Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-08-13

The Republic of Yesterday contains letter from
Mr. Epw. JOY MORRIS, American Charge 'Affaires
at Naples, in which we find the following just tribute
to the merits of one of our best Consus. We doubt
if single American visiter to Naples can be found
who has not cause to remember the ready kindness
and efficient services of Mr.. HAMMETT especially
it, from ignorance of the language, he was exposed
to endorsements and vexations which none but
travellers in Italy know.
OF the two suggestions of Mr.. MORRIS in regard
to the remuneration of Consuls, we would prefer
that they should receive fixed and fair salary
rather than gather their livelihood by tax upon
every American traveller who visits the country.
short time passed amid the hourly exactions of
officials and crowds of harassing and fleeing under
ings, who buzz in one like SO many mosquitoes,
will perhaps be sufficient to moderate the sensibli-
ties of the traveller, and make him bear their ex-
tortions with comparative patience. But never is
hereconciled to the custom of being further drained
by the representative Of his own country. some
times happens that, when wearied by travel fretted
by Importantly, and annoyed by payments for pur-
poses which his ignorance of the language prevents
his understanding, he comes in sight of the Ameri-
can arms displayed at the Consulate, he breathes
more freely, and has feeling Of security.
At such moment, when he is delighted to meet
some one with whom he can converse, and from
whom he expects sympathy and advice, he is too
often led very soon to that any such luxury is
not in the bond," and that the consular duties in
his case consist simply in placing his 0se upon the
travellers passport receiving therefor the sum Of
two dollars, and bowling him out with wish for
his pleasant journey. 1t is no wonder that the
wearied and disappointed stranger recoils before
such business transaction, and quits the consular
presence with feelings any thing but cheered by
the interview.
1t would possibly be too much to say that the
above course Of proceeding of American Consuls is
the rule but if it be, it must be all the graft
flying to the traveller to encounter an intelligent
and courteous official gentleman, like Mr. HAM
NETT, who not only understands Italian, but also
English, and cheerfully places his proficiency in
both langsagesand his time at the service of any Of
his countrymen who may stand in need of them.
EXTRACT FROM THE LETTER OF MR. MORRIS.
Universal sympathy is expressed in Naples for our
venerable and highly respected Consul ALEX. HAMMETT
who after years and Of hard service in
his old age left without any means of support BY the
late circular of the Secretary of State transferring the
else Of passports to the legation the income of his post is
reduced low that it will not yield enough pay the
rent Of his Office which by the way he is ordered keep
open from nine to three. The duties Of Consul at Naples
very vexatious well important and it is folly
expect any to discharge them for the honor Ger
tainly Mr.. H. should receive fair salary, rather the
rises should be returned him. the consus every
where else but at Rome and Naples expressly autho
rzed to demand two dollars for the There is not
American traveller naval officer who has known
Mr.. Hamaett but win sustain in the declaration that
he is of the most honorable faithful, Efficient and
valuable that his country abroad
serious public loss he enjoys the highest consideration
here, and is thoroughly conversant with the laws
TOMS and language of the country and deserves better
treatment from Government which he has served for
nearly half century without dollar Of pecuniary profit