The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-05-29
DIPLOMACY.

At painfully frequent intervals reflective
citizens Of the United States have morti-
flying reminders that our diplomatic SER
vice. IS whole. is not in keeping with the
power, the wealth and the politica: impor-
tance Of our country Is one of the fore
most nations Of the earth. In the absence
Of any special training for this service. and
owing to the method of selecting diplo-
matte agents, our country is often made q
laughing stock among the nations owing to
the absurd antics Of individuals assigned
to such positions. This cannot be consid-
cred the fault Of one or another admins
trasion. but Is the fault OF defective sys-
tenn, or, more properly, the want of any
system.
There are those who hippantly sneer at
the need of diplomatic service. and
within the last year motion was seriously
made in congress for dispensing with the
whole or the greater part OF our represen-
tation abroad in this field. Those who as.
sumo this position can have no appreciation
of the horrors or disastrous effects of war.
or the extent to which . competent and
well-trained diplomatic service can and
does avert this terrible and disastrous
method of settling international disputes
and differences.
These reflections have been induced bv
the Geographic reports that have been cur.
rent in the press of this country during the
past week. as to the mission and conduct
of one Captain Zalinski." who, II is af-
firmed, was sent abroad by the government
on rowing commission" through the
countries of Europe, ITO keep his eyes wide
open" and see how they are prepared or
are preparing for war. The dispatches fail
to state when the Captain was thus rovingly
commissioned. but IS the uneasiness on the
subject matter OF bis alleged mission has
been OF bui short duration. and he il now
on his return trip, II is TO be inferred that
he has done" Europe in the hot haste
characteristic of many shoddyite tourists.
On reaching Southampton, on his return
trip. this rowing commissioner. entrusted
by the government with the procurement
OF information OF highly important nat
ure. threw himself into the arms Of anews-
paper interviewer. and confusing his 10 81
ton with that of hook agent or the adj
vance agent Of q circus or menagerie, gave
vent TO all he knew or could imagine.
He seems TO have enlarged his instructions
SO IS 10 make them require. not only ,ha,
he should keep his eyes, but his mouth also
wide open" Captain ZAiinski, though
not dislnclined 10 talk" az his interviewer
rsaiseip puts IL. naturally oosid not tmuch
as he seemed ineiinedl disclose cf.hand all
he has learned. and OF which the govern
ment desires private and accurate iaforma.
ton. about ordinances. nroiecsiles, long
range guns and other preparations for
gres; European war"
Comfortably. however. in advance OF
his repors - the government. this sstate
commissioner informs eli the world that a
great European war is bouad 10 come
within ave years at nest" Having ''vis-
tied EEgisni. France. Germany, Austria.
Russia and Italy. 10 say nothing OF smaller
nations like Norway. Sweden. Denmark.
Holland. Belgium and SPAIN he assumes
IL have learned and does not hesitate 10 re.
port. after q race OF few weeks through
k1NAA 1AsassEFNssSs fa<1kN aUNS% tss tatat2gy
equipments ard preparations Of the whole.
than tie war department, OF either govern
meat could ascertain aud episom.se for
their own information and use in a. rasny
racaths.
II this were -ars exhihsficn il might De
hardly worth recalling or crtsicisinr. But
Il Is not 10 unusual As TO have excited gen.
eral sarprise and disgust. Ii r.. 10 he sure.
a ssighs exasgsr2sscn Of what has become
quite common. But when soherly read xnd
sAoaShanily considered, iiesnaas be denied
thai such exhlafscnx nGss make cur coaa.