Another accomplishment of which feel justly proud ard to which with all modesty T may say Ihave contributed somewhat is the appropriation that has-been made to erect a new Government building in Shang-hal, This 1s most gratifying. 1 am pleased beyond words that before my retirement the new—Government building is assured. It denotes a continuance of the interest of the United States Government in China.
There are many things yet to, be done {to maintain the commercial advantages already gained by Amer teans, Among these are the mainten-nee of able snd adequate Government agencies and the establishment of steamship lines on the Yangtze and along the coast to carry merchandise from the American producer to the Chinese consumer. There is no place in the world having richer potentialiles than the Yangtze Valley and we Americans must do our part toward ho realization and materialization of this prospective trade.
It now remains for me to express my appreciation of your cordial cooperation and support to bespeak for successor that same ce-operation end support, and to thank you for the many evidences you have shown of Your friendship end goodwill, 1 shall carry away a most vivid picture of this evening's festivities and shall be grateful for it until my dying day. I regret very much to leave Shanghai and the many American friends whom Thave here. I shall always feel that 1 will be welcome iff return. 1 eave Shanghai with many heartaches.
desire to assure each and every one.of you that it will be a happy momer if we chance to meet in any other pt of the verid. Many have extended.n invitation for my return, nothing would give me more happlness and if Iam not able to do so it will be because Providence dictates otherwise. Iam not buying a return licker nor sin I burning my bridges behind me.
Twould be failing in duty and it T did not express sincere apprecia tion for the loyal ce-operation and support which has been given to me at all times by my staff and the heads of the various U.S. Government departments in Shanghai. No one hes: had a more loyal staff than T have had during my entire service or one which Jcould have given more to the American community's interest. Also I jmust express my appreciation of the ivory excellent assistance given to Jme by the Shanghai Municipal Coun-jell and Staff, who have always been' ready and willing to give me that assistance and support so to ferry on my work intelligently and T thank you again for this evening Jand may life's richest blessings attend Jeach one of you,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.