I greet you and welcome you in the name of the people and of the
Government of Chile, who receive your visit with the liveliest
satisfaction.
Your attendance at the congress of fraternity which the American
republics have just held; your visit to the neighboring countries, which
we have followed with the greatest interest; and your presence amongst
us, upon the invitation which we had the honor of extending to you, are
eloquent testimony of the high-minded intentions, which will necessarily
produce much good for the progress and the development of America.
In these moments we feel a most profound gratitude toward your country,
toward your worthy President, and toward yourself for the friendship and
sympathy with which you have joined in the sorrow of Chile because of
the disaster which has wounded Valparaiso and other cities of the
republic.
I wish that your stay in this country may be agreeable to you and your
distinguished family.