The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-12-28
THE SECRETARY OF STATE
From the Philadelphia Press.

From the Philadelphia Press.
The progress of events has brought the
United States TO place where its for
eign affairs are of the first Importance.
This nation has become one of the great
powers of the world, not merely in its
intrinsic strength, nut in its relation 70
other powers and to the development of
civilization. There have been special
periods of our history like the civil war
when the delicacy and danger of our situ-
alton required a great secretary, like Sew
ard. There has always been in the con-
duct of our affairs the opportunity for Il
fertile AMI masterful statesman, like
Webster or Marcy or Blaine, to make 4
strong impression. But during much Of
our history, with our traditional policy Of
non-interference and with the obligations
and opportunities of our mission not fully
realized, it has been safe to so along with
second-rate commonplace secretary,
like Clayton or Frelinghuysen.
This, however, is no longer true. The
world is moving forward in its inter-
course. Nations are becoming more close
ly associated and mutually dependent.
The modern forces are bringing them
into more intimate communion and deal
ing. The extension of trade, the devel-
opment of commerce, the rivalry of mar
kets, the growth of navies. the need of
naval stations and of outlying protective
bulwarks-thcse and many other inlia-
ences are compelling all the great pow
ers to be more watchful and alert. While
we adhere as far as practicable to our
traditional policy, we cannot escape these
currents and necessities. This govern
ment holds the prmacy of the American
continent with all the obligations it in
wolves. We are bound to exercise a DOM
inant influence, and assert dominant
voice. In the questions which are con-
stantly arising involving the integrity
and destiny of American states, we are
constrained from the very nature OF our
position to exercise a paramount author
ity. All this lifts our foreign affairs to
capital rank. We have seen how great a
part they have played under the present
administration: and we have seen the
difference between feeble and incapable
management on the one hand, and strong
and competent management on the other,
in the signal contrast between Gresham
and Olney. Under the former the nation
Witnessed repeated blunders, actual
losses ana constant humiliation. Under
the latter virle and forceful direction,
always robust though sometimes lacking
in tact has brought increased national
dignity, prestige and power.
Much. indeed, depends on the presi-
dent himself. Major Mckinley has the
experience. sobriety and unfailing good
sense which are needed in the suprenl"
and responsible direction. But very much
depends also on the character and quail
ity of the secretary. Under Mr.. Clevs-
land we have had both good and bad
administration Of foreign affairs. depend
ent on the mental and moral qualifications
of the head of the state department.
All these considerations emphasize the
importance of wise selection. The in
quiry must be directed not merely to the
public standing and intellectual equip
ment of the man but to his temperamental
organization The secretary should pre-
ferably be party leader of the highest
rank. Mr.. Olney has I'm the main been
a success. though he had no public train
ing and was in no sense a party chief
tain. But he is what the Emperor Alex
ander called benefcient despotism-'a
happy accident 1t was an experiment
which in this case turned out we'll, but
which on another trial might prove very
unfortunate. The secretary who has the
prestige of a career and Of high represent
tative position will start with a great
advantage. Then he should have aptitude
and training for this particular service
He must cope with the ablest men %
other nations. and he needs not only amule
Knowledge but alertness and dextcrity
in the broad field of national negotiation
and opportunity. He should have the
right temperament and the right conccp-
tion of our national mission. the pru-
dencc which is not precipitate and the
progressiveness which meets new situa-
tons the firmness which can hold fast
and the iiexibility which can adapt itself
to changing requirements. There is no
place where personal attributes as well
as public qualifications need to be so care
fully considered.