New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-03-16

V,o,In intim1tiOnS have been received DS tue
Democratic press respecting new REFORM POI
icy with which the Administration Is 10 DC
identified II relates to the consular service
Int 50 far rs it has been revealed 1t Is hether
clear n3r ineligible. The PRESIDENT Ihe
Washington corrcsp pendent OF 1.-The NcW-l ofk
Herald" explains. will be guided to very
great extent by political reasons in The selec-
lion of con.uls but in the large commercial
centres of the world he will station Americans
who have good business qualifications. This
will be DONE it is added. for the purpose ot
expanding trade with foreign countries ana
the rule will have special application 10 the
republics of Genital and south America I n
les thi, reform policy has a broader basis than
is disclosed in these ambiguous phases, 1t VIII
be superficial and insignificant.
The President has an excellent opportunity
for carrying ont his professions as reformer
by recognizing the consular service on Eu-
ropcan lines. It is a reform which Is greatly
needed II he eyincc the courage = under
take it we shall be very glad t. give him credit
for sincerity of purpose and enlightened jndg-
ment But we find nothing in the programme
As outlined in the Demccl attic press to indicate
rclicy. ii he merely intends to favor business
men in preference 10 politicians in awarding
arp, ntmcnts he will simply repeat the honest
attempts which other Presidents have made to
improve the efficiency Of the consular service.
Wfai is need ID in order 4 raise the standard
cf the American consular service is a system
of promotions If President Cleveland. instead
Of amounting General Collins - the lucrative
office If Consul-Gcnclal AT London had trans
fcrlcd 10 that pJ>t a veteran who had served
tho Government faithfully and honorably
.br nd under successive Administrations. he
would have made a new departure OF real SIG
nif,ancc That is the policy adopted by every
maritime country in Europe. Whoever enters
the consular .cryic, of England, France or Ger
many knows that his tenure Of ctiice Will be
secure 30 long as he is efficient in rhc discharge
Of his duties and his conduct is irrcproachablc
and. moreover that he will be promoted from
one post and rank 10 another The service Is
one which appeals - his ambition. lie begins
at the bottom. gradually works his way up, and
in Old age has a pension if he needs one. The
American consular service j. conducted almost
wholly upon the basis Of rary patronage. APP
poin'mcntS are Political the tenure If office Is
unc itain transfers and promotions are exec d.
ingly rare and the morale Of the service il not
20 high a> il ought - be. While few con-
suls have been allowed TO remain in the same
posts for long periods, the great majority serve
for short term. and have no prospect of pro-
motion and no incentive II honorable ambition.
Let Ms rcrcat that we shall be very glad 10
recognize and weicc me any indications of I
rcsoluc purpose on the part of the President
10 raise the level and 10 increase the efficiency
Ct the consular service such n policy would
be most useful in promoting an expansion OF
foreign trade and in improving the reputation
OF the American Government abroad. Much
more is needed. however than mere subSt-
tuition Of business men for politicians The
clerical work OF consuship is mechanical and
simple. and no great degree Of mercantile train
ing and intcligcnc, is required for the service.
" hat is Of real importance is the separation of
the service 80 far rs is practicable from poll
tics Those who have entered il ought 10 be
encouraged TO remain in it MT only by having
their tenure undisturbcd, but also by systematic
| transfers and promotions.