The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-11-15
Our Consular system.
WEsr INDIES, Sept. ls46.

Mr.. BEnrErr-
As am aware'of theswidespread circulation of your
interesting paper, am dssrouso of obtaining the of
its columns for the purpose of making stew remarks
upon the consular system of tina United States to the
end that the imperfect might say disgracefuD nature
Of system may be. generally known by fellow
citizens in the United States.
The U. s. government have about 10 consuls, vice
consuls and commercial agents residing in foreign
countries half dozen Of whom received salaries
the others derive compensation from the fees Of
oice-which vary in valus.rom SIS 0o0o $780, or less
Those fees paid by the captansiand Of the
vessels in the merchant service of the United States
A great many of the consuls Cperhaps twothirds Of
them are compelled to engage in commercial pursuits,
that they may be enabled to support themselves and
the consul as gatherer, who is sent abroad merely
that he may be supported at his the merchants
regard him a rival, and hate him. because, from the
nature of some Of his duties he is frequently enabled
to great advantages in the Transaction Of business
Let the effects of this beautiful system, it
works in the West Indies.
In one port, for example, the sar-spangled banner
stable for horses, the consul being horse
dealer and to give him all due credit most accom-.
At another place and Of the most valuable to the
incumbent will be fosnd Dutch Jew to represent the
commercial dignity Of country and protect the nte
rests of her citizens.
The Offices several other places were held until the
present administration, by citizens of the place ITSELF
generally some petfogging shopkeeper, against whose
contend Some of the consulshps the West Indies
still held by foreigners there is, under existing cir
cumstances inducements for Americans to accept of
have recently met with one of our West India con-
suls who was travelling professional tour dem
tist and very skiful one he is. He is most amabe
and highly cultivated gentleman and has acquired his
profession since he became a member Of the consular
CORPS that he might thereby assist in maintaining him
Now although the dental as respectable any
Sasr With the drny ., Of the consular cha
racte least when is pursued in the country OF ones
official residence: The good democrats Of our country
will say that this is nonsense but they knew the
great influence which is exerted by our consuls in
forming the opinion which foreigners may enter
tain of our country they would wish to them
selves repre- sened abroad in a manner more in
respondence with our true national importance.
The fact is, Mr.. Editor, half a century behind
the rest of the commercial world in respect Eng.
land France Spain etc knowing their true interests
Efficiently well that their consuls are by the nature
of their respective consular establishments enabled
command the respect Of the people amongst whom they
reside well as the Difference which is due them from
their fellow citizens.
was not long since at Spanish city of some impor.
lance in this part Of the world MY hotel was in
and my garrulous landlord was edyng me by observa
tons upon the passers by Who the labors of the day
others observed most dignifed and elegant gentle
proceeding eisurely by to whom many persons paid
the compliment of lifting their hats, and which he
turned very gracefully was much struck with his
bearing that asked Bonifacs who that was That sir,
said h that sir is the English h a, r ns there
back which was powdered here and thsrs with foHr he
had shocking bad hat" in his hand and was mopPing
his perspiring countenance with coloed
he was ungloved unshorn and unnoticed by any one
You doubtless anticipate the anticlmsx for as my host
informed me that was the American consul ,
Look upon the two pictures, yet that man. as well
we'll my friend the dentist Is expected to appear
con all proper occasions in Goa. emoroiderea
mastodon when in the last state Of carries. =
1t that efforts have becn made from time to time
to remedy this crying evil General jackson made 1t
the subject of special message many years ago. Bills
have been introduced now and then in Congress. The
present talented and worthy head OF the State Depart
en has earnestly recommended reform in the consular
system Co. but members of Congress have been either
too little acquainted with the subject or too indifferent
observe that Mr. Campbell of your city. has intro.
bill should pass in Il. present form it would be dicut
point out any great Improvement Among other fun
ny things contained in the aforesaid bill observe that
there very good salary provided for the consul who
shall reside at island in these whilst few
pages further is proposed to give most pitfu sum
TO the same consulship This is done no doubt very
nnocently on the part of Mr. c.. the said island Is
called ndnsrsnty, both by its French and its Spanish
name; whence the mistake, Mr.. undoubtedly presum
ing that these were two islands refer to st. Croix or
perceive that he also appropriates several thousand
dollars for Consul at the Feiee Islands suppose ths
the of this be that the big wigs OF that polite
and interesting people may be edited by the display Of
handsome stipend.
Members Of Congress are presumed, I believe, sx-
oficio know every thing about the affairs OF the
world but noticed that their geographical studies
have in many been very much neglected If they
ofthe functions and the necessity Of maintain
ing such officers in foreign ports they would not let the
matter sumbers n It has done heretofore
When we want to produce thorough reform in our
consular affairs let bill be prepared under the drsc.
ton Of Secretary of State to be assisted by some OF
old ex.dplomac and OK consular agents, and the
experienced clerks of the State Department.
AS the matter OF salary, our whole consular corps
could be amply compensated with much less sum than
is equired to support single regiment of soldiers,
keep line of battle ship ahoat. :,
salaries varying from $4,000 down to $500 and that ali
fees of ONCE be paid into the State Department
Now the sea captains and merchants will grumble
more than ever being compelled to pay taxes in 70.
reign ports to be employed defayng the expenses OF
, $ T. w,aS be-
gamble to who shall have the former, whilst tho
latter ones, with the exception of those places where
there commercial advantages, will continue to DO
held by some pettoggng foreign shopkeeper pretty
class Of to receive the confidential
State.
Better have consula at ALL in my hunbl. opinion.
and that Mr.. Campbell 10 too good native
American to desire to this state Of things existing
much longer.
equazng the salaries would be to give ell consul the
sum, say $4,000 each, pr This in cases,
would be moderately competent to support but a. the
amount to considerable item at some places whilst It II
very traing at others would propose the following
mode equazng the burthsn Let the fees Of once be
reduced almost nominal sum, and retained by the
consul to be applied by him to the defrayDg the above
enumerated expenses, well all other charges Of
contingent or incidental character. This would, Of
course have the desired effect, for the greater the
amount of stationery, clerk hire, &c required, the
greater be the number Of vessels arriving and pay
ing fees The consulate at Liverpool expends perhaps
several thousand dollars per in the OF neces
expenses whilst great number OF tho other con-
sulates do not require than $l0o for the same
purpose
1t would also be wise plan to abolish number Of
the consulates places of little importance 1.-THE honor
10 becoming common) and have the duties fulfilled
by consular agents. whose tenure Of office shall be the
pleasure of the consul the district who shall have
farther authority than that of special confidential
clerk.
The establishment of consul generalshps would also be
proceed WILL thsI efore, desst for the pre-
SENT and shall be amply compensated for my trouble to
lind that these crude remarks will have the enect Oh
calling the attention of fellow citizens to the moro
garng imperfection Of this important branch OF our
national affairs. | am, Sir, &c. PRoCONSUL.