The daily national Whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1849, 1849-06-13
The Foreign Policy OF the Administration
The Washin Rtoninn Course Puraued.


i have been much gratifed by reading your re-
marks upon the foreign policy Of the present admin
straton. GU are not only the only editor WIN has
had the sagacity 10 perceive the policy of the
government under the new administration as ind-
Gated by their acts and measures; but the only one
that know Of who has enlightened the public upon
the subject at ALL
You have given no more than meritcd appreciation
n the Washingtonian course, which Gen. Taylor
has determined to pursue In avoiding "entaugling
alliances" and maintaining strictly neutral posi-
ton toward all nations-doing equal and exact JUS
lice to all but submitting TO insult or injury from
none.
To maintain this policy, and at the same time to
command the respect of foreign nations, il was
necessary that the President should select the abest
men 10 represent our country abroad men nor only
OF high standing and moral worth ut home, but men
OF sasacy, prudence, suavity and courtesy Of man.
ners, knowledge Of the world and knowledge Of the
language OF the people among whom they are
TO reside, and with whom they must mix in
friendly, social manner il they would render any
service 10 their country in the positions assigned
| them. SO far as individuals have been des-
ignaed for diplomatic stations, il is evident
that the President and his cabinet have been duly
impressed with the importance these qualifications
| and have by no means overlooked them The aues.
lion has not been asked whether the office would
suit the individual but whether the indi vidual was
| in all respects qualified TO fill the office. Whether
indeed he was the tes person that could be select
ed To represent the nation at that particular court.
Il
| political puuperS and sturdy beggars with foreign
missions, without regard TO the qualifications of the
individuals 10 be provided for, the only object being
if we may Judge from Appearances 10 pay off laborers
who could not otherwise be put Off This practice
has, undoubtedly, induced many 10 present them
selves 10 the present administration as candidates
for missions, who have little or no knowledge of any
modern language save their own, have had no ex-
periencc in public altlrs whatever are equally ig-
norant Of international law, not even well versed
either IN the civil or political history of their own
county Can IL excite wonder or surprise that the
applications of such men should prove fruitless a.
And YET, when disappointed, these men become
camorous against the administration, and charge
them with ingratitudel II does not seem TO enter
their heads that there can BIZ any objection TO them
on the score Of fitness; IL the office does but
suit them, that Is enough, The same remark is ap-
plcabc To candidates for other Offices, to some ex-
tent; all want and consider themselves qualified for
tile highest and badly treated ii they do not obtain
them; not recolecng that all cannot be served even
If all were equally qualified and that some must, of
course, be disappointed. Let the public Try the pro.
priety Of the rejection of these men by The suppose.
ton that their merits Ind been measured by their
own standard, and they lind been appointed to the
high stations they had the modesy TO aspire TO- -.
What in that case, let MS ask, would The public have
said! What would the country have thought? |
need not answer these qnestons.-N. Y. Herald