Your presence amongst us as our illustrious guest is an event which will
leave a mark in the history of Mexico, for yours is not only the visit
of a most distinguished American, but also of the best representative,
without the usual credentials, of a great government and a great people.
The fact that your visit aims at no diplomatic business, except the
tightening of the bonds of friendship between our two countries, has
made it the more important and congenial to all Mexicans. Some years ago
we had here other prominent and representative Americans, such as
General Grant and the Honorable William H. Seward, who came as friendly
visitors wanting to know Mexico personally and be known by us. Their
flying visits did a great deal of good in promoting official and popular
relations, for they tended to a real sisterhood between the two
republics of North America. Yours, sir, will complete that most
important international work, since your high personality is eminently
qualified, especially under the present circumstances, to increase the
admiration and respect of all my thinking fellow-citizens for the
country of Washington, Lincoln, and Grant.
We know, sir, as the whole world knows, the considerable part you have
taken in the peace-promoting, civilizing foreign policy of President
Roosevelt, and we fully appreciate your frequent, unequivocal
demonstrations of amicable feeling toward our government and our people.
For that reason you have been cordially welcomed by us as a friend
coming among true friends. May your brief sojourn in this country leave
you a souvenir as pleasant as the one it has already engraved in our
memory and our hearts.
Seeking to show you our sincere esteem and regard, I propose a toast to
your honor, not as a ceremonious courtesy, but as a really heartfelt
sentiment:
"Brindemos, Senores, por nuestro ilustre huesped, el Honorable Senor
Elihu Root."