Six "Extra Secretaries" and $60: How Seattle Paid Its Way Into the Tacoma Fair

At a joint session of the council last evening the Seattle committee of the Interstate fair was given a hearing to report on the progress made. The committee was represented by Edmond E. Meany, chairman; Dr. J. K. Crichton, A. D. Warner, Merritt O. W. Kummer, C. B. Bagley, Leander Miller, Ed Hinney and W. C. Haller.

Chairman Meany addressed the board and said that the committee, when it visited Tacoma, was received with open arms by the officials and shown about the fair grounds. In the main building was found an excellent space, which the officials had refused other cities, hoping that Seattle would see fit to occupy it with an exhibit. The space referred to is in a very prominent part of the building and an excellent display could be made and a reception department could be arranged for. The committee was also offered space in the other buildings. Space and light would be furnished free and a steamboat had agreed to carry the Seattle exhibit to the fair free of charge.

The fair officials have prepared a programme to be carried out on Seattle-Tacoma day. There will be, among other things, a tableau consisting of two beautiful women, one from Seattle, the other from Tacoma, a person representing George Washington, and the school children from both cities would perfect the tableau.

A preliminary contract was signed by the members of the Seattle committee and the several fair officials. Mr. Meany said that numerous local manufacturers had arranged to make an exhibit at the fair. This would give Seattle a straggling exhibition unless it was crystallized. There would be an art exhibit in Seattle. A small expense would result in giving Seattle a proper exhibit at the fair, and the committee, Mr. Meany said, did not care to incur it without the council would consent to bear it.

Alderman Jordan said that from what Mr. Meany had stated an appropriation was necessary. If the city is going to make an exhibit it should be a good one or not at all. Now that the city has started in it should not back out. Under the city charter an appropriation could not be made for such purposes, but he thought some step could be taken whereby the money could be raised.

In answer to a question from Delegate Voigt, Mr. Bagley, of the committee, said that he thought the sum of $150 would be sufficient to defray the expenses in connection with the exhibit. It would be necessary to have two persons at the fair to watch the exhibits. If the city would give $50 the committee would endeavor to raise the remaining by subscription.

A. D. Warner, another member of the committee, said he had during the afternoon conferred with many business houses, and all of them expressed a willingness to exhibit, but did not feel like sending any one over to look after their property.

Delegate Voigt said that if it only required $150 there should be some way found to appropriate it. In order to act about it, Alderman Sweeney made a motion which was carried to the effect that the mayor be authorized to employ six extra secretaries. An ordinance authorizing the employment of the six secretaries and appropriating $60 was passed by both houses.