The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-06-15
Instructions to American Representatives
Abroad.

| Instructions to American Representative
Abroad.
We find in the New York Herald of the
18th instant three circulars recently addressed
to the diplomatic agents of the United States
in foreign countries, by the Hon. w. l..
| MARCY, Secretary of State.
The first of these, we are truly gratified to
perceive, while requesting each of our agents
at foreign courts to conform, as far as is consis
| tent With just sense of his devotion to repub-
llcan institutions, to the customs of those
among whom he dwellS, at the same time re-
gulres him to appear at court IN the simple
dress Of an american citizen. SIT is to be re-
gretted," the Secretary truly says, ''that there
was ever any departure in this respect from
the example of DR.. FRANKLIN"
This circular also requests each minister and
charge d'afaires to establish the legation in a
| central position; to keep it open daily, from
| to 3; and to require the secretary to perform
his duties In person, or, in case of sickness or
| absence, by some American citizen, the ser
vices of a foreigner being strictly forbidden,
either as substitute, clerk, or copyst. Minis
| ters and charges are also required to authenti-
cate, by their own signatures, with the seal of
the legation, the passports Of American citi-
zeDs, and not to delegate this duty to their
secretaries.
The second of these circulars is addressed to
secretaries of legation, and contains some pru-
dent counsels, of interest to them only.
The third is addressed to consus. 1t forbds
their employing foreign clerks, and enjoins
greater secrecy in the conduct of their consular
affairs. In the injunctions here laid, a rebuke
is given to the late apologisls of Mr.. BELMONT,
80 recently transferred from the position of a
foreign consul 10 this country to chargeship
from this country. The point involved is so
ably argued by Mr.. MARcT that we cauaot re-
sist the doubt that Mr.. BELMoNr's appoint
ment met with his cordial approval. Indeed !,
we feel constrained to quote the pith of his
| argument. He says:
"The President, ia the performa nee of his duties
conceives that he has alternative but to mani
fest bis decided disapprobation of the anti Aneri
PRACTICES and endencies hch are too palpa Die
| in our consular establishment There are many
of our citizens, (youne menu at home and abroad
who are anxious of acquiring knowledge of one
or another of the continental languages of Europe
| a ledge which, in after years, would be valu-
able to the Government and to the people. And
| it is recommended to our consus to procure such
as NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. that they will be found
! equally effectusl and more bustvorhy.
"The commanders of our mercantile marine
the sailors by whom it is manned, we'll other
citizens having business with our consuIates, will
find nj nj 10 aarti wit rdi
mates who are their o.o c0untrype,, thar with for
eigners, differing from them as much il hampers
as in language"
If the PRESIDENT and his SECRETARY are
to be met by "the Democracy" with the re-
Spouse that Mr.. BELMONT does understand
English, (Which we believe is the fact, we
may safely reply for these functionaries that
so also do the clerks whom our consus have
so culpably retained in their service-the latter
probably as we'll as the former, and neither
| like genuine native,
| This circular calls for more frequent and
more minute reports from consuls; it threatens
with dismissal such of them in the Italian
States and elsewhere as are guilty Of exacting
| fees Of American citizens for verifying pass
ports; conniving at the demands of the autho-
rites for consular vises, in order to obtain fees
Passports, 1t is asserted, are given to our citi-
gems free of cost, and so also by our legations
Our Government imposes no such restrictions
upon any person in this country, and desires to
protect its citizens from such annoyances wher-
ever they may go. In the presence Of an Anne
rieao legation consul is not authorized to issue
wise passports. Ths practice in some countries
of calling csnsu's office La Chancellerie
and consul's clerk La Chone<lier, is rebnked
| This word is synonymous with the Engiish
word chancellor; but the definite title Of con.
sui adopted and used by our own Government
is of course the only proper title for its agents
in that .capAcity.)
We,read with pleasure ip this circular that
"ia all that relates to scientific discoveries, 70
progress 10 the arts, to agricultural develop
ments. and to general statistics in foreign coun-