The times., 1898-06-24
COUNT CAssINI PRESENTED
First Russian Ambassador TO
America FayOrably Received.
CORDIAL WISHES EXCHANGED
The Famous Diplomat Presented to
1he President in the Blue Room
With Simple Ceremonies by
Charge d'AGaires WaIlaHt-His
ply.

The first Russian ambassador TO the
United States. Count Cassini, was pre-
sented to the President yesterday morn
ing with formal ceremonies in the Blue
Room at the White House.
The installation of Count Cassini as
ambassador extraordinary and pIenipo-
tentiary TO this Government is one Of the
most important diplomatic events of the
year. More than usual significance at
taches to his coming at this time, when
Europe's powers are keenly interested in
the progress and ultimate results of
war which may be destined not only to
revise the map OF the Western Hemi-
sphere, but also TO change the future of
the East. where the hopes of many ma
tons now center.
Count Cassini is one Of Europe's most
distinguishes ZSlomats, and his services
have mado hiIl an influential factor IL
administration circles at ST. Petersburg
His last post was at Pekin. where ne was
in charge during the delicate complica
lions arising out Of Germany's occupation
OF Kiao Chou. England's occupation of
Wei-Hai-Wei and Russias efforts to Sc
cure Port Arthur, the strongest port in
the China Sea.
1t was shortly before II o'clock yester-
day morning when the Russian Lega-
tiOn's handsome eqUipage drew up be-
fore the White House.
Count Cassini stepped out accomDan-
led by Charge dAffairs valiant. who
had hitherto been the highest repre-
sentative Of Russia in this country. and
followed by a military retinue att.red in
the picturesque dress Of the Russian SOL
dfer-r he
into the Blue Room, where it was met
by Secretary OF State Day. Through him
the new ambassador was formally pre-
sented to the President.
An exchange Of the usual formal greet
ings and courtesies was followed by an
address from Count Cassini, wherein he
expressed in warmest terms the sympathy
OF the Russian government for this coun-
Try and the traditional friendIiness exist
ing between the two nations
The President replied in fitting terms
After the formal business of presenta-
ton had been disposed of, the new am
bassador took occasion to assure the
President OF his own personal esteem for
America and Americans and expressed
the hope that his diplomatic exertions
would more firmly cement the friendly
relations Of the two nations.
Hitherto a minister mas been the high
est diplomatic representative of the Rus
sian government in this country By a
recent imperial order in S.. Petersburg
the American post was raised TO the i'm
portance OF an embassy.
Pending the appointment Of Count Cas-
SIM, Charge d'A1aires valiant has been
in control Of the newly established en-
bassy.
Following is the address of the Russian
ambassador, on presenting his letter of
credence TO the President:
Mr.. President: I have the honor TO
place in your EXcellency's hands the let
ter whereby His Majesty the Emperor.
my august master. accredits me in the
capacity Of his ambassador extraordinary
and plenipotentiary near the Government
Of the United States of America
In confding in me the position of his
first ambassador In Washington, my SOW
ereign has deigned 10 grant me the most
signal honor, and one very gratifying to
me An honor, in that ] represent my
great sovereign near the great American
people; a gratifcauon in that ! can be
the authorized and confident Interpreter
Of the sentiment of high esteem and un-
alterable friendship which for so many
years have united our two governments
and our two nations, without the least