and scale of wages were adopted unanimously. Meeting November 12th, 1897. 30 Directors present. Mr. President stated that he understood that some of the Directors thought it wise to have a Director General to the Exposition, and perhaps some other changes in the Organization. If there was such feeling, opportunity was now offered for its expression. The subject was discussed by Directors Kilpatrick, Wharton, Rosewater, Kountz, Kirkendall, Lee, Lindsay and Youngs, resulting in appointment of a committee consisting of Directors Kountz, Bidwell, Carpenter, Manderson and Webster, to consider the subject and report to a special meeting. SPECIAL MEETING, November 15th, 1897. 34 Directors present. Report of Special Committee was presented and read as follows: "TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Trans- Mississippi & International Exposition, Gentlemen: Your special committee, appointed at the meeting of the Board held on November 12th, to investigate and report upon the question of the appointment of a Director General or some other supervising officer, to promote the energetic completion of the arrangements for the Exposition, beg leave to report as follows: Your committee has held an extended conference with the Executive Committee and discussed the entire situation as fully as it was possible to do, the President of the Exposition and all members of the Executive Committee being present, and are pleased to report that a substantial consensus of opinion was eventually arrived at, that the present situation does not seem to make it necessary that the office of Director General be created at this time, but that the work of all the departments might be energetically pushed perhaps, more satisfactorily than by any other arrangement, by the appointment of a General Superintendent, a practical builder, at a maximum salary of $200.00 per month, whose office and headquarters should be upon the Exposition Grounds, and who should be placed in charge of all work in the line of construction of any or all of the departments, with the express duty of overseeing and pushing all such work to energetic completion. As the greater proportion of the work would be in the Department of Buildings & Grounds it would seem advisable to Your Committee, that the nomination of such an officer should be conceded to the manager of that Department, and that such nomination should be approved by the Executive Committee in the usual manner. Your committee have had under consideration certain amendments to the By-Laws, touching the powers and duties of the President, but have not sufficient time to conclude its deliberations on this subject and would ask that it have further time to consider and report on the same. Herman Kountz, Chairman." On motion, the report and the recommendations contained therein, were approved. At Meeting January 19th, 1898. 26 Directors present. The Executive Committee recommended that assessments be made on the subscriptions to the Exposition of the 35% payable in 1898, as follows 20% due and payable on or prior to February 1st, 1898. 15% " " " " " " " March 1st, 1898. and that a discount of one (1) per cent on the unpaid portion of subscriptions be allowed of subscription be paid in full prior to February 1st, 1898. On motion, the recommendations were adopted and the assessments ordered in accordance therewith. On request the secretary presented a statement of the financial situation, as follows: Total subscriptions to this date,--------------------$490,080.00 Assessments made 65%,----------------$318,552.00 Amt. of same collected,-------------231,990.15 Bal. of 65% uncollected, 86,561.00 35% of subscriptions yet to assess $171,500.00 Less already paid on same,-------- 53,945.32 Bal. yet to collect, 117,554.68 Total available when collected 204,116.53 Existing contracts will require within ensuing 60 days, expenditure of----------------------$200,000.00 Current Expenses 60 days, salaries------------------- 20,000.00 Total required within 60 days-------------220,000.00 COLLECTIONS JAN. 1st, 1898 to date, From subscriptions,-----------------------$11,553.25 From concessions Exhibits,---------------28,988.05 $40,541.30 Disbursement vouchers issued January 1st to date,--------------------$43,454.52 If all vouchers drawn were issued and paid an overdraft would exist of----------------------$5,109.13 The situation was discussed pretty generally, but no action was taken beyond considering the suggestion of issuing $250,000.00 of Bonds secured by a portion of gate receipts. Meeting February 11th, 1898. 33 Directors present. Continuing discussion of finances of the Exposition, Mr. Manderson moved "That the Manager of the Ways & Means Dept. be instructed to bring suit within 30 days against all subscribers of $500.00 and upward, who were, in his opinion, good on execution, who are delinquent on their subscriptions to the Exposition." Motion agreed to. Meeting April 8th, 1898. 