The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-05-25
MR.. BENEFITS LETTERS FROM EUROPE,
PARIS, 18th April, 1917
Distinguished Americans In Europe-Their
Return to the United States.

PARIS, 29h April, 1917
Distinguished Americans In Europe-Their
Return to the United States.
One of the most interesting things in Paris
has been TO me the great number of highly re-
spectacle American travellers of both sexes, VINO
are continually coming into this metropolis and
q poing awav-some having finished the tour over
Europe. and others Just beginning that interest
inc and expensive Journey. Paris seems to be
the central ground where American travellers
meet during some period of the winter or
spring. in their European tour. Many of these
nersons bring their families with them, and
though some few make an equivocal use of their
time and money, particularly young men not
come to maturity, yet believe the much greater
proportion act with good sense and discretion,
and return to their country with health i'm
proved and knowledge increased
On one point have heard some curious state
ments Some few of the very choice, fashiona-
BILE American travellers, VISITING Europe, who
are constantly hunting after the nobility, some
times permit themselves to talk against their
own forms of government, and to ridicule re-
publican institutions. This ought not to be So
for when the condition of society in Europe and
America is contrasted, no one can have doubt
of the immense superiority which American In
situations possess in comforting general comfort
a whole people. In the real practical essence
of human happiness, diffused among whole
people, the United States are probably centuries
in advance of Europe-nor can this continent
reach such point of existence, or such condi-
ton of society, without fearful revolutions and
terrible convulsions, which yet all before
them, and must take place sooner or later.
The influx of Americans has already begun in
Paris, preparatory to the European tour. They
are arriving every day from England. Mr..
Rush, the new minister to France, is expected
next month in Paris. The present charge de
afaires Mr.. Martin, formerly Secretary of Lee
CATION to Mr. King, has been re-appolnted to his
former post-Secretary to Mr. Rush. But
think this conduct on the part of Mr.. Polk Is
rather shabby towards Mr.. Martin, who ought,
at least, to have been transferred to some other
situation of charge, and not put back into his old
position, thing unheard of in diplomacy. If the
United States maintain corps dipiomatique In
Europe, it should be supported on footing of
responsibility and not subjected to such things
as only create sarcasm on the part of other
ministers. Indeed, the time is near at hand,
when it will become necessary for Congress to
re-organiZe the diplomatic corps In Europe, or
abolish it altogether, leaving simply consular
or general agent in every large town, to represent
the United States abroad in matters of mere bu-
siness, leaving all important negotiations for
special ENJOYS for set time The yearly allow
ance to ministers, is certainly inadequate to
sustain properly the dignity of the great republic
Mr. King expended in Paris large fortune of
his own, besides his salary and outfit. Mr.. Polk
in Naples has to do the same-and almost every
American Tenvoyb is too meanly paid. Then,
again, some of the missions have been cut
down-as that to Austria, when it ought to be of
as high a rank as that in London, Paris, or
Berlin The United States republic is now
creating feeling and taking position in Eu-
rope, higher and gre ater, and more important,
than that of any former age. She is now begin
ming to create a belief that she will soon be one
of the first and leading nations of the globe
one of those nations whose energy and intellect
give a fresh direction to human affairs, and
change the future history of the world
American diplomacy in Europe ought to cores
pond with this new position. American en-
voys ought to be supported on footing OF
equality with those of other countries, or
the system should be abolished altogether.
If the old diplomatic system were to be
abolished, then there could be appointed
city of any magnitude, who would be re-
CURED to maintain style, nor give any expen-
sive entertainments. This would be quite suffi-
cient for public business; but the present system
is unequal onerous to individuals, and useless
to the country.
have already said that great many Amer
cans some of them long time In Europe, are
returning to the United States Among the most
known and distinguished is, undoubtedly, Mr..
Wheaton, formerly envoy in Berlin. He has
been twenty years, or more, IN Europe, always
in diplomatic capacity. He sailed a few days
ago from Havre, accompanied by his family. He
has been residing all the winter in Paris. AS a
writer and philosopher of great talents and emf
nence, he is we'll known in Europe He is a
very accomplished man in variety of points !;
and, probably, in regard to German affairs, its
Literature, poetry, philosophy, tsociety, and
politics, no American ever returned to his coun-
try with so perfect and full knowledge. He
could give a clearer and more interesting view
of the present deeply important political and re-
ligious movements in Germany than any other
man known. 1t is now believed very gene
rally that the movement in Prussia-the opening
of the Diets the beginning of new age in
Europe, which will lead to the greatest results in
society and government at no distant day. Such
sensation has the opening of the Prussia'n Diet
created even in France, that one of the lecturers
in the Royal College of Paris has introduced the
Prussian kings speech, and criticised it during
one Of his discourses the other day. In Ger
many, the excitement produced by that event
has hardly been equaed since the age Of Luther
Mr.. Wheaton has the ability and means to give
a course of lectures on German affairs, that
would command the attention of the whole
American public particularly at such time as
The nreeent when the remuneration of Eurone n @