A poetic tradition of our aborigines has been kept, and still
lives--transmitted from generation to generation of the races that
people our wooded mountains and smiling plains; this tradition teaches
us that to illustrious guests, above all to those who come like you as
messengers of peace on earth and good-will to men, should be offered as
an emblem of sincere and respectful affection, the richest of fruits,
the handsomest of flowers, and the most delicious of dishes.
A reception such as the one now being given to your excellency and those
nearest and dearest to your heart, must be, no doubt, inferior in
magnificence to the welcome tendered to such illustrious guests in other
countries; but believe me, none has ever surpassed our sincerity,
because Mexico, as it is the first to admire brilliant careers in
politics, in science, in art, in industry, and in commerce, takes
pleasure in offering you its most cordial attentions with no other
desire than to make your stay in this republic as pleasing as possible
and to show you that this country is an ardent admirer of yours and
takes pleasure in calling itself a sister of the United States not only
because of geographical contiguity, but also because of the liberty and
freedom of its institutions.
I therefore pray that your excellency accept this humble repast as a
token of the most affectionate hospitality tendered you by me in the
name of the people of Puebla, and I beg you to convey to the illustrious
President of the American Union the brotherly regard we all have for
him.