File No. 033.1100 K77/91.
The American Chargé d’Affaires to the Acting Secretary of State .
San, José , February 26, 1912 .
Sir: The Costa Rican Government has made the most elaborate preparations for the reception and entertainment of Mr. Knox. On the day preceding the Secretary’s arrival a special train will be sent from San José conveying the reception committee appointed to receive him at Port Limón, where a breakfast will be served upon his landing. Upon the Secretary’s arrival at San José he will be conducted to the residence of the Minister of Finance, one of the best appointed establishments in the city, which has been especially fitted out for this visit. The Minister of Foreign Relations has been furnished a list of Mr. Knox’s party and special provision has been made for their accommodation.
No ceremony has been arranged for the evening of Mr. Knox’s arrival as it is expected that he would prefer to rest after the fatigue of the journey; however, there will be a concert by the National Military Band in front of his residence during the evening. On Saturday morning: a visit to the National Hospital and National Asylum at 8.30; at 1 the Secretary will be received by the President; this will be followed at 3 by a reception given by the American colony; at 10 p.m. a grand ball given by the Government in its magnificent National Theater. Sunday, March 3: most of the morning is reserved for official visits; that afternoon I hope to have the pleasure of entertaining [Page 231] the Secretary and his party and principal Government officials at luncheon; at 8 the President will give a banquet of some two hundred covers in honor of Mr. Knox. For Monday, the day of Mr. Knox’s departure, no ceremonies have been announced except that it is known that the Government has arranged for a special train to convey the Secretary’s party to Puntarenas.
I shall meet Secretary Knox at Port Limón and shall do all that I can to help make his visit the success which it is expected that it will prove.
I have [etc.]