Mr. Wilson to Mr. Hay.
Santiago , July 23, 1901 .
Sir: I have the honor to confirm my telegrama of the 14th instant.
The President expired on Friday evening, July 12, but as the intelligence of his death was immediately communicated to the Chilean legation in Washington I did not deem it necessary to do more than advise the Department of the date of the funeral ceremonies, which date was afterwards changed to Wednesday, the 17th.
I beg also to confirm the receipt of the Department’s telegrama of the 15th instant.
This telegram was immediately communicated to the Chilean foreign office, together with a note, copy of which is inclosed.
Messages similar to that of the Department were received by all diplomatic representatives here and in most cases these messages of condolence were accompanied by instructions to send floral tributes in the name of the executive heads of their Governments. Under the circumstances it seemed to me proper to send some floral offering, and I therefore assumed the responsibility of purchasing a large artificial wreath, which I sent in the name of the President.
The death of the President was not unexpected. For the latter part of the year he has been considered in an extremely precarious condition; fully one-half of this time he has been incapable of attending to his executive duties, and during the last three months he lost control completely of his mental faculties. His death being anticipated for so long a time rendered easy the transition of the executive power into the hands of the Vice-President. The acting President, Señor Zanartu, will retain the executive powers, which are in all respects equal to those of the deceased President, until the newly elected President, Señor Riesco, shall be inaugurated, September 18, 1901.
I have, etc.,