By a fortunate coincidence it occurred that the Secretary of War, who had most to do with the marshaling of this exhibit, had been prepared for the work by his experience as governor of the Philippine Islands. Hon. William H. Taft, as president of the Philippine Commission, and subsequently as governor of the Philippine Islands, manifested a sympathetic interest in the condition of the people, the resources of the islands, and in the proper adjustment of both to their new relationship with the United States. About the time the exposition was projected Governor Taft, whose long and faithful service in the Philippines had endeared him to the inhabitants, was called by the President to accept the portfolio of war. His familiarity with the people and the resources of the islands proved of inestimable value in the preparation of the representation and exhibits at the exposition. Through his efficient Chief of the Insular Bureau, Col. Clarence R. Edwards, the Secretary, with great zeal and effectiveness, addressed himself to the task of securing appropriate representation for the Philippine people. The administrative work was placed in charge of Dr. W.P. Wilson, of the Philadelphia Museum. A more appropriate selection of an executive officer could not have been made. Industrious, painstaking, and devoted, Doctor Wilson threw all his energy and superior ability into the task assigned him. In Dr. Gustavo Neiderlein and Mr. Edmund A. Felder, Doctor Wilson had able and faithful lieutenants. Through the combined efforts of such competent and devoted men the Philippine exposition was developed into a revelation of world-wide interest. The extremes of civilization found in the Philippine Islands were exhibited upon the grounds. The industrial conditions existing in the islands in their various stages of progress were clearly set forth. The millions of visitors who were interested and instructed by this remarkable exhibit must have been deeply impressed with the importance and extent of our new possessions in the Orient. It is quite impossible to compute the value to the American people of this Philippine exhibit. In giving to the country the basis upon which to form a just conception of the character and possibilities of our new possessions the Philippine department alone fully justified the interest of the nation in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. The official report of the Philippine exhibit, filed with the records of the Commission, is replete with interest and will justify careful perusal. REPORTS OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES. The response of foreign governments and peoples to the invitation of the President of the United States was in every way most gratifying. For an adequate description of the manner and extent of foreign participation in the exposition, reference must be made to the reports of the respective commissioners to their governments, copies of which are filed with this report.