Chapter 9: Center Stage
Booklet: Photographs of the Battle of Bacolod
Probably the largest pavilion at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair was that of the Philippine Islands, sponsored by the Bureau of Insular Affairs of the War Department. It showcased the "jewel in the crown" of the new American Empire. Complete full-scale replicas were made of villages of many of the various Philippine ethnic groups, including a "Moro Village". Several hundreds of Filipinos were brought to the U.S. for periods of six up to twelve months to construct and then "staff", i.e.: be the villagers in the displays. Native flora, fauna and large amounts of handicrafts and goods were brought as well. Masterminded by Secretary of War and former Governor General of the Philippines William Howard Taft, little expense was spared. One of the most popular souvenirs sold at the Fair was a booklet of twelve bound photographs taken by amateur photographer George D. Rice, the Chaplain of the 27th Infantry Regiment during the assault on the cotta of the Sultan of Bacolod on April 6, 1903. In 2007 dollars, the sales price of the booklet was equal to $25.00, with the proceeds "used to purchase library books, etc. for the 27th Infantry." This booklet would generally then become what we call today a "coffee table book" for display in a residence's parlor room. It became widely seen and discussed, adding luster to the new fame of Capt. John J. Pershing.
(Photo: Library of Congress)