31 Directors present. Secretary presented an accumulation of protests received, protesting against the sale of liquors on the Exposition grounds during the period of the Exposition. After consideration the following, prepared by Mr. Manderson was adopted. "Resolved, That it is the sense of this Board of Directors that the same policy be pursued by the management that was pursued at Philadelphia, Chicago and other Expositions, and that is, that the sale of beer and light wines be permitted, but that open bars and the sale of whiskey etc. be prohibited Again considering the finances of the Corporation it was ordered that Ways & Means Department be instructed to institute suit against all delinquents on subscriptions of $50.00 or over, who shall be delinquent on May 1st prox. The subject was still further considered but no further action was taken. Meeting April 12th, 1898. 28 Directors present. The following was presented and on motion, adopted. "Resolved, That it is the sense of the Board of Directors that the Executive Committee should not enter into any contract or let any concession, in which a member of the committee is directly or indirectly interested, without first advertising for bids." Meeting May 9th, 1898. 34 Directors present. For a considerable period past, there had been arguments advanced by a few of the Directors that a Director General should be appointed or elected and that the best interests of the Exposition would be advanced by such action. On May 6th, on the call of 17 Directors for a special meeting to consider this subject, a meeting was convened, but after some discussion adjourned until May 9th without action. On May 9th the subject was again discussed, and the Chairman of the Executive Committee presented the following as representing the views of all, excepting one of the Committee. "WHEREAS, the Executive Committee fails to see the necessity for a Director General, General Superintendent or General Manager and Staff, who, as is contemplated, shall exercise supreme Executive authority in all matters pertaining to the Exposition, and furthermore, believing that no such necessity exists, therefore, be it Resolved, 1st. That it is unwise at this late date, to change the general plan of organization, and the present method of conducting the business of the Exposition. 2nd. That we recommend that the title of General Superintendent be abolished, and that said title be changed to that of Superintendent of Dept. of Buildings & Grounds. (Signed) (Z.T. Lindsey (E.E. Bruce (W.N. Babcock (A.L. Reed Mr. Rosewater stated that he regretted his inability to concur in the conclusions of his colleagues of the Executive Committee, and that when all was said and done, he still deemed it his duty to recommend the enlargement of the powers of the General Superintendent, subject only to such legislative restriction by the executive committee as shall keep the supervisory executive power in his hands. After submissions of various resolutions and the offering of various motions, a motion was offered that the whole subject be laid on the table, which motion prevailed, not however, until roll-call was demanded Ayes 19. Nays 15. Meeting May 13th, 1898. 37 Directors present. The request for Director General, General Manager, General Superintendent, or some or any such officer, was again placed before the Directors, and after much more discussion of the matter, the following was prepared by Mr. Manderson and offered for action thereon. "Resolved, That a General Manager, to be selected by and to be under the direction of the Executive Committee, be placed in charge of and held responsible for the orderly, economical, and systematic conduct of affairs in the Exposition grounds, and be in full charge thereof; suggesting to the Executive Committee such general rules and regulations or changes therein may produce the best results. Such suggestions of Rules and Regulations shall be acted upon and be subject to the approval of the Executive Committee. Such General Manager shall have the power, for cause, to summarily remove and discharge any employee of the Exposition employed in the buildings or on the grounds of the Exposition, except the Superintendents of Departments, and shall immediately report his actin in that behalf and give the cause for such discharge to the manager of the Department in which such person is employed." Vote was then taken on the resolution in a call of the roll. Ayes 34? Nays 1. The executive Committee subsequently, on May 23rd, 1898, elected Mr. Thaddeus S. Clarkson as such General Manager. Mr. Clarkson had been previously engaged in assisting the President in his duties, and his services continued, under the title of General Manager, to the close of the Exposition. At the same meeting, after full discussion, the following resolution was adopted. "Resolved, That is the sense of the Directors of this Exposition that there should be no free list or passes to the Exposition on and after June 1st, 1898, except as follows: The Board of Directors of the Exposition. The Executive Committee of the Bureau of Education. The Executive Committee of the Bureau of Entertainment. Vice-Presidents, and the Commissioners of countries, states and territories. Executive Officers of countries, states, Territories Exhibitors. Concessions. Employees in actual discharge of their duties. Newspaper representatives, as per rules. Mayor and City Council of Omaha. Board of Omaha Fire and Police Commissioners. Board of Education. Board of Park Commissioners. Board of County Commissioners. (Douglas County.) Sheriff of Douglas County. The subject of finance was then again taken up for consideration. It was shown that $700,000.00 has already been disbursed, but that about $300,000.00 more was