REPORT OF THE REPRESENTATIVE of the DEPARTMENT of STATE. A floor space of 1,288 square feet was allotted to the Department of State for its exhibit at the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition. This space was situated in the center of the Government building, directly opposite the main entrance, and was well adapted for the purpose of the exhibit. There was in-sufficient wall space in the original plan, but this deficiency was met by erecting two partitions, running from the back wall, twenty feet towards the center of the building, to two pillars within the limits of the space. This arrangement divided the space into three sections, the center one being occupied by cases along the walls, in which were exhibited the relics, valuable historical papers and treaties. The Chief Special Agent and a messenger occupied desks within this central section and were thus enabled to constantly watch articles exhibited. Ample hanging room was provided and the two pillars mentioned were utilized for exhibition purposes. The front space was circular in form and was enclosed with a brass rail, which protected the glass cases and added much to the general appearance of the exhibit. The use of oilcloth covers for the cases, during the hours when the building was closed to the visitors, was found to be a great protection against both dust and the leakage of rain water from the roof. Mr. John M. Biddle, a clerk of class two, Department of State, was appointed Chief Special Agent by the Secretary of State, and detailed to assist the Representative in the preparation, installation and maintenance of the exhibit. He proceeded to Omaha on May 1, and remained until November following. It was found necessary to employ a messenger, a resident of the State of Nebraska, who, in addition to his duties as Assistant to the Chief Special Agent, performed the duties of Janitor. The Department of State is the custodian of many of the original state papers and historical documents relating to the early history and formation of this Government. These documents are considered too valuable to be removed from the Department, and consequently substitutes known as "artotypes" are used in department exhibits instead of the originals. The artotypes are so well executed that it is difficult to distinguish them from the originals, and for all practical purposes meet all the requirements, the substitute being fully as interesting to the student and visitors as the originals would be. An exhibit illustrating as fully as possible the workings of the six bureaus of this Department was made, particular attention being paid to the Bureau of Rolls and Library, which is charged with the custody and promulgation of the laws passed by Congress. Photographic copies were used to illustrate the changes in size, from the parchment and of engrossing and printing the laws. Particular pains were made to illustrate the workings of the Passport Division, which comes under the Bureau of Accounts, for the reason that a very general interest centers in this branch of the Department service, by reason of the large number of persons, who travel abroad each year and most of whom take with them for their convenience and protection a passport. The entire method of obtaining a passport was illustrated, which included an exhibit of the different blank forms of application used, all necessary instructions as to procuring and filling out the same being given. Letters showing the common mistakes made by applicants for passports were also exhibited. A Pamphlet was issued entitled "The Department of State of the United States; How it was formed; What are its duties, and How it is Run." and the same was distributed to a very large number of visitors. This pamphlet gave a popular account of the formation and growth of the Department of State, the duties of the Secretary of State, and the nature of the work performed by each Bureau. The following named relics were exhibited: Washington's sword and belt and Benjamin Franklin's staff (bequeathed by Franklin to Washington.) These were presented to the United Stated by Samuel T. Washington, to Whom General Washington bequeathed them, and accepted by Congress in a joint resolution in 1842. General Washington's eyeglasses, given by him to LaFayette and presented to the United States by Count Oclave d'Assailly, the great grandson of Lafayette. An equestrian statuette of Washington by Baron Marchette, from the original study and model by his master, M. Houdon, of Paris, 1785-1790, presented to the United States by the Right Honorable George Young of Edinburough, Scotland. Thomas Jefferson's desk, on which the original draft of the Declaration of Independence was written. A volume taken from each of the restored papers of Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe and Hamilton. Autograph letters from the heads of Foreign Governments to the President of the United States, including a number from Louis XVI, offering aid to the United States during the Revolution. Original proclamations, one signed by each President of the United States. Treaties between the United States and foreign countries. Address of thanks of the nobility of St. Petersburg to the people of the United States, for the grain sent to the starving peasants in 1892. Medals from the heads of foreign governments to the President of the United States, commemorating particular events. A silk flag, woven in one piece, presented to the United States by the weavers of Lyons, as a token of sympathy upon the death of Abraham Lincoln. Maps illustrating the growth of the consular service, from the beginning to date. Deed of gift of the Bartholdi Statue and duplicate of the acceptance of the same. Seal of the United States emblazoned in oils and draped in flags, forming an ornamental decoration over the center of the back partition. An artotype of the Constitution, surrounded by portraits of the signers. A facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, surrounded by portraits of the signers, and an artotype of the original rough draft of the Declaration with interlinations by Franklin and Adams. A complete set of wash-drawings of portraits of the Secretaries of State, and a set of engravings of the Presidents. Photographs of a number of buildings occupied by the United States as Consuls, together with photographs of rooms in the Department of State were exhibited in swing frames and hung on one of the pillars, the other pillar being used to exhibit the proclamation above mentioned. The following is a statement of the expenditures made on account of the Department of Stated exhibit: Services----------------------------------------$207.74 Travel and subsistence--------------------------1044.15 Freight, cartage, expressage, etc.,------------- 216.61 Contract or Special services-------------------- 300.00 Specimens, pamphlet for distribution etc.,------1352.01 Exhibition cases, frames, etc.,----------------- 561.35 Supplies,--------------------------------------- 66.75 Decorations, partitions, etc.,------------------ 226.50 Heat, Light and power,-------------------------- 25.50 Office expenses,-------------------------------- 25.00 Total,-----$4,025.61 WILLIAM H. MICHAEL, Representative, Department of State.