Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 3, 1900
Mr. Powell to Mr. Hay.
Santo Domingo City, January 17, 1900.
Sir: I have the honor to report the result of an interview held with the minister of foreign relations, Mr. J. D. Henriquez y Carvajal, to-day, and also copies of letters referring to the same.
I have, etc.,
Mr. Henriquez y Carvajal to Mr. Powell.
Mr. Minister: The undersigned has the honor to inform you that Messrs. Don Juan Isidoro Jimenez and General Don Horacio Vasquez have been designated by the majority of the Dominican people for the performance of the high functions of President and Vice-President of the Republic during the administrative period ending February 27, 1904, and they were inaugurated on the 15th of the present month before the National Congress.
In compliance with the constitution, the President the same day appointed the following as his cabinet: Secretary of interior and police, Gen. Luis M. Hernandez Brea; secretary of foreign relations, Dr. Francisco Henriquez y Carvajal; secretary of justice and public instruction, Dr. Alvaro Logroño; secretary of fomento and public works, Mr. Francisco Leonte Vasquez; secretary of the treasury, Mr. F. Augusto Gonzalez; secretary of war and navy, Gen. Joseph Branche; secretary of post-office and telegraphs, Mr. Eugenio Deschamp.
The undersigned is pleased also to assure you that the present chief of state conies animated with the desire of strengthening each day the cordial relations of friendship that happily exist between this Republic and the nation so honorably represented by you.
With assurances, etc.,
Mr. Powell to Mr. Henriquez y Carvajal.
Sir: Having arrived in your city to-day I will be glad if you will name such time that I may have the pleasure of paying my respects to you.
Accept, etc.,
Mr. Henriquez y Carvajal to Mr. Powell.
Mr. Minister: I have the honor to advise you that the secretary of state has received your attentive letter dated the 15th of the present month, in which you ask to designate the hour that you could be received.
I am pleased to communicate to you that I will have the honor to receive you to-morrow at the hour of 10 a.m. in the salons of the national palace.
I am gratified, etc.,
Address of Mr. Powell.
Mr. Secretary: Prior to my departure for the capital of your Republic I received a communication from you informing me of the election of Mr. Juan I. Jimenez to the Presidency of your Republic, and that of Mr. Horacio Vasquez to the Vice-Presidency, by a majority of the legislative assembly of your Republic, and that these gentlemen having taken the oath of office had each entered upon the functions of the same.
I am glad to have the pleasure, in behalf of the President of the United States, Mr. William McKinley, to congratulate His Excellency Mr. Jimenez, through yourself, of being the choice of the people of your Republic for this high and responsible position.
I trust that the cordial relations that have existed for so long a time between our respective countries will continue to exist, and be strengthened as time rolls on.
I can assure you, sir, on the part of the President, Mr. McKinley, and of the citizens of my country, of the warm feeling that exists toward the people of this Republic, and the desire on the part of one and all to see your avenues of commerce opened, your roadsteads filled with ships freighted with the rich products of your Republic. It may appear selfish on my part, sir, in making this statement to you, but I trust this prosperity may come through that close alliance with the merchants and manufacturers of the country I have the honor to represent.
I trust, Mr. Minister, that the questions that I may be called to discuss with you may be so arranged, so adjusted, that no friction will be felt on either side, and that the agreements made will be satisfactory to each.
I shall endeavor to strengthen those ties of friendship, that bond of intercourse, the foundation of which was laid by the many honorable ministers that have preceded me, during the time I have the honor to represent my country at the capital of your Republic.
Finally, allow me to wish you abundant success in the many delicate tasks that will confront you during the time you will be called to fill this responsible office.
I will be pleased, Mr. Minister, to pay my respects to His Excellency the President at such time it will be his pleasure to receive me. I will be glad if you will arrange such an audience.
Response of secretary of foreign relations.
Mr. Chargé d’affaires: Your very kind words touch me deeply; it is the wish of His Excellency the President, Mr. Jimenez, that the cordial feelings stated by yourself as existing in your country, the United States, toward this Republic shall continue; we trust that the bonds of friendship may become stronger and stronger yearly.
We look upon the great country you represent as the one to whom we may appeal in time of need for succor and assistance. We trust also that the prosperity that exists in your country will attend us, and that our products may continue to reach your markets in the future as they have in the past. We assure you, sir, that we will ever welcome to our shores your people.
In regard to the questions that we will have to discuss, I trust that they may be amicably adjusted, and, as stated by you, without that friction that leaves uneasy feelings that full justice has not been rendered us.
Thanks for your kind words addressed to me personally; in return allow me to wish you a pleasant sojourn in our country for a long time, and that during your stay with us you will enjoy the blessings of health.
In regard to your request for an interview with the President I shall be glad to arrange such an audience for you with His Excellency Mr. Jimenez.