New-York tribune., 1902-03-18
COLOMBIAN MINISTER RECEIVED.
HOPE FOR CLOSER RELATIONS EXPRESSED
BY SENIOR CONCHA AND PREsI-
DENT ROOSEVELT.

Washington March 17-Senor jose Vincente
Concha, the newly appointed minister from Colon
bia presented his credentials TO President Roose-
welt to-day He accompanied to the State
Department by Or. Silva the retiring minister
and Mr.. Herran. who has acted charge daffaires
at times and is the secretary of legation. Sec
retary Hay escorted the minister TO the White
House with Mr. Herran. but Dr. Silva did not go
further than the State Department. The speeches
exchanged had their keynote the expression Of
hope for closer commercial relations between the
United States and Colombia In presenting his
credentials. Senor Concha said:
Mr. President: ! have the honor to place IN your
hands the letter addressed to you by the President
OF the Republic of Colombia. by which am ac-
Of America-over which you worthIy preside-in
the capacity of envoy extraordinary and minister
Succeeding an eminent fellow citizen for the only
reason that his services in another Important post
of duty were deemed Indispensable by my govern
on entering upon the mission with which have
been intrusted It gives me great pleasure Nj
long standing and never falling friendship that the
people and the government of Colombia have pro-
dependent life for the people Of the United States
TO whom they are bound by gratitude. community
drawn closer if it be possible in the event Of the
ing one of the greatest works of civilization and
progress known to the world.
colombia. which has always rejoiced in witness
ing the admirable ACKNOWLEDGMENT Of the country
which ths he first in Amfrea m to be born OF to an
nations the road that leads the ideal welding OF
recognizes in your republic of the best guaran-
tees for the autonomy of the nationalities of the
new continent and strives to further as far as It
lies in its power. the grand advance in progress
led by the American Union.
offer wishes for the growing prosperity
of your republic and present them also in the
name of Colombia for your own welfare, Mr.. Presi-
dent.
President Roosevelt replied follows:
Mr.. Minister: 1t affords pleasure to receive
from your hands the letter Of the President Of the
Republic Of Colombia, whereby you accredited
to me as the envoy extraordinary and minister
plenipotentiary Of Colombia, and in welcoming you
TO the station to which you have been appointed,
bespeak for you reception no less cordial than
has been accorded to your distinguished predeces-
The government OF the United States faithful to
its constant purpose to maintain and strengthen
the good relations which have long and bene-
ncally extended with the republics of the Amer
lean continents. in your friendly assurances a
gratifying augury that, through reciprocal efforts.
the close intercourse between the United States
and Colombia viii be continu ID and advanced q
bets the interests OF the States whose institutions
rest common foundation, and whose material
association in the paths Of mutual advantage
not fail 10 aid the progress of each The people
Of this country bear the kndliest feelings toward
their neighbors, wishing for them peace and pros
perity, and it will be the pleasing task of
this government to give these feelings shape in all
appropriate ways