Mr. Adee to Mr. Clayton.
Washington, August 11, 1899.
Sir: I desire to bring to your attention the following invitation addressed to
“His Excellency Porfirio
Diaz,
“President of the United
States of Mexico:
“The people of Chicago request the honor of your presence at the ceremonies attending the laying of the corner stone of the United States Government building by the President, on Monday, October 9, 1899.”
The original of this invitation is in the possession of the committee duly empowered to present it to the President of Mexico and formally invite him, his cabinet, and friends to attend, as the guests of the citizens of Chicago, Ill., the ceremonies attending the laying of the corner stone of the United States Government building on Chicago day, Monday, October 9, 1899, the anniversary of the great Chicago fire.
While the celebration of the laying of the corner stone will take place on October 9, 1899, yet other interesting features will begin on the 5th and continue until the 12th of October. During these periods it is the wish of the committee, so I understand, that President Diaz and his friends from Mexico shall be present and participate. The occasion will be one of much interest to the people of the United States, and the assemblage will include the President of the United States, his Cabinet, and many distinguished citizens in official and private life.
You will take early opportunity to arrange, through the minister for foreign affairs, for a meeting between President Diaz and the committee, at such time as may be agreeable to him, to the end that the committee may formally present the invitation and urge its acceptance.
The special committee charged with the agreeable duty is composed of the following gentlemen: Mr. Walter C. Hately, Mr. La Verne W. Noyes, Mr. William D. Washburn, Mr. Edwin F. Getchell, Mr. Josiah Stiles, Mr. John Ward Amberg, Mr. Charles U. Gordon, chairman; Mr. William B. Roberts, secretary. The ladies of the party are: Mrs. Charles U. Gordon, Miss Pate, Miss Stoddard, Miss Stiles.
The committee expect to leave Chicago this evening and to reach the city of Mexico about the 17th instant. If possible, the committee hope to be formally presented to President Diaz on the 18th, provided that date is entirely agreeable to him.
It would be gratifying to the Department to learn that President Diaz had found it practicable to be present. While the ceremonies are in no wise connected with the Government of the United States, notwithstanding they are to commemorate the laying of the corner stone of a great public building, yet you may indicate to President Diaz that the President of the United States, who, like his Mexican colleague, intends to be the guest of the citizens of Chicago on that occasion, would find great pleasure in meeting him there. The President also directs me to say that in the event of the acceptance by [Page 505] President Diaz of the invitation, a representative of the Government of the United States will meet him at the frontier and escort him to Chicago.
I am, etc.,
Acting Secretary.