File No. 812.001C23

Ambassador Fletcher to the Secretary of State

No. 112

Sir: Supplementing my telegram No. 145, May 1, 7 p.m.,2 I have the honor to report that in accordance with Transitory Article I of the recently adopted Constitution, President-elect Venustiano Carranza appeared before the Congress yesterday shortly after 5 p.m., and took the oath of office as President of the Republic of Mexico. The Diplomatic Corps was present by invitation and occupied two galleries, the representatives of the Allies in one and the representatives of the Central Powers and neutrals in another.

Mr. Carranza was greeted with applause as he entered the Chamber accompanied by his Cabinet of the pre-Constitutional period, and a number of chiefs of the revolution, among whom were several of the signers of the Plan of Guadalupe.

The ceremony was very simple and lasted not more than ten minutes. After a brief introduction by the presiding officer, the President-elect repeated the oath of office prescribed in the Constitution—that is to say, the oath was not administered to him—and immediately left the Chamber amidst renewed applause.

The presidential party went directly from the Chamber of Deputies to the National Palace, the automobiles carrying me and my staff, accompanied by Mr. Manuel Amayo, Chief of Protocol, being next in line. Shortly after reaching the Palace the several foreign missions constituting the Diplomatic Corps, were received individually, that of the United States being at the head of the line. In presenting my felicitations to President Carranza I had in mind the instructions contained in the Department’s telegram number 145, April 28, 7 p.m. President Carranza replied with a simple acknowledgment of his thanks and appreciation.

The event passed off without unusual incident so far as I noticed. The police arrangements were superior to those provided for the formal opening of Congress on April 15 reported on in my despatch number 83 of April 18.2 Dense crowds collected along the line of march from the Camara to the National Palace and in the large public square in front of the Palace, but they were good natured and were easily kept in order by a double file of soldiers.

For a more detailed account of the ceremonies attending the inauguration, I beg to refer to the press clippings which I am sending in this pouch.

I have [etc.]

Henry P. Fletcher
  1. Not printed.
  2. Not printed.