New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-06-30

Nr. Foster has been for some years past practising
law in Washington. His chief work Is In the domain
Of international law. IN which b. Is conceded 70 Do an
expert lie has been three times appointed Envoy
Extraordinary aud Minister Pcnpotcntinrv for the
United states IN foreign countries. being once az
credited to Mexico. again to Russia and a third time
10 Spain Mr.. Foster born In Pike County, Indi-
ana on Marrh =. 1890 He was educated In the
public schools of the state and afcrwn went through
the state University Of Indiana, where be was gv1du
ated In 1855. Then Mr. Foster studied law at Harvard
University aud returning home began the practice Of
his profession at Evansville. lie had already made his
mark among the young lawyers Of Indiana when the
Civil War broke ont. lie at once volunteered for Ser
vice and appointed major Of the .3th Indiana In
hntry Volunteers. After seeing some hard lighting he
rose 10 the rank of colonel.
In General Burnsldc's expedition TO East Tennessee
Colonel Foster headed brigade Of cavalry. and was
the first to occupy Knoxville In 1863. At the end
Of the he was bncdicr.gcneral by brcvct.
His chief services during the were with the West
crn armies Of Grant and Sherman
After General Foster settled down TO civil lfc
again he edited 1.-THE Evansville Daily journal
In IsCU he made postmaster Of that city. Ills
first prominent political Office the chalrmanshIp Of
the Republican STATE Committee OF Indiana IN 1872.
In I-13 he appointed by President Grant
10 be Minister 10 Mexico. At the expiration Of
Grants term Of President Hayes reappoined him.
He went TO Russia as Minister In 1850, and held
that once unnl litc IN the year 1851, WDcn ne
resigned and came homc owing TO the pressure Of
urgent private business
In 1883 he appointed Minister for the third
time on this OCCASION being sent 10 Spain This
nomination was made by President Arthur since
his return from Spain Mr.. Foster has resumed his
practice In Washington. Upon his return from Spain
in 1883 General Foster resumed the pmctcc Of his
profession. In November. 1890. he engaged
a special agent Of the state Department to assist the
President and Secretary Blaine In the negotiation OF
reciprocity treaties. lie applied himself assduously
TO this work and was particularly sue
cessful Treaties with France, Germany, Austria
and Spain aud with all the south American
countries, excepting Venezuela and Colombia.
concluded with his a.d General Foster also rendered
efficient aid the President in the Chlan affair." and
In the conduct Of the negotiations IN the Behrng sea
controversy. few weeks ago lie was named as the
agent to prepare and conduct the case Of the United
States before the Arbitration Tribunal. Al time
Il was thought that the difficulty OF securing anj one
to take his place might prevent his appointment
Secretary OF STATE. This question was fully consd
cred, however, when the President Invited him TO
take charge Of the state Department few days ago.
and Il then concluded, In view OF the short time
remaining under the treaty within which the
must be presented To the arbitratOrs, September Z,
that Mr.. Foster should continue 10 act In that ca
paclty, IN addition 10 performing the regular duties
Icrtining to the state Department.
General Foster also assisted secretary Blaine In his
nccctIatons with the Canadian Commis ssOner> the
subject Of trade relations between the Dominion and
the United states.