Mr. Thompson to Mr.
Gresham.
Legation of
the United States,
Petropolis, February 11, 1894.
(Received March 19.)
No. 163.]
Sir: Referring to my No. 2, September 11, 1893,
wherein I reported the acceptance of my credentials by the Government of
Brazil and the postponement of the formal reception by the Vice-President on
account of the disturbed condition of affairs, I have the honor to state
that I was accorded an audience by his excellency the Vice-President on the
8th instant, at the palace of the Government, at which were present members
of the cabinet, members of Congress, and officers of the army.
I inclose copy of the remarks I made to his excellency on this occasion, and
copy and translation of his reply thereto.
I was accompanied by the secretary of legation, and at the close of my
reception had the pleasure of presenting Admiral Benham to the
Vice-President.
I was cordially received and there were many expressions of amity and good
will for our Government. I have, etc.,
[Page 129]
[Inclosure 1 in No. 163.]
address of mr. thompson.
Excellency: Having at your request, in advance
of this reception, had the honor, in compliance with my instructions, to
place in your hands the letter of the President accrediting me as envoy
extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States of
America to the United States of Brazil, I now desire to express the
amity and good will felt by our Government and people for the Government
and people of Brazil, and their desire to cultivate and, if possible, to
strengthen the relations of friendship and mutually beneficial
commercial intercourse which now unite the two nations.
I beg, also, to assure your excellency that on my part no effort shall be
omitted to contribute to this end, which the President so earnestly
desires, and I trust that during my term of office I may receive from
your excellency and the members of your Government, the same courtesy
and attention accorded to my esteemed predecessor, and which materially
assisted him in performing the duties of his position in a manner so
satisfactory to both Governments.
Geographically we are widely separated, but the aims and purposes that
actuate our respective republics bring us in touch with each other. Our
people are God-fearing and liberty-loving, and in the study of
politico-economic questions both strive to permanently secure for the
largest number the greatest good under God’s providence.
I deem it a high privilege to represent my country among your people, and
with your hearty cooperation it shall be my agreeable duty and pleasure
to carry out the wish of the President in this mission, in the hope that
I may deserve his and win your approbation.
In conclusion I have the honor to assure your excellency of the
friendship of the Government and people of the United States of America
and of my personal regard and high esteem.
[Inclosure 2 in No.
163.—Translation.]
reply of the vice-president.
Mr. Minister: I have been very pleased to
receive the letter by which the President of the United States of
America has accredited you in the character of envoy extraordinary and
minister plenipotentiary to the United States of Brazil. I regret, Mr.
Minister, that political events have deprived me up to to-day of the
pleasure that I now have of receiving you. I rejoice that you should
have been chosen for such a high and honorable post.
The sentiment and intentions that you have expressed in the name of the
American nation and its illustrious President afford just satisfaction
to Brazil and its Government, and I see in your mission a new pledge of
the certainty that they will be followed out.
Your part will continue to be easy for you; there will not be wanting to
you on my side frank and cordial cooperation, that every day the bonds
of friendship may grow stronger, and that the many interests which exist
between our two countries may develop themselves.
