National Republican., 1886-11-27
Diplomatic and Consular Estimates.


In preparing the diplomatic and consular
estimates for the fiscal year 1888, the secre-
tary OF State has submitted to Congress
some very important suggestions. Belgium
and the Argentine Republic both maintain
missions plenipotentiary at Washington,
and the proposition of the Secretary TO
raise the grades Of our representa-
tives TO those countries TO ENJOYS extraor-
dinary and ministers plenipotentlary is
simply in conformity to right, justice, aud
necessity, and II is a step in the proper
direction which ought to have been taken
years ago.
The reasons given by the Secretary In
asking for an appropriation for secretaries
Of legation in the Argentine Republic
Belgium, Corea, The Netherlands, Rou-
mania, servia and Greece, Sweden and
Norway, Switzerland, and Venezuela are
clear and convincing, and the testimony OF
every minister, and Of every one else &C.
qualnted with the needs and requirements
OF the foreign service, will heartily indorse
the advanced position taken by the De
partment Of State in this important matter.
In making the estimates for four secretaries
Of legation at large, the Secretary very
justly says "that by detailing two OF
these secretaries at large in Europe, one In
South America, and one in the east they
would be within reach in case Of emergency
to replace a sick or absent secretary Of
legation or head OF mission, as the case
might be.h An ordinary clerk does not
| possess ex ofIclo the authority to conduct
the public business Of the legation, but the
secretary is recognized diplomatic agent,
and stands always ready to take charge Of
mission in an emergency. Hence there
could be no interruption to the continuity
OF the representation II the proposition is
adopted, which is matter OF absolute ne.
cessity in the proper conduct OF our for.
| eign affairs.
But what we deem by far the most i'm
portant thing represented in the estimates
is the apparent and wise determination OF
the Secretary to place the lower grade
OF conBulates on a salarled basis, and
by so doing divorce these positions from the
right Of transacting business. Every busi-
ness man in the United States will recognize
the wisdom and justice Of the Secretary's
suggestions in this matter when we state
that number Of the consular officers OF the
United States occupying inferior positions
are foreigners, and many Of them are ex-
porting various foreign wares to the United
States. By comforting these positions upon
such persons the government virtually
places them In an official station where
they have control over the invoices OF other
manufacturers and shippers who send the
same class Of goods to the United States.
This is certainlya gross injustice to business
intelligence ard fairness, and the praise
worthy effort OF Mr.. Bayard to re-
move this evil should meet with
the earnest cooperation OF Congress. 1t
will certainly receive high commendatiou
from commercial interests everywhere. The
request for $4,000 for the salaries and
travelling expenses Of two inspectors OF
cOnsulGtes is matter of importance, and II
the men who are to receive these positions
should be Of fearless courage, experience,
and ability, they will accomplish work OF
great value to the service.
The apparent increase in the cost Of the
service in these estimates is about $3.50, 900,
but it is not real. The extra fees which
would be turned into the treasury of the
United States would considerable exceed
this amount, so that the Secretary's plan
would, in reality, be saving to the coun.
try in the future.
Thus the estimates for the fiscal yeai
1883 bear ample evidence that the Depart
ment OF State is earnest in its desire tc
strengthen our foreign service in sensible
and practical way, and If the committee on
foreign affairs and Congress as whole
should be actuated by the same commend.
able spirit the propositions Of Secretary
Bayard will be accepted, and a genuine
and positive advance will he made In the
civil service of the country.