The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1886-07-30
OUR MINISTER TO ENGLAND.
Henry Paterson Thinks Him Genial
but inexperienced.
Letter to Louisville Courier Journal.l

Letter to Louisville Courier Journal.l
1t has long been question in my mind
whether the United States should not aban-
which we still adhere, and continue its re-
lations with monarchical governments to the
consular department, supplemented as occa-
sion requires by special ENJOYS. Take for
example, our English relations what is there
in them which may not be done as well as it
is done and more cheaply, or, indeed. better
than it is done, either at Washington or by
our consular service? The objection to resi-
dent ENJOYS from a republic like ours, near
royal court. like that of England, is the in
equality to which they are subjected, which
though it may not be wonnding to mean
spirited fellow, glad to hang on the outskirts
of patrician society, is an affront, and ought
to be an offence, to the national pride.
have seen several ministers near the court
of St. James, and with one or two excep-
tons, each of them was "a poor boy at a
frolic.''
Our minister in London, having no rank or
title, and very scanty pay, stands almost at
the foot of the diplomatic column, If he is
popular in society he must obtain his popu-
larity somewhat at the expense of his coun-
try. He must pander to the aristocraey,
and, instead of standing upon his simple Re
publican dignity. the position Of his nation
anu tut WclSub VI ClldIdCbGl, lO uluol, dAu
he does more or less, become tuft-hunter
and toady. A man with snch world wide
fame as Mr.. Lowell, backed by the highest
degree of learning an English university can
CONFER was censured, and justly censured, al
home for his English leanings; and yet even
Mr.. Lowell would have found it hard to get
on here if he had been less English and more
American. How could it be with men not sc
distinguished, or not distinguished at all
Our present minister will forgive me for say
nNd
springs from the fact that, being smart
New Englander with the ready adaptability
of the Yankee, he fell in with the prevailing
modes and forms, which, well enough in
themselves, lure one unconsciously away
from the duties for which alone an envoy is
sent abroad = the decorous, yet firm and
watchful guardianship of the interests of his
country and his countrymen. These are not
always-indeed, they are rarely Incompatible
with the demands of society and the preju-
case, the minister must be as great and as
strong man as Charles Francis Adams tt
rise to the OCCASION.
/ do not mean that the American minister
in London should wrap the American flag
about him and perform. 1 do not mean that
| he should stick his legs in pair of Irish jack
| boots and whoop up theiboys But do say
| that popularity in England for a minister Of
the United States means the subordinatior
of American to British ideas, and the adop
| ton by the minister of a complete British
outfit. Mr. Phelps showed that he had done
this, or was seeking to do it, when he tickled
| the Tories by the conceit that nobody il
| America but riff-raff OF demagogues,, seek
| ing the Irish vote, sympathized with Mr.
| Gladstone in his home rule fight, and then
| thinking to reinstate himself in the goot
graees of the riff-raff, our genial but inexpe
rienced representative hurries down to the
foot lights to preside at midnight supper
given in honor of variety clog dancer.
Into such Inconsistencies as these does I'M
assured position lead the best Of men, and, il
the very nature of the case, the position o.
sured. Meanwhile, the government from
which he is sent is the greatest on earth, ant
| the natural rival of England, requiring here
not popular man in society, but strong
| man in affairs