The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1899-06-05
The vaited States and Spain Renew
Diplomatic Relations.

The new Spanish Minister, Duke
ARGOS. presented his credentials to
the President last Saturday. At the
White III use quite crowd had col
lected to catch glimpse of the new
Minister The party was ushered into
the Blue Parlor The Duke was attired
in his resplendent diplomatic uniform.
Across his coat he wore scarlet sash,
and on his breast sparkled the insignia
of half a dozen orders. lie carried his
plumed chapeau in his left hand, and
the copy of his address In his right.
His secretaries were likewise attired in
their gorgeous diplomatic uniforms.
Secretary Hay presented Duke
Il ARGOS and Seniors Kiano aud Pastor
to the President The President was
cordial but digniRed in his greeting
Duke ARGOS read his address in Span
ish. He said
Mr.. President: | have the honor To
place in your eXcellcncy's hands the
royal letter by which her majesty the
Queen Regent Of Spain in the name Of
her august son, King Don Alfonso XII,
accredits me near this government IN
the capacity Of Envoy Extraordinary
and Minister Plenipotentiary.
have como TO renew the relations If
friendship which have existed from Of
old between Spain and the United
States and which were interrupted by
the war Of last year. The treaty If
peace which Spain has signed put an
end 10 that war, and now, looking only
TO the future, Spain desires that her re-
lations with this republic may be as
| friendly rs they were in times past, and
| from the days in which this country
was struggling to gain its independence.
Ii is my task to contribute To the re-
| newal Of these relations, to strengthen
them, and 10 draw them closer; and in
the discharge Of it | hope to be aided
by the kindness and corporation of
your excellency and of your govern
| ment.
The President responded as follows:
Mr.. Minister | receive with the
greatest qualification the letter by
which her majesty the Queen Regent
Of Spain, in the name Of her august
son. King Alfonso XIII, has accredited
you near this government a. Envoy
Extraordinary and Minister Plenipo-
Tertiary.
You will find. Mr. Minister. a cor
dial welcome in this country. not only
from those whose friendship You ac-
quired during your former residence,
but from all our people. who rejoice
az | do. at the renewal Of the ancient
bonds Of amity which, with a brief
interruption, have united our nations
for more than one hundred years. That
these friendly relations may be con-
frmed and strengthened. to the adj
vantage Of both peoples. Is my earnest
wish, and | can assure you that every
member Of this government will heart
lily cooperate with you to that desir-
able end.
AN INFORMAL CONVERSATION.
At the conclusion Of the address the
President stepped forward and shook
hands cordially with the new Minister
and they engaged in conversation in
low tone for minute or two. The
President inquired after the health Of
the Queen Regent and the King He
referred to the Dukes former residence
in this country and his many friends
here. and repeated the assurances Of
the concluding words Of his formal
greeting that every one here would unite
in making the Minister stay in this
country pleasant and satisfactory. The
party then retired, and was driven to
the Arlington Hotel.
Secretary Hay will give dinner
next Monday night in honor of Duke /
ARGOS. the new Spanish Minister. This
will be the first social and semi-oilicial
courtesy extended to the representative
of Spain. The French Ambassador,
NJ. Oambon, will give dinner in
honor of the Duke and Duchess on
Wednesday evening next. There will
be a notable assemblage Of Cabinet Of
6.ials Ambassadors and distinguished
officials at these dinners.