needed to properly take care of the liabilities and expenses up to opening day and the cash on hand amounted only to the sum of $1,570.89. The usefulness of a loan of funds was very apparent therefore, and the Executive Committee had been unable to borrow any funds on the notes of the corporation. A committee, to whom the situation had been referred after consideration of the subject, reported the following as their recommendation, for action. "Resolved, That an issue of $200,000.00 negotiable bonds be, and is hereby authorized to be secured by a mortgage upon 50% of the gross receipts (exclusive of stock subscriptions and donations) from June 1st, 1898, and upon all the buildings and other property of the Exposition on the grounds, and an assignment of the insurance on said buildings. That the bonds be issued in denominations of $500.00 each, to draw interest at seven (7) per cent from date and to be payable pro-rata from the mortgage receipts or otherwise, on or before the first day of November, 1898, on call of the Trustees, and that said bonds be sold at not less than par, and that three trustees be appointed by the Executive Committee, to whom the mortgage shall run and who shall receive, hold and disburse the mortgaged property in payment of said bonds. Resolved, That installments of said bonds be paid on the first day of July, August, September, October and November 1898, the amounts of such installments to be determined and directed by the trustees, and that the said bonds provide that the interest shall cease on each installment from the date the same became payable, as ordered by the trustees." On Motion, the resolution was adopted. Mr. Manderson of the Committee, further reported that for the better safeguarding and protection of the bonds above provided for, he offered the following: "Resolved, That all employees who are paid by the month, shall be paid, beginning June 1st, 1898, part in cash and part in warrants as follows: Those receiving $50.00 and under per month, 75% in cash and 25% in warrants. Those receiving $50.00 to $75.00 per month 70% in cash and 30% in warrants. Those receiving $75.00 per month and over 60% in cash and 40% in warrants. Resolved, further that all contractors to whom payments are now due, or to become due, shall be paid 50% of their dues in cash and 50% in warrants. And, Resolved, further, That all warrants shall draw seven (7) per cent interest per annum from their date, to be registered by the secretary, and to paid by the treasurer in the order of their registration as cash funds may be in the treasury, available for such purchase. On motion, the foregoing was adopted, all voting aye. It proved to be impossible to dispose of the bonds by subscription, the banks and other financial institutions entertaining doubts as to their authority to invest deposits in bonds of this character, and the business men of the city felt that the banks ought to arrange to take at least, one half of the issue of bonds. Else the business men should not be held to take any of them. The bonds and the mortgage to protect them, were prepared, providing that Joseph H. Millard, President Omaha National Bank, and Charles W. Lyman, President of the Commercial National Bank, Frank Murphy President Merchants National Bank, should be the trustees required, but none of the bonds were ever issued and were eventually destroyed by a committee appointed for that purpose. On May 30th, the Executive Committee found a condition present that required action. The Treasury was $14,000.00 overdrawn and unpaid contractors were clamoring for their dues, and it was threatened that measures taken by creditors might prevent the opening, June 1st. To meet this emergency, The President, Secretary and Members of the Executive Committee, subscribed to a fund to carry the enterprise over the shoals, taking the corporation notes for the amounts; which notes were subsequently paid. Regarding the resolution for issue of warrants, their issue under the resolution proved to be impracticable, and the Secretary was compelled to use his best judgment in the dealing with creditors and be guided largely by the conditions surrounding each case, and conclusions were reached requiring the issue only of warrants, aggregating $35,488.17 and notes of the corporation aggregating $47,502.63. The handling of the indebtedness was materially aided by the Treasurer consenting to an overdraft on funds of $20,000.00. No warrants were ever offered or issued to employees. At same meeting, a number of protests against Sunday opening were presented and the Sunday opening question, which had long been held back was taken up for consideration. After considering various motions and resolutions the following was presented and adopted: "Resolved, That the Exposition Grounds and Buildings be kept open on Sundays from One (1) p.m. to Ten (10) p.m. and conducted in the same manner as on week days, except that the sale of liquors be not permitted; that concerts be given and that religious services be held in the Auditorium on Sunday afternoons." The following was also offered and adopted on recommendations of the Executive Committee. "Resolved, That the title of General Superintendent be abolished, and that the present General Superintendent be retained under the title of Superintendent of the Buildings and Grounds Department."