The King in his reply spoke of the Czar's "
affectionate words," and heartily endorsed the statement in regard to the Convention recently concluded between the two Governments. " I believe it will serve to knit more closely the bonds that unite the peoples of our two countries, and I am certain that it will conduce to the satisfactory settlement in an amicable manner of some momentous questions in the future." Not only would it draw the two countries more closely together, but it would help very greatly towards the maintenance of the general peace of the world. The King added his hope that "this meeting may be followed before long by another oppor- tunity of meeting your Majesty." The King then drank to the health not only of the Imperial family, but, "above all, to the welfare and prosperity of your great Empire."
