The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-12-30
American Diplomacy In Europe.

American Diplomacy In Europe.
OF all the institutions of modern socie ty, we
venture to say that our diplomacy in Europe
is at once the most complete caricature aud
the most Notifying exhibition Of imbecility,
arrogance and ignorance combined. 1t is GER
tainly sufficiently original, and what is more
in this age of civilization, it promises never
even to have rival. It is not, therefore, a
counterfeit, but q real genuine diplomatic
corps-persons holding offices under the con-
joint concern of Pierce, Marcy and Forney,
actually entrusted with the collection of their
pay, with the care of their reputation "a mea-
gre duty-and, heaven save the mark, the no.
nor of the American name.
There is perhaps, no nation on the globe so
little interested in maintaining an elaborate
diplomatic system as the United States; but
while this is go, there is no nation so deeply
interested as the American people in main
tanning, as their agents abroad, men Of the
highest character for intelligence and moral
weight. Our political ideas are wholly diff
ferent from those Of every other nation. We
are the object, to some extent, of distrust and
aversion, and to great extent of misrepre-
sentation and abuse. We are charged with ra-
pacity and most sloven disregard of the
rights Of weaker States. 1t is not material to
inquire into the motives of those who thus
speak of us; it is enough to reflect that our
political system itself is a ceaseless assault
upon those of the chief nations of the world
In such condition of things by the usages of
civilized States we are required to receive
ambassadors, ministers and consuls of friendly
nations, and to despatch our own to their res
pective courts. These International agencies
are regarded as convenient means Of keeping
the peace; and their incumbents are always re-
ceiyed as fit representatives Of the peculiar
IDEAS, habits and requirements Of the people
by whom they are despatched. Such unques-
tionably is the theory of the office and the con-
illusions incident to it's establishment
We now come down to our diplomatic corps
in England and on the continent of Europe.
Excluding Mr.. Buchanan and Mr.. Mason, who
faithfully attend to the business entrusted
to them, and honorably represent the American
character and name abroad, there is not sign
of diplomatic representation of our country in
Europe. The United States legations of Ber-
lin, Vienna, and Turin might as we'll be vacat-
ed. Belmont is often in Paris attending to
the operations Of the Bourse; Lewis Cass, Jr
Charge at Rome, spends most of the time in
the midst of the gaieties of the French CAPT
tai; Mr.. Augustus Caesar Dodge, Envoy to
Spain, whatever may be said Of the integri-
ty of his purposes, is sadly out of place at
Madrid. Mr. Dodge may be very good man,
purposes to serve his countrymen to the best
possible advantage, but conceding oil this, it
must after all be admitted that he was sent to
Spain to fill an Office far more than to dis
charge the duties of delicate and important
mission.
For instance, our relations with Spain, in
volving possible complications with some OF
the leading States of Europe, are among the
most responsible and important of all our I'M
settled affairs abroad. Whether we consider
the magnitude Of the interests involved, the
peculiar character of the Spanish people, and
their greater or less Identification with both
France and England, it becomes obvious at
once that to Madrid we should have despatch
ed an envoy Of the highest qualifications and
experience for the service. General Pierce
thought otherwise and to meet the case sent
Mr.. Dodge-Mr. Dodge of Iowa-Mr. Dodge, o
very honest Senator, with no possible qualifca.
tiona, experience, or diplomatic knowledge was
selected. Mr.. Belmont, Mr.. Dodge, Mr.. OSulli-
van, Mr.. Daniel, Mr.. vroom, Mr.. Spence, Mr.
Bedinger, Mr.. Owen--enough to produce politi-
cal paralysis are the representatives OF
the United States at the different European
courts. There is such thing as ignorance con
cealing ITSELF but that characteristic constitutes
no part of the life Of our diplomats in Europe
They are as well known for stupidity, self
ishncss and presumption as for their igno-
rance. They were sent abroad to satisfy
their political claims at home--to represent
o party, and not country. They consti-
tute fair body Of men, estimating them
by the motives under which they were ap.
pointed, and the actual services II was ex.
pected they would perform. Their cores
pondence with the Department OF State, II pub
lished, would, we doubt not, furnish the most
funny exhibition Of one of our weak points.
Our ministers and consuls, in nine cases out of
ten, are not only ignorant Of the services re-
quired Of them, but also Of the commoncst
civilities Of life. They 60 abroad, gaining
access by virtue of their rank TO society. only
TO discover their own total unftness to dis
charge the simplest duties devolving upon
them, and to Disgrace their country by their
illconcealed ignorance Of oil conventional