The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-06-30
AMERICAN DIPLOMACY.
Instructions to cur Representatives Abroad.

Department or STATE,

CIRCULAR
DEPARTMENT or STATE,
Washington, June /, 1853.
In addition 10 the Personal Instructions to
the Diplomatic Agents of the United States in
Foreign Countries, the following are hereaf-
ter to be observed:
In performing the ceremonies upon the oc-
cason of his reception, the Representative OF
the United States will conform, as far as it Is
consistent with just sense of his devotion to
republican institutions, to the customs of the
country wherein he is to reside, and with the
rules prescribed for representatives of his rank
but the Department would encourage, as far as
practicable, without impairing bis usefulness to
his country, his appearance at court in the
simple dress OF an American citizen. Should
there be cases where this cannot be done, ow-
ing to the character of the foreign Govern
ment, without detriment to the public interest,
the nearest approach to it compatible with the
due performance of his duties is earnestly rec
commended The simplicity of our usages and
the tone OF feeling among our people is much
more in accordance with the example of our
first and most distinguished representative at a
royal court than the practice which has since
prevailed. 1t is to be regretted that there was
ever any departure in this respect from the ex-
ample Of DR.. Franklin. History has recorded
and commended this example, so congenial to
the spirit of our political Institutions The De-
p rtment is DESTROYS of removing all obstacles
TO a return to the simple and unostentat
course which was deemed so proper and was
70 much approved in the earliest days of the
Republic. IL is our purpose to cultivate the
most amcable relations with all countries, and
this we believe can be efectually done without
requiring our diplomatic agents abroad to de-
part in this respect from what is suited to the
general sentiments Of our fellow-citizens at
home. All instructions in regard to what is
called diplomatic uniform or court-dress being
Withdrawn, each of our representatives in other
countries will be left to regulate this matter
according to his own sense of propriety, and
with due respect to the views of his Govern
ment as herein expressed
1t is desirable that the Minister or Charge
d Afaires should establish the legation in as
central position as may be convenient of the
metropolis, near the Government to which he
is sent. 1t will be his duty to see that it is
kept open every day, except Sundays and fete-
days, from nine o'clock in the forenoon until
three o'clock in the afternoon. The Secretary
attached to it, il there be one, must perform in
person all the services which properly deyolve
upon him, except in cases of sickness or leave
OF absence. In such cases it is enioined upon
the minister to appoint an American citizen to
him, if it can be done. There is an
obvious improperly in devolving upon a for
olgner the duties which belong to the Secreta-
ry. IL is necessary to be thus specific in these
nstructions for it has frequently occurred, of
latter years. that Secretaries OF Legation have
as this Department. informed employed clerks
whose allegiance was foreign, to copy dis
patches, and do other official duties which per-
,ained to themselves. This is so obviously
wrong, that the President is resolved to cause
t to be discontinued. The correspondence be-
tween the Government and the legations of
The United States must be guarded with the
utmost secrecy, even as relates to our own citi-
.ens To submit it to the examination of for
signer will be regarded as an ndiscretion in
The offender, demanding immediate deprivation
Of Office. The first duty of subject is consid-
cred to be fidelity to his sovereign Foreign
clerks may he. justly regardsd as rnaafe dapos-
itaries Of the secrets of our diplomacy in the
legation where they are employed. The posi-
bility that q revelation of one secret State pa
per may occur in this manner, is sufficient to
excite fears ON the subject, and require the
strictest observation.
Ministers of the United States and Charges
d. Ataires are requested to authenticate by
their own signatures, with the seal of the lega-
ton, the passports of American citizens, and
not permit secretaries to perform this duty
when they themselves are at their posts.
w l. MARCY