In your honor, and as a testimony to your personal worth and sterling
character, as a representative of the great American people, I take
particular pleasure in tendering to you this lunch. The occasion gives
rise to the thought that your Washington and our Hidalgo were the
instruments chosen for planting the sacred tree of national independence
now so deeply rooted in our respective countries, and which has brought
forth the fruit of liberty to nourish the people of the United States
and Mexico.
Here in Orizaba you have seen, Mr. Secretary, some evidences of the
material advances made by our country, which to a man of your broad
views and lofty ideals I must believe are pleasing. These are blessings
that we owe to peace. Those two great statesmen and lovers of
peace--Roosevelt and Diaz--are one in desire and endeavor to preserve
peace, not only to secure its benefits for their own people, but to
extend its beneficent sway over the whole American continent.
Such a purpose commands the respect and admiration of the world. I
invite all present to join me in drinking to our illustrious and most
welcome guest, whom we all so much admire for his many distinguished
qualities--extending to him and to his charming family our best wishes
for health and happiness.