In February, 1903, Honorable George L. Parker, a representative of President Francis, addressed the Commission, urging them to see that New York State was properly represented. He, stated that the people of the West expected great things of New York State; that the city of St. Louis and the territory the acquisition of which was commemorated by the Fair, spent large sums of money in the city of New York alone, and for that reason it was hoped and expected that New York should lead the other States of the Union. Later in the year, Dr. J. A. Holmes, chief of the Department of Mines and Metallurgy, appeared before the Commission by invitation and made some interesting remarks concerning the scientific exhibit, which he felt it incumbent upon the State to make. He stated that there was no geological survey, either national or State, as valuable as that of the State of New York, and strongly advocated that a model oil well derrick be erected. The Legislature of 1903 passed two acts which affected either directly or indirectly the work of the Commission. The first act provided $50,000 for participation in the dedication ceremonies of the Exposition and is as follows: CHAPTER 189, LAWS OF 1903 An Act making an appropriation for the due and appropriate participation by the state in the ceremonies attending the dedication of buildings of the Louisiana purchase exposition. Became a law, April 22, 1903, with the approval of the Governor. Passed, three-fifths being present. _The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:_ SECTION 1. The sum of fifty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated out of any money in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated, payable to the order of the governor, as he may require the same, to be expended by him in such manner as he may deem proper, for the due and appropriate participation by the state in the ceremonies attending the dedication of buildings of the Louisiana purchase exposition, to be held on April thirtieth, and May first and second, nineteen hundred and three, in the city of Saint Louis; and for the transportation, subsistence and other necessary expenses of the commander-in-chief and his staff, and of such portion of the national guard or naval militia of this state as may be directed to attend, and for the replacement by purchase of such military property of the state, as may be rendered unserviceable by this duty; provided that officers and men performing this duty shall serve without pay. § 2. This act shall take effect immediately. The second act amended the original act providing for State representation, and increased the Commission's appropriation by $200,000, making $300,000 in all. The act follows: CHAPTER 546, LAWS OF 1903