Speech of Mr. J. N. Léger, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Haiti, at a luncheon given by him to Mr. Knox, Port au Prince, April 3, 1912.

[Translation]

Mr. Secretary of State: Upon me devolves the agreeable duty of welcoming you and of thanking you, in the name of the Haitian Republic, for your esteemed visit.

This is the second time that an American Secretary of State has honored us with his presence. The present, like the past, with the folds of our flags once more intertwined, evokes the undying memory of Savannah, where the heroes of Haitian independence rivaled in bravery the intrepid soldiers of Washington. These are ties which can not be forgotten.

I am particularly happy to be, under the circumstances, the mouthpiece of the people and Government of Haiti, because I recall the tender friendship which marks the relations between our two peoples. And your visit, all the more valued on account of the presence of Mrs. Knox, can not but make these relations the more cordial.

If upon our friendship depends the pleasure of your sojourn among us you will both carry from your short stay in Port au Prince the same remembrance which I retain of my mission at Washington, the delicate attentions and the kindly hospitality of the American people, and I do not think it too much to ask that you please convey to that generous people and to their Government our sincere wishes for the prosperity of the United States.

Permit me to raise my glass in honor of President Taft and to drink to the health of yourself and Mrs. Knox.