Mr. Lowther, Charge d’Affaires, to Mr. Hay.
Newport, R. I., September 14, 1901.
I am instructed by Lord Lansdowne to express to you the feelings of deep sorrow and consternation with which His Majesty’s Government have received the news of President McKinley’s death. They share the feelings of the Government and people of the United States in face of the great national calamity which has befallen them. It is a grievous misfortune not only to the community of which he was the chief officer, but for the whole civilized world in which his personality filled so conspicuous and distinguished a place. In England, where the President was regarded with widespread admiration and good will, his death will occasion universal grief. I am to add the expression of the respectful sympathy of His Majesty’s Government with Mrs. McKinley and the members of the President’s family in their irreparable loss.