Mr. Francis to Mr. Hay.
Belgrade, September 25, 1901.
Sir: I have the honor to report that I was accorded a special audience to-day by King Alexander, upon which occasion His Majesty presented me to Her Majesty, Queen Draga. They both declared in strongest terms their horror at the murder of President McKinley and their sympathy for the American people in the great loss they have sustained by the death of a chief so wise and so good. Their majesties inquired particularly about Mrs. McKinley, and expressed for her the tenderest solicitude. King Alexander was evidently much gratified when I informed him that I had been requested by my Government in a cable dispatch received last evening to convey to His Majesty Mrs. McKinley’s sincerest appreciation of his message of condolence.
I am, etc.,