Chap. 345.—An ACT to provide for participation by the State of Virginia in
the Panama exposition at San Francisco, to appoint a commission, and
to appropriate money for that purpose. (S. B. 182.)

Approved March 27, 1914.

Whereas, in order to celebrate the completion of the Panama
Canal, the congress of the United States has passed an act desig-
nating San Francisco as the place for holding a universal exposi-
tion, and, in conformity with this act, the president of the United
States on February twelfth, nineteen hundred and twelve, issued
a proclamation inviting all nations and all peoples to take part in
this celebration; and,

Whereas, more than thirty-two foreign nations and more than
twenty-eight States have accepted this invitation, and it is probable
that many more will do so; and,

Whereas, pursuant to a resolution offered by Senator Swanson,
of Virginia, the navies of the world have been invited to assemble
in Hampton Roads, the greatest harbor in the United States, thus
making Virginia the scene of the first meeting of the representa-
tives of the nations in connection with the Panama Exposition;
and,

Whereas, for historical, sentimental, and commercial reasons,
it is very desirable for Virginia to be fittingly represented at this
great international exposition; now, therefore,

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That
commission be, and the same is hereby, constituted, to consist of
three commissioners, to be known and designated as the “Virginia
Commission to the Panama-Pacific International Exposition.” The
said commissioners shall be appointed by the governor within
thirty days from the passage of this act, and subject to removal
by him. Any vacancies which may occur in said commission to
be filled in the same manner as original appointments.

2. That the commission so appointed shall be called together
by the governor as soon as convenient after their appointment, and
at its first meeting shall organize by the election of officers and the
employment of such assistance as may be absolutely necessary to
aid in carrying out the purposes of this act.

3. That said commission shall have authority to make rules
and regulations for its guidance, and is hereby charged with the
duty of causing to be erected on a suitable site at the exposition to
be furnished free of cost to Virginia, a suitable building com-
mensurate with the importance and dignity of the State of Vir-
ginia, suflicient to properly receive and entertain the officials and
guests of the State of Virginia at the exposition, and sufficient for
the proper exhibition of historical and other exhibits hereinafter
provided for.

4. That the said commission shall be charged with the selection,
purchase, preparation, transportation, arrangement, installation,
exhibit, and return of illuminated photographs of agricultural,
mineral, timber, and other products of the State, landscape pictures,
views of cities, scenery, manufactories, transportation facilities,
schools, colleges, universities, and other such photographs, litera-
ture, maps, charts and so forth, as will best exhibit and demon-
strate the traditions and history of the State and its wonderful
resources, advantages, and wealth, and its progress in agriculture,
manufacturing, and art and education. Because of the great dis-
tance, expense, and labor, it is deemed unwise to send to San
Francisco a creditable physical exhibit of the agricultural, mineral,
timber, manufactured, and other products of the State, but it is
the purpose of this act to bring to the attention of all visitors to
the exposition by the means herein outlined, the traditions and his-
tory, and the development, resources, and progress of the State of
Virginia.

5. In order to carry out the purposes of this act the sum of
forty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be,
and the same is hereby, appropriated.

6. That the members of said commission shall not be entitled
to compensation for their services, but shall be allowed their actual
and necessary expenses while engaged in the performance of their
duties. That said commission, hereby authorized, shall cease to
exist after sixty days from the close of said exposition.

7. That upon the presentation of orders from said commission,
approved by the governor, the auditor of public accounts shall
issue warrants on the treasurer of the State for the payment
thereof, until the sum of fifty thousand dollars appropriated by
this act shall be exhausted.

8. That said commission shall report progress to the governor
at such periods as he may direct, and upon the conclusion of their
labors, shall make final settlement with the auditor and furnish
him, with a sworn statement of their receipts and disbursements
under this act.