Mr. Francis to Mr. Hay.
Athens, February 6, 1902.
Sir: The recent visit of the European squadron of United States war ships to Hellenic waters has produced much favorable comment among the Greeks, whose sentiments have been widely published in the press of Athens. The general tenor of such expression may be understood from the following translation of a leading editorial that appeared in the Embros of February 1:
The American squadron, which has been for some days our guest at Piraeus, leaves to-day. It is the first time that the Stars and Stripes have waved in Greece over so many war ships. The sailors on these ships, as well as the millions of their compatriots who live beyond the seas, may be sure their glorious flag never waved in a more friendly port than Piraeus. Our nation has welcomed with great pleasure the American officers and their men, and as they depart bestows upon them their [Page 566] best wishes. We Greeks can not forget the enthusiastic reception accorded our cruiser Admiral Miavoulis when it recently visited United States ports, nor can we forget that thousands of our brothers gain an honest livelihood under the protection of the laws of the great and powerful Republic.
Therefore the honors conferred upon the officers of the American fleet by our King were the expression of the actual sentiments of this entire nation. Greece and America are separated by thousands of miles, but distance can not lessen the friendship and admiration we have for the vigorous and magnanimous American people. We to-day are little and weak, while they are big and strong; nevertheless, the noble ideals of the two nations are the same in the main points, and both rise to the same level of moral strength in the work of civilization. In taking leave of us to-day the Americans may rest assured that they are parting with most sincere friends.
I have, etc.,