596 Presidential Addresses 



tained as regards races where we do not possess 

 exclusive control, every effort should be made to 

 bring it about. 



I bespeak the most cordial support from the Con- 

 gress and the people for the St. Louis Exposition to 

 Commemorate the One Hundredth Anniversary of 

 the Louisiana Purchase. This purchase was the 

 greatest instance of expansion in our history. It 

 definitely decided that we were to become a great 

 continental republic, by far the foremost power in the 

 Western Hemisphere. It is one of three or four great 

 landmarks in our history the great turning-points 

 in our development. It is eminently fitting that all 

 our people should join with heartiest good will in 

 commemorating it, and the citizens of St. Louis, of 

 Missouri, of all the adjacent region, are entitled to 

 every aid in making the celebration a noteworthy 

 event in our annals. We earnestly hope that for- 

 eign nations will appreciate the deep interest our 

 country takes in this Exposition, and our view of its 

 importance from every standpoint, and that they 

 will participate in securing its success. The Na- 

 tional Government should be represented by a full 

 and complete set of exhibits. 



The people of Charleston, with great energy and 

 civic spirit, are carrying on an Exposition which 

 will continue throughout most of the present session 

 of the Congress. I heartily commend this Exposi- 

 tion to the good will of the people. It deserves all 



