Art and Handcraft in the Woman's Building
of the World's Columbian Exposition

IN THE WOMAN’S BUILDING. 17 Russia, which has a committee organized by the Empress her- self, sends its remarkable laces and embroideries, and many curious national costumes, which are very picturesque and attract- ive, both, in color and design. Japan at first hesitated, and refused to appoint a committee, but M. de Guerville had the good fortune to be permitted to give his lecture before the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and so inter- ested the latter that she consented to become the head of a com- mittee of ladies with whom we are now in active correspondence. From parts of South America we shall rely mainly upon the kindly cooperation of the Latin-American department, which will send us such native work as can Idg spared fiom its own licli and varied collection. Although we have cooperating committees there, they have as yet made no definite reports as to what we may expect from them. Madams Diaz has most kindly cooperated with us, and lias offered for our building', in addition to otlisi no\el attractions, an orchestra of Mexican girls in rich costumes, who will play the national Mexican airs. It will be seen that the names on our foreign committees repre- sent not only royalty and the influence of government, but include also many women who have risen to ths positions which, they occupy by their own unaided talents, who, without titles or wealth to assist them, are recommended only by their evident ability to carry on the important lines of work intrusted to their hands. The powerful organization which we have secured extends around the world, and stands with perfect solidarity for the purpose of serving the interests of our sex and making1 the industiial con- ditions easier for them. We have such an organization as has never before existed of women for women. That this work is needed is evidenced by the pathetic answers from some of the countries wlier© our invitation has been declined. Foi instance, a letter received, from the government of Tunis states that a com- mission of women can not be- formed in that country, because local prejudice will not allow the native women to take part in public affairs. Syrian correspondents write that it will be impossible to secure the official appointment of a committee of v omen in.that country, as custom prevents women from taking hold of such v oik, and the government will lend no aid; but that an effoit ill be made to send a small exhibit, unofficially. Other oiiental countlies make the same reports—no schools; women not intelligent enough to undertake the work; public prejudice, etc. It seems incredible 2