St. Paul daily globe., 1892-06-30

The nomination of Gen. Foster meets
with general favor in Republican cir-
cles, and is accepted as a proper com
pliment to a deserving officer. Mr.. Fos-
ter is particularly well equipped for the
Office through his diplomatic knowledge
and ability and his thorough familiarity
with the business of the department.
He was rendered the Office few days
ago, aEd'hesitated to accept it because
of the financial sacrifice that was en-
tailed.
The action OF the senate in confirming
the nomination of Mr.. Foster almost i'm
mediately upon its reception, and with
out reference to the foreign relations
committee. is almost without precedent,
as heretofore it has been customary to
reserve this honor for senators in active
service who are nominated for Office.
A Brilliant Career.
Hon. John w. Foster, the new secre
tary of state, has had a diplomatic
career probably unequaled in Amerl-
can history. Born in Indiana fifty-tive
years ago, he was educated in the pub
lie schools and graduated from the
state university. He was admitted to
the bar, and in connection with his
practice of the law engaged in news
paper work. being connected with the
Evansville Tribune. He served in the
War of the Rebellion, and after its close
took prominent part in the politics of
the state.
In 1872 he served as chairman Of the
Republican state central committee, and
in the next year he was appointed by
President Grant minister to Mexico. He
afterward served successively as minis
ter to Russia and Spain, acquitting him
self with great credit, and making for
his country higher regard than it had
previously enjoyed at these courts.
While Mr.. Cleveland was in the presi-
Dental Office he complimented Mr.. Fos-
ter by sending him as special envoy to
| Spain to negotiate commercial treaty,
| in which he was successful, but the
treaty failed Of ratification by the
senate.
When the Mckinley bill made its
| incumbent upon the department to con-
Summate the reciprocal trade arrange
meDts provided for by section 3 of that
act, Mr.. Foster was placed in charge of
| the negotiations. His selection was
vindicated by the facility and success
with which these arrangements were
perfected. Recently he has had charge
of the Behring sea negotiations. and was
agent of the United States to prepare
the case for presentation to the arbi-
traitors.
Since his retirement from the regular
| diplomaticService of the government,
MIR. Foster has acted as councillor for
the Chinese. Spanish and Mexican lega-
tions in Washington, and his acceptance
of the office resigned by Blaine, it is un
derStoOd, involved a considerable per-
sonal financial sacrifice.
Very Rapid Work.
1t took two hours and thirty-fve min
utes only to transform Gen. Foster into
! secretary of state for the United States.
At l: 40 p. m. the president sent to the
senate the nomination. at 2:30 p. III. the
senate confirmed the nomination. at 2:35
his commission was sent to the pres
| ident and he signed it. at 2:45 it was
countersigned by Mr.. Wharton, as act
ing secretary, and at 4:15 Mr.. Foster
| took the oath of Office of secretary of
| state before Llewellyn Brown, chief
clerk and notary public of the state de-
partment. 1t was the quickest work
ever known at the state department.