Mr. Hay to Señor Infante.

No. 51.]

Sir: In further reply to your note of October 9 last, stating that the commander and officers of the Chilean training ship General Baquedano desired to place in the Washington Monument a plate presented by the Government and people of Chile, I have the honor to say that I have just received a letter from the Assistant Secretary of War, stating that the Secretary of War has approved the recommendation of the Chief of Engineers that the tablet shall be accepted, and the Superintendent of Public Buildings and Grounds has been instructed to give it an appropriate place within the Monument.

It gives me pleasure to assure you that the Government of the United States deeply appreciates the cordial spirit of friendship manifested by the Government and people of Chile in the presentation of this tablet, and that it accepts it in the same spirit in which it is offered.

Accept, etc.,

John Hay.