Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-12-20
ing unnecessary fee. or Of increasing Aem beyond the lie.

ing fees or Of Increasing hem beyond the le-
gal amount.
any absence for longer peroi ,had ten days "a vetv
ssuary Many consus have heretofore realized large
incomes from heir Offices, which they wouii caro !"
charge OF deputies sometimes unsuitable and improper
oucs whilst they frequently at home or enjoying
themselves watering place or other pleasant To-
ca,ity from their consulate.
Tho modification Of existing fees made by this bill re-
unequal and unjust commerce. aud Tor
the discretion exercised in instances In levyng
ces defines with precision their character and amount
| The continuing of foreign positions under the govern
citizens Of the United States another great i'm
provcmcn instead OF having, has been the case some
Of our important consulates filled by foreigners VINO
are the subjects the country they reside in and have
been in the United States. Every year there are
hundreds Of young Americans who so abroad 70 improve
themselves require foreign languages, who are we'll
qualified aud willing fill at small salaries the ess i'm
portant consuates which have hitherto been held by
Foreigners some them speaking our language
Their are other important provisions OF this bill which
strike great owls in the consular system but
which only be appreciated by those who have studied
aud have experience as regards tho working q" tue
system.
1t is hardly to be expected that hill embrace all
the needed reforms in diplomatic and consular sys-
tens or even IL did that such bill would 'me
of the defects of our have fortified them
selves aud the Influence OF thoss who reap the
benefit be very difficult Of removal and the attempt
will always meet with strong opposition Ii Is, however,
satisfactory to that whilst portion Oi the public
press criticises the details OF this BILL oil unite in
saying that its passage something similar to it will be
u
The salaries proposed by the bill decidedly below
what they ought be- bu, under the feeling existing on
this subject attempt place them upon the proper
level would probably endsuser its passages and even the
moderate Of compensation fixed oy the bill will
doubt considerable opposition TO it.
Whist the passage Of this bill will simplify our foreign
service be regarded the victory OF the udusir sl
and commercial interests Of the country the needy
grspng politician in the fac, that whilst aoo'shes
snccurcs in twelve rich consuates which
orally filled by old or brawng partisans whose duties
too frequently discharged by clerks it applies the
surplus ncome from those provide salaries and
adequate support for consuls at points where hitherto
commerce has suffered from tho Of suitable men to
represent its interest.
In addition the provision made in the bill regards
the books which the consul shall keep for the business
Of his Office authority should BE- vested in the State De-
psrtmen TO prescribe more in detail the mode in which
the duties Of the Office should be conducted and the
cords kept particularly regards strict accountability
as to the amount OF fees received.
will only further add, that in sludng to the abuses
existing aud practsed in both Diplomatic and Consular
corps special reference ia Intended to the present Pc
Rod than to THAI under previous Administrations
The es and abuses arise from defective system, and
some OF them aSe existed for half century aud have
oeen constantly increasing in uuUGer and aggravation