The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-12-02
From the New York TSmss.
American Diplomacy.

II seems TO be universally conceded that ibs dplo-
matte system OF the Unned States requires revision and
the important features which chaacerxs our ntercourso
with European powers just al present. commend the tub
ject with unwonted force TO public attention We hope
that Congress viii find leisure and inclination. In spite
OF the personal and partisan controversies which threat
en- to absorb so large portion OF its proceedings. to
give this matter careful examination and that il will
take such action upon the permanent interests of
the country may be ound TO require.
Modern civilization recognises all nations related
TO each other. and embassies essential part oil that
political system which exists to-day throughout the
world
They OF The highest importance TO the peace Of tbs
world they serve to make nations widely separated BY
geographical dstances and differing political Institu-
tons aod Industrial pursuits better acquainted with each
oher and 10 give efficiency that great system OF un-
versal public law, which does much TO restrain tho
tendency OF powerful and warlike States to disregard
and irample upon the rights OF their fesber neshbo
Before our Independence established, our ambss.
sadors were engaged in interesting foreign powers in our
cause, and they performed the important services
in this direction The constitution OF the United States
makes provision for the appointment OF ministers TO rep
resent US abroad-and our government has strictly pur
sued Inc wise policy oil opening and maintaining inter
course with ioregn nations, widely our relations
with them would Justify
Under The present organization. we are represented by
ministers oi The rank OF envoy extraordinary and mns
ies penpo'entlary in Great Britain, Russia, France,
PRUSSIA, Spain Mexico. Brazil, and Chill by minister
resident N Turkey; BY commIss,oner 10 China By
cnarge dadaires IN Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal
SARDINIA, Naples. Rome, Austria, Denmark Sweden, and
Norxay. and in several OF the South American States.
seems TO us that most important and useful modi6ca
tion might be made OF this system.
The subordinate missions are not on good footing,
ana Their efficiency would be greatly improved by se-
va'lng them Whatever abilities minister may possess
be lakes his rank at foreign from the grade of his
m,ssion, and charge dsaires finds himself holding an
lnienof position which mpairs his usefulness and ea-
sens ms reepeciablliy The whole diplomatic system
vas arranged BY the Congress oi Vienna Europe con-
vused s thrones prosraed, the boundaries OF States
anouAfiiy changed; al this left such confusion upon
.ns ovs'.nrow OF Napoleon that was thought best to
reconstruct the whole system Of international intercourse,
20 nat all causes OF disturbance might be avoided for
the future For long time but two classes OF ministers
nad oeen known-ihs one charged with the psbIis In.
.ees OF the State, called ambasssdoss; the ohss dspa
.ed 70 take care Of the private affairs of the pncss Ind
termed agtnts. About fhe commencement Of the six-
.een century he aystem was improvei and mnlsssra
were appointed 10 reside permanently the sovereign
% whom they were sccredi,ed Sometimes snvpys we're
sent on otcasone OF ceremony, and q, the commewcs-
ment o. ne seh,esnih century they aeasned iaer-
mexiiafe fank oeiween ambassadors and ministers ss IS
The whole subject came up before hs Conerpaa of vi.
enpa and hty provided for three classes Of diplomatic
charge. d'afa'es The .i two cssses were aes,ea,,sd
Y me is9ysresn' bs hsd tosihe MAais.er oi Fos.sn