e two countries, since I have taken any part in the
government of our own. With an immense boundary line which is only
marked by the changeable and capricious currents of the Rio Grande; with
the constant traffic across our common frontier; with thousands of
Americans residing in that country; with the countless number of
enterprises in which Americans are interested on the other side of the
Rio Grande, and with the resources of the two countries, there are
always a number of questions to be solved by the representatives of one
and the other, and there can be no doubt that they will always be solved
with the same good-will and courtesy of which such evident proof has
been given by General Rincon Gallardo, by Mr. Limantour and by their
travelling companions in coming here tonight.[5]

RECEPTION BY THE MEXICAN DELEGATION AT NUEVO LAREDO

SPEECH OF WELCOME BY GENERAL PEDRO RINCON GALLARDO

September 29, 1907

Especially appointed for this purpose by the President, in behalf of the
government of the republic, we have the honor to tender to your
excellency the most cordial welcome on your happy arrival in Mexico,
whose people, of whom we must consider ourselves the faithful echo,
pledge the continued good relations with the people of the United
States. The reception is an homage to your well-known merits, and the
people are anxious to receive your excellency as their illustrious guest
and highly esteemed friend. The people of Mexico, during your
excellency's brief sojourn amongst us, will show how true is their
esteem for you and how proud they will feel on the occasion of this
visit of your excellency, accompanied by Mrs. and Miss Root; an event
the memory of which will remain forever engraved on our hearts.

MR. ROOT'S REPLY

I beg you to believe that I am highly appreciative of the cordial and
hospitable greeting with which I have been received by you on the
threshold of your beautiful and wonderful country. I hope that the visit
which now begins will not merely give me personally the opportunity I
have long desired, to see this great country and its marvels, to meet
its public men, and especially to see its illustrious President. I hope
that it will also serve, as it is intended to serve, as evidence of the
desire of the government and people of the United States to strengthen
and increase the steadfast friendship which they have long felt for the
people and government of Mexico.

CITY OF MEXICO

SPEE