Mr. Hay to Mr. Takahira.

No. 172.]

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note, No. 78, of the 12th instant, informing the Department that His Imperial Highness, Prince Sadanaru, of the house of Fushimi, is coming to the United States for the purpose of conveying to the President His Imperial Majesty’s message of cordial good will and friendship and of visiting the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, and that later on you will inform the Department as to other particulars of the Prince’s visit.

In reply, I have the honor to say that a copy of your note has been sent to the president of the exposition for his information.

Accept, etc.,

John Hay.