I inclose herewith copy and translation of the addresses delivered on
that occasion.
[Inclosure.]
From the Mexican Herald, October 31,
1902.
The minister of Cuba in presenting his credentials said:
“Mr. President. I have the honor to deliver
to your excellency the letter by which President Tomás Estrada Palma
is pleased to accredit me as envoy extraordinary and minister
plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba near your Government.
“The Cuban nation has many reasons for feeling fervent affection for
the Mexican nation, and you will allow me to express it, Mr.
President, at this solemn moment when I have the honor to be the
first diplomatic agent of my country to be received in a
Spanish-American nation.
“Linked in the history of this continent ever since the dawn of
modern times, alike in their checkered records, possessing similar
factors of national solidarity, resembling one another in their
customs and aims, having a common origin and tongue, Mexico and Cuba
are two sister nations whose relations of friendship are bound to
grow as time passes.
“The intimate character of these cordial relations, which my
Government desires to maintain with the Government so wisely
directed by yourself, must be greatly fomented by the profound
gratitude which we feel toward this great nation, for the generous
shelter which, in stormy days for our country, was extended to
thousands of Cubans who sought these shores, and by the sincere
appreciation of the services rendered by Mexico to our cause in
being one of the first to recognize our young Republic, and to
accredit to it an honored representative. Counting, therefore, on
your benevolent reciprocity of sentiment, I have every hope that I
will be able successfully to realize the mission with which I have
been charged for the benefit of our respective countries.
“Interpreting the desire of the citizens of Cuba, I have been
specially commissioned by President Tomas Estrada Palma to present
our most sincere congratulations for the paternal, wise, and
benevolent rule that you exercise in the United Mexican States,
surrounded by the sincere love of your people and the admiration of
foreign nations. We desire you, Mr. President, a long life for the
good of this happy nation, so favored by prosperity and so congenial
to progress.”
President Diaz replied as follows:
“Mr. Minister. It is with special
satisfaction that I receive from your hands the letter that
accredits you as representative of the new and sympathetic Republic
of Cuba, in the capacity of envoy extraordinary and minister
plenipotentiary. You are quite right in all that you have said with
respect to the powerful reasons that already exist, and to which
time will add, why our Governments should cultivate a sincere
friendship, in keeping with the deep cordiality which unites the two
peoples. Their proximity, the points that are common in the history
of both, the identity of their aspirations and ideals, the
civilization that impresses a special character on the group of
nations to which they pertain, all make for that unity of sentiment
that will bring about a friendly combination of interests, both in
trade and in other matters that bind modern nations to each
other.
“For the obtaining of such desirable results, you have been happily
selected to be the chief of the first mission that Cuba sends us,
and for that reason you may count on our special cooperation to
obtain those objects, seeing that Mexico fully reciprocates the
friendly sentiments that you have expressed on behalf of your
Government.
“In conclusion, I beg that you will transmit to the Chief Magistrate
of your country my sincere hopes for his personal happiness and for
the prosperity of the new Republic of Cuba, which is rich in hopes
for the future.”
