The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-05-26

our diplomatic Representatives.
After rather protracted ncu baton the pub.
lie has been presented with the list Of national
representatives in foreign countries. We have
no criticism to make upon the individuals. Il
Is certainly no difficult thing, after some
months of examination, to find Americans ca
pable Of filling any posts, foreign or domestic.
But the list of names suggests two subjects of
reflection. The first is the alarming ascend
ency which Federal commissions and gold
eagles have obtained over the minds of State
politicians. Governors, the echo of whose
inaugural professions of devotion to the inte-
rests of the States which they have been called
to administer have scarce died away, Undue
with alacrity the diplomatic uniform; members
Of Congress step from the stump, where they
have denounced the luxury of the age, and
carry out their professions of Spartan smPli-
city oy studying the court guide to qualify
themselves for the saloons of that aristocracy
which they have been properly employed in
dsnouncing.
Thus Governor SEYMOUR goes ''to CONSOLE
date and perpetuate the friendly relations" be-
tween the United States and Russia. Cover
nor HUBBARD retires upon an obscure consulate
on the south side of Cuba Lieutenant Gov
ernor LEAKE, of Virginia. goes to try the nu,
tnlye effect of bread-fruit and vans upon
Ieanness regarded as incurable. Mr.. MEADE,
having been swamped in a gerrymander, is
ProVldentlally cast upon the shores of Sardinia.
where ne may indeed do much toward opening
the direct trade so much desired by his section
Of the country; and so with others.
The second observation suggested by the
appointments almost reconciles US to the first.
We are gratlied at the emollient effects of pa
tronsge IN alllying the patriotic irritation
which has disturbed the country. We are
gratihed that a Federal commission can ap-
pease wrath which the Compromise only
exasPerated. We find among the honored
recipients of Federal favor some of those who
denounced the Government, and the Confede-
racy itself, as fraught with Injustice; vet so
potent Is the influence of gold eagles and gold
lace that these patriots forego their prejudices
against the Union, and depart to study foreign
tongues by phrase book, and endure sea sick
ness in the cause of grateful country.
How pleasant to see Fire eater and Free
soiler linked hand and hand chanting the este
perpetuG of the Union, and swearing with a
renewed zeal to maintain its honor untarnished
Such consequence of the judicious application
of rewards will do much to reconcile us to the
system, unless the remaining macontents may
oesome more obstreperous when there appears
to be some chance of compelling the Govern
ment to extend its bounty to stop their mouths
However, we shall be satisfied when the pa
triots 60 down to the sea in ships, and will
await with patience the new principles which
they will introduce into our foreign policy.
They Will lind that there are many subjects of
the highest Importance to the American people
which have not received that intelligent atten-
ton at the hands of our foreign representatives
which they deserved. Our domestic conflicts
have obscured the view of our foreign interests
Ministers have been appointed in consideration
rather OF an active canvass, or an effective
speech, than of any particular qualifications for
conducting negotiations with foreign countries.
Our expanding commerce, and the new rela-
tlOns arising with nations of which we have
hitherto known little, will, together with grave
and unsettled questions pending, render the
present the most important era in the history
of our foreign relations which has perhaps pre-
sented itself since their origin. We look hope
fully, therefore, to the statesmen selected with
so much deliberatiOn, and sincerely trust that
they may give good report of their ability,
vigilance, and patriotism, in the important
posts to which they have been called.