New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-06-10
DIPLOMACY.


that we abhor-has uttered in the following many
things that we heartily approve. The real dihculty
in the premises is that while Russia selects men for
Dipomatsts because they are supposed to know some
thing of and to be comparatively lit tor the business
we generally select because they have done
good deal of work for the party or been long while
boring it for Office and 'mnst have Something Thus
crazy drunkards monarchsts filthy debauchees ,dunder
heads who can possibly know anything and invet
crate drones who dabbe in politics eny because theyare
too lazy to do anything compose the majority OF our
representatives at foreign Courts-not specially at
this time but at all times. All the native criminals
in the country, if driven in body to Europe, could
not dscredit us nor Republicansm so much there as
our Diplomatists have already done.
The first step toward radical remedy is the adop-
ton and in6exibe enforcement by our Presidents of
rule that no ,eho gets up signatures TO recon-
endation, in any manner bores for an appointment,
shall hare That would take the bull by the horns
at once Without it, we fear nothing can be done.
But hear The Enquirer:
The DIPLOMATIC SERvIcE.-I is doubtful if the Dipo-
matte service of any Government IL badly organized
ard Inefficient that of the United States In other
countries Dip omacy is distinct profession and for the
capable c lfge of its duties and for promotion to its
higher grtl, thorough instruction and long experience
position in the service without the requisite qualification,
and every step in advance is determined by the rigorous
test of merit As the ancient rhetocans held every ac-
compshment and universal knowledge essential to the
character and proper culture of orator do the Gov
of Europe demand of the dplomass the widest
range of information and the highest possible perfection in
all cOurty attalnments thorough acquaintance with
the principles of public law and the usages of courts skill
in the of language general capacity aud intelligence,
and particular knowledge OF the character and resources
of the Government at which he may reside absolutely
ndisI ensable qualifications of the Diplomat. 1t is in
strucye TO observe b. what slow graduation by what la
borious attention TO details by what able discharge of
important duties and by what length of service the
more eminent Domatsts OF Europe have achieved posi-
ton and renown.
In this country there profession of Diplomacy, and
young gentlemen never study with reference to employ
men in the foreign service of the government. And why
should they Government never itself about the
qualifications Of lis diplomatic agents. They selected
solely with view the Cancellation of political influence,
and their promotion simply the reward of activity in the
interests of party The result Of this vicious system
that the Diplomatic service overrun with ignorant dema
gogues ana the noisy politicians of the committee room
The needy advenurer and the brokendown hack without
credit or employment at home finds in the foreign service
Of the Government indemnity for loss of responsibility,
and compensation for his industry in determining the for
tunes OF local election man who is unfit for the du-
ties of the most Insignificant consulate is sent to represent
the interests Of the Government the most important
Court and to disgrace his country by the ignorance OF the
boor and manners of the backwoodsman When by chance
competent person gets diplomatic appointment, 1t is
attributable to the anomalous working Of vicious system,
and is not the legitimate result Of premeditaed purpose
but Of fortunate accident.
When the courtly graces Of the welbred gentleman
TO be the gift of nature and not the result of eduea
ton and refined association il may be safe principle of
promotion 10 select the diplomatic agents Of the Govern
ment from the stump and the grog-shop. When rabble
Of militia comes to contend successfully with discp
lined and veteran troops possibly the rude and Ignorant
representatives, of the United States may prove match
for the aaccomplshed agents Of European diplomacy
While present abuses exist must expect the repetition
Of bunders which have already brought upon American
diplomacy the reproaeh Of the civilized world and until
all the distinctions of learning and discipline are done
away, must submit to the sacrifice of the interests of
the country.
Mr.. Perkins, intelligent and promising member from
Louisiana, whom thorough education and extensive
travel have made competent to the task is about bring
forward measure for the reform of the diplomatic service
Nothing but radical and entire reorganization will avail
correct the abuses depore Mr.. Perkins may propose
such measure, but Congress will adopt it. Perhaps
then, would be better to limit present exeron 10 the
dress of abuses which il not difficult remedy. The
compensation OF our diplomatic agents is determined by
no rule and bears sort Of relation the importance
the service In ii s exhorbitant in others
shameuly inadequate Our Ministers at the first courts
OF Europe are starving; Consuls at Honolulu and
Liverpool are amassing immers wealth This absurd in
equality should be corrected; the proportion between the
dignity Of the service and the of compensation
should be adjusted in accordance with the rules of COM
mon sense After this done, Congress may proceed 10
correct other less fragrant abuses.