Mr. Wilson to Mr.
Seward
No. 51.]
Legation of the United States,
Caracas,
June 20, 1867.
Sir: The 19th of April is a national holiday in
Venezuela. It marks the commencement of the struggle against Spanish
authority in South America, and is always observed with great enthusiasm
throughout this republic.
This year, however, its observance was interrupted by the ceremonies of
holy week, and its celebration, on that account, was postponed to a
future day.
On the 26th of April I received from the minister of foreign relations a
note, a copy of which, and translation of the same, marked enclosure 1,
enclosed herewith, informing me that President Falcon would receive on
Sunday, the 28th of April, to which day the celebration of the 19th had
been transferred.
On the following day I acknowledged the note of the minister of foreign
relations, and enclosed to him a copy of the remarks I proposed to make
on the occasion on behalf of the diplomatic body, a copy of which note
and of the remarks is herewith enclosed and marked enclosures 2 and
3.
On Sunday, at the hour appointed, the diplomatic body proceeded to the
government house and were immediately received. Having delivered the
address, enclosed, his excellency the President replied, a copy of which
reply, and translation of the same, is herewith enclosed, marked
enclosure 4.
[Page 815]
This being the first public reception of President Falcon since his
elevation to the presidency, the day was distinguished in many other
respects with more than usual display and ceremony, which, however, was
not participated in by the members of the diplomatic body.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Translation.]
Fourth year of the Law and ninth of the
Federation.
The minister of foreign relations of the United States of Venezuela
salutes, courteously, the minister resident of the United States,
and informs him that the great citizen marshal president will
receive at the Government House on Sunday, the 28th, at 11 a. m., to
which day the celebration of the national festival of the 19th,
which fell on the holy week, has been transferred.
[Untitled]
Legation of the United
States, Caracas,
April 27, 1867.
The minister resident of the United States presents his compliments
to Mr. Sistiaga, and begs to acknowledge the receipt of his note of
yesterday, informing him of the reception of the president on
to-morrow at 11 o’clock a. m.
The minister resident has the honor to enclose, herewith, a copy of
the remarks he pro-proposes to make on the occasion on behalf of the
diplomatic body.
[Untitled]
Your Excellency: In the name of the members
of the diplomatic body, I am most happy to offer to your excellency
and to the people of Venezuela our congratulations that the
institutions of government, which had their birth 57 years ago, have
survived all the vicissitudes of time and still continue unimpaired
in all their grandeur and strength.
This day is memorable in the history of Venezuela. It recalls heroic
names. Miranda Roscio, Martin Tovar, Sojo, Rivas, Alamo, Madriaga,
Auzolo, and above all and over all the liberator, who is now, always
has been, and forever will be, “first in war, first in peace, and
first in the hearts of his countrymen.” It recalls grave
deliberations, stern resolutions, and self-sacrificing acts, which,
under God, led to separation, independence, and finally to the
formation of a government based on the enduring principles of
liberty, equality, and brotherhood.
In this first reception of the diplomatic body by your excellency,
permit me to say that we have witnessed, with the greatest
satisfaction, your patriotic efforts to preserve peace, maintain
order, promote progress and advance the general welfare of the
republic, and we present our felicitations that a grateful people,
not unmindful of such services, have proclaimed with one voice your
excellency the pacificator of Venezuela.
[Translation.]
Mr. Minister: I accept, with the greatest
satisfaction, the felicitations which you, in the name of the
diplomatic body, direct to the people of Venezuela, and the
honorable manner in which you mention myself in reference to the
glorious memory of this day.
Venezuela has always thought that the governments which you represent
will do justice to her efforts and sacrifices to make herself worthy
of their esteem and to maintain in glory and veneration the memory
of the immortal Bolivar and of the distinguished men who have
inspired you with those noble thoughts and gained themselves the
admiration of all centuries.
I thank you for the benevolent sentiments you show towards me, and I
wish, most sincerely, that your respective nations and governments
may enjoy the blessings of peace in the path of progress.
