The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-07-15
nation to himself, with a view Of beneatting

nation to himself with view of beneftting
bis own private business at the expense Of the
commerce of his own countrymen. And even
where his proceedings in such cases might be
unobjectionable and disinterested, he would be
liable to suspicion. Trading consuls also find it
difficult to obtain information. A consul unin-
terested in trade would find little difficulty in
gaining information from the public function
aries of a country, or from the local merchants
Of the place. which the trading consul from the
nature Of things would be measurably exclud-
ed from, or might be imposed upon, by false
and his country. The trading consul is also an
object of suspicion on the part of merchants of
his own country and of the citizens and govern
ments of foreign countries.
If be seeks such information as is desired by
the home government-such as regards domes-
tic manufactures arts and science, statistics of
population, agriculture and of trade, including
imports and exports, the state and progress Of
internal improvements &c. -laboring under the
suspicion that he is seeking information for his
own private interest as a trading consul, he
either fails to obtain the knowledge he seeks,
or is imposed upon by false statements. which,
being transmitted to Washington, stand re-
corded as valuable foreign intelligence.
The great evils of the United States con
sular system are twofold First, that all our
consuls are allowed to engage in trade on their
private account, which prevents their obtaining
early. important, and correct information.
Second, the appointment Of unsuitable persons
as consuls.
A trading consul is tempted to engage in
muggling. which is injurious to the legitimate
rade of his countrymen, and disreputable to
he government he represents. His specula-
tions may also fail, and he may become bank
rupt, or be involved in debts to the citizens of
the government to which he is accredited. thus
iniuring the character and interest of American
merchants having intercourse with the place,
and bringing discredit upon his government at
home.
fa consul properly discharges his duties, his
whole time will be required, without having
leisure to engage in the private speculations of
trade. 1t is, therefore, wretched economy on
the part of the government. with view Of
saving a few hundred dollars, to allow its
foreign consuls to engage in private trade for a
support, to the manifest. if not frequent. ire
parable injury OF their countrymen and govern
ment.
If the system is to be perfected to the de-
gree to which it is susceptible, the salaries
allowed to consuls ought to be such as to afford
a sufficient remuneration for the services of
men properly qualified by education and ex-
perience to fill them. They should be familiar
with the principles of international and COM
mercal laws the history and movements Of
commerce, statistics of trade, manufactures.
arts and agriculture-and no others, if practi-
cable should be nominated to consular appoint
ments.
The instructions usually forwarded to English
consuls are as follows
The consul will fol ward to the Secretary OF State,
in duplicate soon as the Information he can collect
will enable him 70 debut at any rate within Pc
Rod OF six months from the date Of his arrival at his
residence general report on the trade OF the place
and district specifying the commodities as we'll OF
the export as import trade, and the countries which
supply the latter, together with the increase or de-
cline in late years and the probable increase or de-
cline to be expected and the causes in both cases
He will state the general regulations in respect to
trade at the place where he is resident and their e
fects He will give the average market prices WITHIN
the year Of the several articles of export and import
He will partcularize what articles, if any, are a5so-
lutely prohibited to be imported into the country
wherein be resides what articles are prohibited to be
imported lr m any other places than from the place
OF their growth production; whether there be any
privileges OF importation, and what those privileges
are in favor of ships OF the build Of belonging to,
the country wherein he resdes whether there be any
difference in the duty on goods when imported into
that country IN foreign ship; and ii so, whether it
be general, OF applicable only to particular articles;
what The rates OF duty payable goods imported
into said country whether there be any tonnage duty
or other port dues, and what, payable on shipping
entering at, clearing from the ports OF the coun
try; whether there be any (and If so, wha ports in
that country wherein goods may be warehoused on
importation, and afterwards exported with or with
out payment OF any duties, and under what regula-
tons
He is also to transmit an annual statement
of the trade with the principal ports of his con-
sulship, and quarterly returns of the prices of
corn, &c.
The payment of consuls is provided for in
time of war; Tables of fees are to be publicly
exhibited in consular Offices. Severe penalties
are inflicted upon consuls for overcharging fees.
and other misconduct. Absence without leave
is strictly forbidden. On retiring from Office
caused by age, or other approved circumstances.
there is an allowance of approximation" Or
pension. granted by the crown. British con-
suls in Turkey, Egypt. and the Barbary States
possess extensive judicial powers.
Such are the general features of the British
consular system. Though acknowledged by
Englishmen to be defective, it is vastly supe-
rior to that of the United States. The English
consular fees where allowed. vary with the
country in which they reside, and are in all
cases fixed by law. These we shall contrast
with the fees allowed under our laws, when we
reach that stage of our subject.
AMERICAN LADIES AND FOREIGN DIPLOMATS
MANIFEST DEsTMY."-When that good old
soldier, General Taylor, announced to the de-