The evening times., 1898-06-23
THE RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR
Count Cassini Formally Present
ed to President Mckinley.
FRIEND. HIP OF THE GAR
The Newly ArriS ed Diplomat Exc
presses Qualification Mt Having
which His Sovereign Feels for
the Amerit I'm People.

The Russian ambassador. Count Cas-
sini, was presented 10 the President this
morning with the usual formal ceremo-
nies in the Blue Room.
The presence of Count Cassini in Wash
ington is gratifying at this time and
his installation as the first ambassador
from Russia to America is an important
diplomatic event.
Count Cassini is one of the most dis
tinguished diplomats of Europe. and
comes to this country with extraordinary
power TO cement the historic good will
between Russia and America. He is a
high authority on affairs in the East,
where his diplomatic energies have for
several years been centered.
His last post was al Pek.n.
Ii was just IL O'Clock when the new am
bassador drove up to the White House
He was followed by military retinue.
The party was AT once ushered into the
presence of Secretary Day. Through hirl
Ambassador Cassini was formally pre-
scented to the President. The exchange
of formal courtesies was followed by a
speech from Count Cassini. wherein he
expressed the sympathy felt by Russia
for America. The President replied in
fitting terms.
Following is the address of the Russian
ambassador. on presenting his letter of
credence to the President:
Mr.. President: / 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 confiding in me the position of his
first ambassador in Washington, my SOW
ereign has deiGned TO grant me the most
signal honor and one very gratifying to
me. An honor, in that 1 represent my
great sovereign near the great American
people; qualification in that l can be
the authorized and confident interpreter
of the sentiment of high esteem and un-
alterabe friendship which for SO many
years have united our two governments
and our two nations. without the least
cloud having ever arisen to disturb rela-
tions based alike upon large and far
seeing political wisdom, and upon an un-
questionable sympathy.
II venture to hope. Mr. President that
/ will receive, as well from Your Excel
lency on the part of the Government
of the United States. the sentiments of
sympathy to which | attach the highest
value and which will permit me to ac-
quit myself to our mutual satisfaction
in the mission which my sovereign has
deiSned to confer upon me-
The reply of the President was as fol-
lows:
Mr.. Ambassador, ] have taken great
pleasure in listening to your address and
In receiving from your hands the letter
by which His August Majesty. the En-
peror of Russia, has accredited you as
his ambassador extraordinary and p!eni-
potentiary to this Government and | ex-
tend to you warm welcome TO its capt.
tai.
You agreeably recall to me and
through me to the people of the United
States the cordial esteem and unbroken
friendship which have ever subsisted be-
tween Russia and the United States. 1t
is my heartfelt wish that the time-hon-
ored association TO which you have re-
ferrei resting as il does on such firm
foundations. will steadfastly endure and
that the great nation which you repre-
sent shall ever enjoy the blessings of
peace, prosperity and continued advance
mcnt.
I'm welcoming you l cannot forbear to
congratulate you upon being the frs.
chosen ambassador of His Majesty the
Gar. to this country. and to express the
s"''-T""ti"n II gave me- reciprocating the
action of your government, to advance
our representative at your court to the
rank of ambassador. / trust that your
s,sUurG in Ih!s Capital may be in all re-
spects agreeable TO yourself as ii is GER
tain to be 10 this Government and to
those of its citizens who may share the
pleasure of your acquaintance and friend
shiS.
May ] ask you TO convey TO His Ma
jesty. the Emperor whose commission
you bear, the good wishes OF the Presi-
dent and of the American people for his
happiness and the welfare of his en-