Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-06-20
THE CONSULAR SERVICE.

Reasons Which Make a Consulship a Very
Tempting Prize.
No offices under our Government are
more eagerly sought for, when a new
President comes in, than cOnsulships.
At present the rush for consulships is
said to be greater than ever before,
the applications exceeding many fold
the number of the consulships them
selves.
A consulship, indeed, is, on many
accounts, very tempting prize; espe-
cially one situated in one of the more
attractive cities or towns in Great
Britain or on the continent. 1t enables
the occupant to live in the midst of
historic scenes and the centers of art
and pleasure, and to make tours to
many points of interest. The work of
consul is not often very difficult, and
he has large powers in fulfilling his
duties.
A consul, moreover. enjoys social
distinction and privileges in the city
or town where he is stationed. He is
invited to occupy reserved place at all
public celebrations. and is freely adj
mitted into official circles.
On the other hand. a consul really
has large responsibilities in perform
ing his duties, which make it very i'm
portant that he should be carefully
selected, with view to their efficient
discharge.
Consulships are mainly of two kinds
inland and seaport consulships; and
the duties attached to these two posi-
tions differ somewhat. 1t is the main
task of an inland consul to certify to
the correctness of the invoices of the
merchandise which is sent from his
consular district to the United States;
while the consul at a seaport finds
that besides certifying invoices, he
has to perform certain duties relative
to the American ships which arrive at
and depart from his port.
There has been much just complaint
that goods coming from Europe to the
United States are sometimes under
valued; that is. that the invoices con-
tain statements that the goods are
sold to the importer at prices smaller
than they really are thus sold; and
this, for the double purpose of reducing
the duty on the goods. and of enabling
the purchaser to undersell his compel
itors.
This evil may be greatly lessened.
at least. by competent inland consuls.
II they have capacity and efficiency,
they will learn to judge very nearly
the actual market value of the goods
exported from their districts; and by
requiring. in each case, samples OF the
goods. they will be able to decide
whether the invoices presented to
them for certificate are true or fraud
ulent.
In short, every consul at an inland
post-like Manchester or Leeds in En-
gland. Lyons in France. Berlin in Ger
many-should become an expert in the
merchandise sent to this country from
his point.
This is said in order that the impor-
lance of carefully selecting persons of
capacity to hold the consulships may
be seen. A consul should be familiar
with the language of the country
where he is to reside; and if anywhere
on the European continent, he should
also have a knowledge of French. He
should be well-grounded in commercial
and international law; and in manners
he should be a gentleman. Personal
qualities go great way in Europe in
fulfilling such duties as consul is
called upon to perform, and in winning
respect for the country which the con-
sui represents.-Youth's Companion.