Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-08-23

country. by condemning and paying for the
property. Nay. more. its authority cannot
cross their boundaries without permission. To
attempt 10 enter legation and arrest a minis
ter, any member OF his family, one Of his
suite, a servant or guest within his gates
would be q casus belli with the nation so out
ragged unless ample amends for the trausgres-
sion we're made. Not only are the land and
house occupied sacred, but the furniture and
ali things appertainlng to the dwelling. Nothing
in it eau be seized for debt or to satisfy any
legal process.
Not long ago a minister from South Ameri-
can republic bought $1,000 worth Of dude
clothes in New York city and had them sent on
here by Adams express COD. The goods
were delivered at the legation, but the money
could not be obtained. Once in possession of
the clothing. the diplomat simply refused pay
ment. and, Inasmuch as IL was impossible to
bring any legal process. the company, which
was responsible for the amount was out of
pocket that much. III 1t had brought an action
to recover according to law every person who
took part in bringing and prosecuting the ac-
ton, including the solicitor employed and the
officer who attempted to carry it into effect,
would have been deemed a ''violator Of the
laws Of nations and disturber OF the public
repose," subject to sent ence of imprisonment
fOT not more than three years and fines at the
discretion of the court So much for trying to
corner a diplomatic dead beat Many of the
young attaches OF the legations here have made
use of their immunity in this regard to run
heavily in debt The United States govern
ment never lnterferes III such matters. con-
sidering them beneath the dignity OF its
notice: its notion is that tradesmen, knowing
the privileges of these people from abroad
should look out for their own protection.
PERSONS WHO ARE SACRED.
But the immunity Of the diplomat from legal
process does not merely attach to him and his
property within the bounds of his legation. He
Is not subject to arrest anywhere or under any
circumstances in this country. The law says he
il entitled TO entire exemption from local
jurisdiction, either civil or criminal. Wherever
he goes the minister represents the rights and
dignity Of the sovereign OF state by which he is
delegated; his person is sacred and inviolable."
And this inviolability extends to his suite,
family and servants, none of whom is subject
any account. even for murder. During
the last administration there was
retary OF foreign legation here
who used to take fragrant advantage of his i'm
munlty IN this regard. 1t was his custom to
go down town every night visit the variety
theaters or gambling houses. get fighting
drunk and raise Hail Columbia generally.
When 1t was proposed to arrest him. he would
fall back upon the sacredness of his person
and defy the miniols of the law The latter,
however, finally adopted the plan Of pretend
ing that they did not know who he was and
locking him up for the night, liberating him
in the morning with profuse apologies OF
course.
The sacredness attaching to foreign sover-
eighty or Its representative was once appealed
to with singular want OF success by a certain
young prince visiting here, who enjoyed no
such immunity by law. however. because he
was in no way accredited to this country.
BE insulted lady at a party in Washington
while under the influence OF trIie too much
wine. and friend of hers catching him after
ward on the pavement outside. addressed him
with hostile intent
What exclaimed the prince, aghast;
''would you STRIKE a son OF r-royalty?'
No" said the other but would strike a
id drunken sop of q gun"