The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-04
IN THE CONSULAR SERVICE.
Recommendations for Securing q
Better Standard of Efficiency.

In view of the growth of our interests in foreign
countries and the encouraging prospects for gem
eral expansion of our commerce, the need for ex-
pansion of an improvement in the consular service
has increased in urgency Though there is no
doubt that the great consular officers are render
ing valuable services to the trade and industries of
the country, the needs of some plan OF allotment
and control which would tend to secure higher
average of efficiency cannot be denied.
I THE importance of the subject has led the axec-
utive to consider what steps might properly be
taken without additional legislation to answer the
need of a better system of consular appointments.
The matter having been committed to the consid-
Grafton of the Secretary of State, in pursuance of
his recommendation u.s. an executive der is
sued on the Goth of September, 1S9, ~ the terms
OF which it is provided that after that date any
cancy in a consulate or commercial agency with an
annual salary compensation from official fees of
not more than $500 or less than $1,000 should be
hlled either by transfer or promotion from some
other position under the Department of State of a
character tending TO qualify the incumbent for the
position to be filled or by the appointment of per-
son not under the Department of State but having
previously served hereunder and having shown
his capacity and fitness for consular duty. or by
the appointment of pers on who, having been Sc
lected by the President and sent 10 a board for
examination, is found. upon such examination, 10
be qualified for the position. Posts which pay less
than $1,000 being usually on account of their small
compensation filled by selection from residents of
the locality 1t was not deemed practicable TO put
them under the new system.
The compensation OF $500 was adopted as a
maximum limit in the Classification for the reason
that consular officers receiving more than that are
often charged with functions and duties scarcely
inferior In dignity and Importance to those OF dip
lomatic agents, dnd it was therefore thought best
to continue their selection in the discretion of the
executive without subjecting them to examination
before q board. Excluding seventy-one places with
compensation at present less than $1,000 and fifty
three above the maximum in compensation, the
number OF positions remaining within the scope of
the order is 1876.
This number will undoubtedly be increased by
the inclusion OF consular officers whose remunera-
ton In fees, now less than $1,000, Will be aug
mented with the growth of our foreign commerce
and q return to more favorable business condi-
tions In execution OF the executive order referred
10, the Secretary OF State has designated as board
TO conduct the prescribed examinations the Third
Assistant Secretary of state, the solicitor of the
Department OF State and the chief OF the Consular
Bureau, and has specified the subjects to which
such examinations shall relate. 1t is not assumed
that this system will prove full measure OF con-
suiar REFORM 1t Is quite probable that actual ex-
perience will show particulars in which the order
already issued may be amended and demonstrate
that for the best results appropriate legislation by
Congress Is imperatively required. In any event,
these efforts to improve the consular service ought
TO be supplemented by legislation providing for
consular inspection. This has frequently been a
subject of executive recommendation, and 1 again
urge such action by Congress as will permit the
frequent and thorough inspection Of consulates by
already IN the diplomatic or consular service.
The expense attending such q plan would be in
sighncant compared with It's usefulness. and
hope the legislation necessary to foot will
be speedily forthcoming.
am thoroughly convinced that in addition to
their salaries our ambassadors and Ministers at
foreign courts should be provided by the Govern
ment with official residences. The salaries of
these officers are comparatively small, and in most
insufficient to pay, with other necessary ey
penses. the cost of maintaining household estab-
iishments in keeping with their important and del
lcate functions. The usefulness of Nations din
lomatic representative undeniably depends much
upon the appropriateness of his surroundings and
a country like ours, while avoiding unnecessary
glitter and show should be certain that it does not
suffer in its relations with foreign nations through
parsimony and shabbiness in its diplomatic outfit.
These considerations and the other advantages OF
having fixed and somewhat permanent locations
for embassies would abundantly Justify the mod
geStiOn.