Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 5, 1905

Chargé Snyder to the Acting Secretary of State.

American Legation,
Bogotá, July 5, 1905.

No. 63.]

Sir: In view of the past relations which have existed between Colombia and the United States, it has occurred to me that it might be of interest to the Department and those most concerned to have the testimonials received at this legation upon the death of the Hon. John Hay, Secretary of State. I therefore have the honor to forward same herewith.

The news of his death was received everywhere, both in governmental and foreign circles, with profound sorrow, and the flags in the ministry for foreign affairs, presidential palace, and British legation were flown at half-mast for three days out of respect for our dead statesman.

Although all social functions were stopped, nevertheless the legation was besieged yesterday by a host of callers, all desirous of expressing their sympathy for the great loss our government had sustained in one who, by his sterling qualities, far-sightedness, and patriotism, had placed the American nation, diplomatically, among the foremost nations of the world.

I am, etc.,

Alban G. Snyder.

[Inclosure.—Translation.]

The Minister of Foreign Affairs to Chargé Snyder.

Republic of Colombia,
Ministry of Foreign Relations,
Bogotá, July 3, 1905.

Sir: The government learned with painful surprise of the deplorable death of the Hon. John Hay, which occurred on the 1st instant, as your excellency informed me in your note of the same date.

I hereby express to your excellency the reiterated assurances of my distinguished consideration.

Clímaco Calderón.