The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-12-03

| 1t is now some months since the Washington
Union published d. aft Of Mr.. Perkins pro-
posed bill for the reform Of our diplomatic and
consular systems. We made some remarks in
reference to it at the time, proposing to take
up the subject again when the re-asscmbling of
Congress would held out the hope Of steps
being taken to carry out the objects Of its
trainers; for as regards the details of the mea-
sure itself, we are far from approving of them
generally. We only revert to them now for
the purpose Of basipg on them the views which,
at the present moment, we deem it necessary to
impress upon the attention of our delegates in
reference to one of these important branches of
the public service.
Addressing ourselves, first, to the proposed
measure, we must say that we cannot under
stand why The diplomatic and consular sys-
| TENS should be logged together into the same
| bill. There is but little affinity between the
two subjects; but as few members of Congress
know the distinction, it does not become us to
be too nice. True, both branches of our
foreign service hare long called aloud for re
form. But that reform is not needed in an
equal degree, for whilst the Consular system is
an outrage, disgrace, and subject Of ma
tional rcproach, the diplomatic system is sim
ply ridiculous and contemplate.
The first sec ion Of the bill establishes uni
form title for oil our Ministers abroad to which
we have no objection. 1t also regulates the
tariff of compen. alton, which is also pretty fair
although we do not see on what principle
Sl2 600 per annum is to be allowed the Minis
49, ~ H. -
vienna and Berlin,) with which countries
too, our relations are by no means important
and the posts almost sinecures, whilst the
Minister to one of the most expensive capitals
in the world (Mexico)--and we would say the
same of all American Legations, because they
| are American, with which oar relations are
always most critical aud delicate, and the lie
| cation consequently one Of the most laborious
should be allowed only $4,000 per annum.
The second section is devoted to Secretaries
Of Legation, and is very shabby section in
deed. 1t begins with the Secretary TO the Lee
cation at London, (S2 500,) and ends with the
one at Mexico (sI500) Now the relative
qualifications required Of those officers are
about as follows: The Secretary at Londen
should know how 10 eat good dinner; he
should be able to say a good thing, and to
knock off his wine gracefully; and by all means
to write and speak the English language cor
! rectly. The individual at Mexico must possess
all those accomplishments and in addition
must understand the Spanish language well,
speaking and writing it with facility; he must
be lawyer, Especial pleader and Attorney
and particularly fond of hard work. We ask,
is such a man properly compensated with
$500 per annum? The salaries to Secretaries
| Of Legation are all too small, particularly un-
der system that offers no hope of promotion,
and holds out no inducements 10 temporary
sacrifices. Most foreign governments appoint
several taries and attaches to its legations
some of whom. it is true, are unpaid, but they
are all in the line of certain promotion; whilst
ours are almost morally sure of never being
even appointed to similar position again, even
if they should wish it, which, after their sad
experience, they seldom do.
| The fourth section relates to lightweight
! Consuls, who are not to be permitted to trans
act business, and whose salaries are to range
from 81 500 per apnum down to $3.50 per an
nun, one Of hose at tie former rate Il ,ndon)
having besides $500 as extra salary, Office
rent, &c, or in all Sl2,30Ol We cannot com
prehend the wisdom or ustice of uch au enor-
nous disparity. We know that some places
are cheaper as res derces than other and that
some Consuls require two or three clerks; still,
We cannot but exclain, Look upon this pic
ture (Sl2, 3e0,) and then on thatv ($750)
The fifth section relates to seventy three
Consuls and Commercial Agents, who are to Q
permitted to transact business, and who arc to
receive salaries of from $1,000 per annum
down to $500
The seventh section provides "that no minis
ter, consul, &C., Is TO receive cent Of his
salaIy until he shall have reached his post, and
entered upon his official duties" We confess
the "outft' plan Of enabling q minister to
reach his post and establish himself decently
has been very much abused; but that plan has
its advantages, and Is the practice, we believe,
of nearly all other governments. A much
better remedy than the one proposed might
very easily have been devised. This of Mr..
Perkins is both unjust and unequal. A minis
ter or consul appointed 10 European post slips
over in few days time, and OF comparatively
trifing cost, and begins to enjoy his salary at
once; whilst the poor devil who goes to China
loses months of time and incurs an enormous ex-
pense. Sometimes, too, new consuls are Q long
while at their posts before receiving the err
equatu ofthe sovereign of the country 70 which
they are sent-and without which they cannot
enter upon their "oficia' duties" in the strictly
legal sense.
The seventh section provides that the sala
ries of ministers, consuls, &c, shall cease on
the day that their successor shall enter upon the
duties of his Office" This is very well, though
we nevertheless think charity fund ought to
he provided for the s,orss Of unhappy odsc!als