The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-12-02
The United States Abroad.
Nom Me Boslon Posi-.

The United States Abroad.
Epom the Boston Post
General Grant has been advised with all the
rest Of the advice he is receiving, to select the
representatives. Of the country in Europe
chiefly from the army, thereby to express and
advertise the power OF the Government. 1t is
not at all strange TO discover n good diplo-
matist under military coat but that is not
the object avowed, so much as it Is to cover
the diplomatic character with the military
To follow such rule from first choice is no
particular evidence of love for republioanism.
But yet, after an experience like what ours
has been for q number OF years, and what II
is even now, an infusion Of more strength
and a more decidedly national spirit into the
body Of our foreign representation would be
heartily welcomed, though 1t took an almost
distinct military form.
Mr.. Adams distinguished himself and hon
ored his country at 81. James; but what is
General Dix at ST. Cloud or Mr.. Hale at
Madrid or Cassius Clay at st. Petersburg or
a Fogg and a Judd in other courts Our
Foreign Ministers are generally selected and
confirmed by the Senate on the strength OF the
certificate of their partisan devotion. or the
names that have been most commonly men
toned thus far for missions abroad under the
new administration, few or none are associated
with any striking qualifications for the services
implied, while all are Unfortunately urged
on the ground OF value to the party now domi-
nant. The reasons are too contemplate to be
compared with the gift. II the influence of
our Government is to be distinctly felt abroad,
we must begin by sending abler and stronger
men to represent us. The United States ought
to assert its own place at foreign courts as in
all respects first class power; and to do that,
il must assert itself through its best repre-
sentatives. The old-time maXims OF dtplo-
macy are loosening their hold, and a modern
spirit is fast governing national intercourse.
II is not now the greater manipulating skill,
but the better reason, that decides disputes
aud settles differences. A representative is
therefore to be selected for his character and
ability and the weight that goes with these,
more than to help adjust any small party
balances.
There is a fine opening for the new Presi-
dent in this held. de must have the sagacity
TO see and the skill to improve it, At any
rate, he will scarcely do worse in most re-
spects than has been done. The Government
occupies double province, that Of shaping a
domestic and foreign policy, and the two
should be harmonized. II mere ofiice-hold-
ing at home and ofiice-holding abroad, is to
be the end and aim Of our politics, and the
higher thought and will of the nation are to
be compressed into the mean measures Of
their qualifications, then we shall every where
become the sport Of nations whose respect 1t
should be ours to command. Small men de-
base high places by having the control Of
them; and If they are not really, as they are
nominally, representative men, the country
is the sufferer for their shortcomings. If IL
is not so easy all at once to reform and ele-
vate the character of our leading holders Of
Office at home, there is no great difficulty in
putting the besom straight through the class
which we send abroad. To notorious incom-
potency we need not add demagoguism. lg
norance need not be reinforced with etfrontery.
Ill manners might be kept away from large
deposits of representative authority. Our
men at foreign courts would none the less
carry with them the dignity Of the republic,
if they unclothed themselves of their alternate
spread. .eaglism and suppleness.
Now is the time to turn new corner, and
take fresh start in the matter of our repre-
sentative character abroad. The power and
dignity of the nation should be steadily upheld
at every foreign court to which We accredit
public servant. II cannot be that ability aud
accomplishments are not to be found together,
that we may avail ourselves Of them in carry
ing on our foreign intercourse II We are the
great nation we are fond of believing and as
serting, are there no great men left to bear us
out in our creed Have we fallen unfortu-
nately upon greatness only to discover that
the breed Of our public men is degeneracy 7
There is general hope that the new President
will so act in answering such questions, as to
develop before the world grade OF diplomatic
agents that shall ftly represent the republic
that so far leads the political thought of the
world.