Certain remarks by the former President and by Roscoe Conkling on the subject of Mexico were considered of much significance at the time.

Both spoke strongly in favour of the formation of a Mexican-American alliance.

Mr.Conkling suggested General Grant as the logical leader of a great movement to aid the sister republic in developing its resources.
Nearly two thousand guests were present at the reception given by the Union League Club to President Arthur on January 23, 1884.

With the Chief Executive, who arrived about nine o'clock, were Secretaries Teller and Folger, of his Cabinet.

After shaking hands with the reception committee the President was escorted upstairs by William M.Evarts.
About the President were the Cabinet officers, Mr.and Mrs.Evarts, Jesse Seligman, and Salem H.Wales, and Attorney General and Mrs.
Brewster.