The exchange of commodities between those to whom such exchanges may be desirable, being the great and ultimate object of the Exposition, every circumstance that can give publicity to the things exhibited, should be most carefully attended to. The price in money is the _most important element_ in every bargain; to omit it, is not less absurd than to represent a tragedy without its hero, or to paint a portrait without a nose. It commits a double error: for it withholds the only test by which the comparative value of things can be known, and it puts aside the greatest of all interests, that of the consumer, in order to favour a small and particular class—the middle-men. The composition of that Commission must be most extraordinary, where an error so contrary to the principles and so fatal to the objects of the Exposition, could have been committed. It is not too late to apply at least a partial remedy to the evil, and it is scarcely credible that those with whom it rests, can remain unconscious of the mistake into which they have been led. § At the eighth meeting of the Commissioners, on the 28th Feb. 1850, further conditions and limitations were submitted to them by Col. Reid, one of which was— “A price may be attached to the objects exhibited, and the objects, if sold, may be marked; but no sales will be permitted within the building.” This judicious recommendation was, however, not adopted, for on the 11th April, 1850, the following rule was published— “The Exhibition being intended for the purposes of display only, and not for those of sale.... “For the same reason the Commissioners have decided that the prices are not to be affixed to the articles exhibited.” Several strong remonstrances were addressed to the Commissioners against the rule forbidding the affixing prices to the articles exhibited. Efforts were made both in public and through private representations to some of its individual members, by persons competent to advise, and anxious for the success of a great and meritorious undertaking. In the report of the Leeds Committee to the Commissioners the following passage occurs:— “They are, further, most strongly of opinion that the statement of price is essential, _if the Exhibition is to be of any real utility_. To the manufacturer or merchant price will be the test of comparative value and excellence in the majority of cases; and the inspection of particular fabrics, especially the products of other districts or countries, for the purposes of information or improvement, will be of no avail to them if price as well as style and finish is not before them.” From the secretary to the Hamburg Commission a communication was received stating that— “In consequence of the decision of the Commissioners with respect to the prohibition to attach prices, it is the opinion that there will be an _incurable deficiency_ in the Exhibition.”