Mr. Clayton to Mr. Hay.

No. 356.]

Sir: Having been informed by Mr. Mariscal, last Monday, that the President had decided that day not to visit Chicago, but to send him (Mr. Mariscal) as his personal representative, I immediately telegraphed the Department, in cipher, as follows:

The President will not visit Chicago. Minister for foreign affairs goes instead.

I sent this dispatch in cipher because I had reason to believe that the information thus conveyed was in advance of the information sent by the Mexican Government to Mr. Charles U. Gordon, chairman of the invitation committee at Chicago, and to the Mexican ambassador at Washington.

Upon receipt of Mr. Hill’s message of yesterday, reading:

Is Señor Mariscal personal representative of President? Where does he cross the frontier?

I obtained the requisite information, and answered as follows:

Mariscal goes as personal representative of President, via Eagle Pass.

I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy and translation of a note from Mr. Mariscal, under date of yesterday, received to-day, transmitting to me a copy of a communication addressed by President Diaz to Mr. Charles U. Gordon, of Chicago, copy and translation inclosed, in which communication the President states the reasons [Page 509] that caused him to abandon his visit to Chicago, and informs Mr. Gordon that he has designated Mr. Ignacio Mariscal, secretary for foreign affairs, to represent him there.

I have just received Mr. Hill’s telegraphic instruction of to-day, reading as follows:

The President charges you to appropriately express his sincere regrets that President Diaz is prevented from carrying out his intention to visit Chicago on the occasion of the corner-stone celebration, and to assure President Diaz of his sympathy for Señora Diaz’s illness and his hope for a speedy recovery. You will add that Señor Mariscal, as the personal representative of President Diaz, will receive every consideration due to his distinguished office and representative character.

I have arranged for an interview with the President at the National Palace at 5 o’clock this afternoon, at which time I will comply with said instruction.

I have, etc.,

Powell Clayton.
[Inclosure.—Translation.]

Mr. Mariscal to Mr. Clayton.

Mr. Ambassador: I have the honor to send to your excellency a copy of 1he letter which, under date of yesterday, the President of the Republic addressed to Mr. Charles U. Gordon, stating the reasons why he excuses himself from assisting at the festivities which will take place in Chicago, and designating me to represent him.

I avail myself, etc.,

Igno. Mariscal.
[Subinclosure.—Translation.]

President Diaz to Mr. Gordon.

My Dear Sir: In accordance with my promise to you and your honorable associates of the committee, made at the time when an invitation to attend the coming festivities in Chicago was so courteously presented to me, shortly after the opening of the regular session of Congress I applied for the necessary leave to go outside of the national territory. It was granted immediately, undoubtedly with the object of taking advantage of the occasion to increase and strengthen the friendly relations of the two countries. Nothing seemed to interfere with the realization of my wishes, which had already been expressed, to respond, by my immediate acceptance, to the kind terms in which the invitation was couched, Now, however, they are unfortunately opposed by the consideration, among others, that during my absence motives of delicacy on the part of my substitute and of all the members of the cabinet would prevent their dispatching several important matters now pending and in which delay could not fail to be prejudicial.

And besides, my wife’s health has been recently affected, and although serious consequences are not apprehended, it is the opinion of the physicians that her illness may be prolonged, all of which causes me to fear that some unexpected attack might occur.

These reasons compel me, much to my regret, not to take advantage of the leave granted by Congress, and to beg chat you will make my excuses to the governor of Illinois and the mayor of Chicago, and to each and every one of the persons who so kindly invited me and to whom I am profoundly grateful for their courtesy and attention. I will never forget the honor they have personally done me, nor the distinction accorded to Mexico by inviting me, as they have done on this occasion, in terms exceptionally complimentary and expressive.

And as it is not possible for me to be present in person, I have designated Mr. Ignacio Mariscal, the secretary of foreign affairs, recently appointed by Congress to substitute me during my prolonged absence, to represent me at Chicago’s great festival on the 9th proximo.

I have the pleasure to remain, your friend and servant,

Porfirio Diaz.