works of Washington Irving, Prescott, Lowell, and Ticknor, which
have made of Spanish tradition a familiar household patrimony of
this nation.

I am sure you will agree with me in thinking that I could do no
better, that I could not pay a higher nor more honorable nor
lasting tribute to our share in the history of this continent
than by invoking the testimony of your own literary genius and
by referring now to that grateful recognition which moved the
founders of this Republic to associate the revered memory of
Isabella, the soul-stirring deeds of Pizarro, Cortez, and Ojeda,
with the temple of your nationality.

If ever the engrossing conclusions of your wonderful actual
prosperity, the intensity of your life, made one of your
strenuous citizens forget what your present owes to your past,
let him ascend the steps of your national capitol, let him pause
before its majestic gates, and there he will behold, carved in
bronze on the threshold of your proudest monument, the effigies
and the names of those Spanish heroes who discovered, conquered,
and pointed to you the way in which path you have so
successfully followed.

As a guest, sitting now for the first time at the hearth of the
American nation, I feel bound to respond to that high tribute
made to Spain by publicly acknowledging here the enviable
kindness shown by all classes of your people since I landed on
your shores.

As the representative of the nation whose ancient and honored
flag was the first to be reflected in the majestic course of the
father of American rivers, I am happy to feel that my first
official appearance before an American audience is associated in
both your minds and mine with the commemoration of an event
which, although involving far-reaching issues in the respective
histories of three great nations, has not and never was darkened
by the rankling memories which war and international strife
always leave in their wake.

For, Mr. President, Spain, exclusively devoted to-day to the
task of developing her immense resources, is happy to be
associated with you in this peaceful celebration of a peaceful
event. Believe me, Mr. President, the Spanish people will enter
into this noble competition for the prizes of progress and
civilization with that same stubbornness with which during seven