Mr. Leishman to Mr. Hay.

No. 158.]

Sir: As advised by cable to-day, His Imperial Majesty was exceedingly gratified at the courtesy of the President and sent a special message expressing great pleasure at receiving the President’s congratulatory telegram, and mentioned the fact of its being the first message of that character that he had ever received from the head of our Government. I think I am fully warranted in saying that His Majesty was delighted, and that the exchange of courtesies will produce a good effect and have a decided tendency to facilitate business and place us more on the same footing as other great powers, as it can not be denied that matters progress and are frequently settled in a country like this largely by royal favor.

I have, etc.,

John G. A. Leishman.