Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 7, 1911

File No. 831.415 A/15.

The American Minister to the Secretary of State.

American Legation,
Caracas, May 29, 1911.

No. 35.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith the program² of the festivities arranged in celebration of Venezuela’s centenary. I beg leave especially to call attention to the intention of the President of Venezuela to place a wreath on the statue of Washington on the 4th of July.

Washington is the only foreigner, at least the only citizen of a non-Bolivian country, to whom a statue has been erected in Caracas, and this very graceful act of the President in personally honoring his memory on our independence day is, I feel sure, another mark of Gen. Gómez’ friendship toward our country.

I respectfully and very strongly suggest that instructions be given to the representative of the United States at the centenary to place a wreath, in the name of the President and people of the United States, on the statue of Bolivar—the “Washington of South America”—on the 5fh day of July—Venezuela’s independence day—or on such other day as may be found, perhaps, to be more convenient after proper consultation with the Venezuelan Government.

It would be appropriate, if this suggestion meets with your approval, and that of the President, if some words in honor of Bolivar could be used on this occasion as coming directly from the President of the United States.

I have, etc.,

John W. Garrett.

2. Not printed.