Reply of President Victoria.

[Translation.]

Mr. Secretary: The presence of the honorable the Secretary of State of the United States of America in this capital is a source of great satisfaction to the Dominican people and to my Government. His official visit to the countries of Spanish origin is a notable event in the history of these young republics.

This visit, which undoubtedly must be profitable to the good relations so happily existing between the United States of America and these peoples, co-workers in the cause of peace and progress, will mark an epoch in the history of our international life—and I hope that it may result thus for the good of all and the glory of this continent.

Accept, Mr. Secretary, the most cordial welcome, which I am glad to extend to you in the name of the Dominican people and of the Government which I represent.