Mr. Hay to Mr.
Newel.
Department of State,
Washington, October 5,
1898.
No. 156.]
Sir: I inclose herewith a letter from the
President in reply to one from Her Majesty, the Queen of the
Netherlands, announcing her assumption of the royal power on the
attainment of her majority.
I also inclose an office copy of the President’s letter.
You will transmit the copy to the foreign office and present the original
in the manner most agreeable to Her Majesty.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
William McKinley,
President of the United States, to Her Majesty,
Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands, Princess of Orange
Nassau, etc.
Great and Good Friend: I congratulate Your
Majesty on your assumption of the royal power of which you notified
me by your letter of the 31st of August, last.
The satisfaction which this announcement gives me is enhanced by the
expressions of Your Majesty’s intention to neglect no opportunity to
maintain and draw closer the amicable relations subsisting between
the United States and the Netherlands. For the attainment of this
object, you may well rely upon my cooperation. That honor, peace,
and prosperity may bless your country, is my earnest wish.
Trusting that your reign may be long and happy, and prove strong in
the affections of your people, I pray God to have Your Majesty in
His wise keeping.
Your good friend,
By the President:
John Hay,
Secretary of State.
Washington, September 30, 1898.
