the people of the Island and those of the mainland will be drawn into even closer relations of personal and commercial friendship with the passing years. [Cuba is now our ward, our protégé. The day may come, it is my belief that it will come, when Cuba will become politically merged under the flag of the United States. If asked to say when I look for that event, I reply with the familiar Spanish phrase Quien Sabe?

But whether that day comes soon or late, no right-thinking American can do otherwise than wish the new Republic, toward whose establishment the United States has contributed so largely, long life and prosperity in endless measure. Salut, Señores, y Adios.