Mr. de Weckherlin to Mr. Day.

Mr. Secretary of State: I have the honor herewith to transmit to you, with a translation, the letter whereby Her Majesty, the Queen, my august sovereign, announces to the President that, having attained her majority, she has taken the reins of government in hand.

Begging you to be pleased to forward said letter to its high destination, I avail myself, etc.,

G. de Weckherlin.
[Inclosure.]

Wilhelmina, by the grace of God, Queen of the Netherlands, Princess of Orange-Nassau, etc.

To Mr. William McKinley,
President of the United States of America.

Very Great and Good Friend: Having attained my majority, I have just assumed the royal power, which, during my minority, has been exercised, in my name, by Queen Emma, my well-beloved mother, with such wisdom and devotion that they will ever be indelibly engraved in my heart and in the hearts of my faithful subjects. I desire to inform you that I have taken the reins of government in hand, and I beg you to believe that, on my part, nothing shall be neglected in order to maintain and draw closer the amicable relations existing between the Netherlands and the United States of America. I flatter myself that I may rely upon your highly valued cooperation for the attainment of this object. The welfare of the nations whose destinies are confided to us will certainly be promoted thereby. With my best wishes for the prosperity of the United States of America and for your own happiness, I beg you to accept the assurances of my high consideration.

Done at The Hague, this 31st day of August, 1898.

Your good friend,

  • Wilhelmina.
  • W. H. de Beaufort,
    The Minister of Foreign Affairs.