The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-26
TROUBLE IN CAMP.
The Diplomatists viii Not Attend the
inaugural Celebration-The Why.

Inaugural CeleDration-rne why.
New York, April ga man who is
abundantly qualified by his connections
with the Centennial Celebration Com
mittee to speak advisedly told Tribune
reporter yesterday that the trouble with
the diplomatic corps over invitations
TO the ball, instead OF having
been settled satisfactorily, as was
stated in recent document issued
for publication by the Entertainment Com
mittee had become so serious that the
principal members OF the corps had finally
and positively refused to come. "Not a
member OF the diplomatic corps" said he,
twill be in attendance at the ball with the
possible exception Of the Brazilian Minis
ter, Baron dc Itajuba, or in his
absence Senior jose Augosto Ferreira
Da Costa, Secretary OF the Lega-
ton" The trouble with the diplo-
mats originated in the omission by the
Entertainment Committee TO inclose TO the
foreign ministers invitations TO the balls
for the ladies OF their families as well as
for themselves. The ministers manifested
their displeasure at this slight by declining
their invitations TO both the ball and BAN
quet. When the notices Of declination were
received by the Entertainment Committee,
Mr.. Stuyvesant Fish, its chair
man, hurried over to Washington
10 adjust the difficulty. When he re-
turned he reported that his mission had
been successful. that the diplomatic corps
would come, and the committee at once
issued for publication report TO that
affect. This report also stated that one
large box had been reserved for the use OF
the diplomatic corps at the ball.
The fact OF the matter Is, continued
the Tribune reporters informant, that
the entertainment committee has made
an extremely awkward blunder in its inter-
course with the diplomatic corps. For
eign Ministers have always been treated
with great consideration in affairs like this
in this country, aud they have right
TO expect It. Indeed, it is so in
all countries. They are the repre-
sentatives OF their respective Govern
ments, and the honor and dignity OF
their rulers are for the time being vested
in them. To slight their families was to
offend them deeply. Mr.. Fish Numbered
again when he went TO Washington to re-
pair the trouble. Doubtless he intended
TO do the right thing when he urged the
ministers 10 throw of their official charac-
tiers and come TO the hall as individ-
uals and have real good time
but II must have sounded queerly
10 say the least, to the dignifed reprcsen-
ta,ives OF European Courts. OF course Il
foreign Minister cannot throw oil his Off.
cial character at will, and il is a part OF the
man from the moment he enters the
country until lac leaves IL. Then the dip.
lomats became angry again when they
found that only only one box had been
reserved for themselves and their families,
after they had consented TO come 10
the ball upon invitations being extended
TO their ladies. They might have over
looked even this, but they learned that
they were 10 have obscure positions at the
banquet, and they finally decided not TO
attend either the ball or banquet. This
action was not taken because they
were sighted as individuals, but be-
cause proper respect was not paid
10 their official station. They were
crowded away from their proper places
near the President in order that the COM
mitioemen themselves might have the
positions Of honor | know that the
diplomats forwarded 10 their Govern
menls statement Of the exact condition
Of affairs. and ell, excepting the Brazilian
Minister, had the option Of declining 10
take part In the celebration. ! know
positively that they are not coming, aud II
he attends the Brazilian Minister will &C.
cupy the diplomatic box alone"