Mr. Bowen to Mr. Hay.
Caracas , October 19, 1901.
Sir: I have the honor to report that I attended this afternoon at the German legation a reception given by the chargé to the German colony at Caracas and the officers of the German war ship Vineta, now at La Guaira. About 250 Germans were present, not counting the band of the Vineta. While there I made a short friendly speech, in which I referred to the pride we Americans take in the German part of our population, and to the good will that exists between us and the Germans whenever and wherever we meet.
Whatever were the shortcomings of my speech, they were evidently completely forgotten when I concluded it by raising my glass on high and proposing the health of the Emperor and his navy. The chargé and the captain of the Vineta replied very gracefully to my speech, and called for cheers—first for the President and people of the United States, and then for the American Navy. The cheers were given with remarkable enthusiasm, and then the band played the Star-Spangled Banner and the German national anthem.
I have, etc.,