The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-03-24
AMBASSADOR TO TURKEY
THE OFFfCE NAY BE CREATED FOR
Ex-SECRETARY FOSTER.
lie Has Refused Several Tenders But
Might Accept This for tho Good He
Would BE Able to Accomplish.

WASHINGTON. ID. c., March 23.-The
eastern question takes on new interest
over here just now because Of a rUmor
respecting the mission to Turkey.
This rumor Is that the mission has been
rendered TO exSccretary John W. Foster,
and that he has the matter under advise
ment. The refusal Of General Foster TO
discuss the rumor seems 10 encourage
some belief in it. When his attention
was called to an earlier story connecting
his name with the mission 10 China, he
promptly denied that.
As the story goes, General roster VIII
accept the mission If the post Is raised 10
the dignity of an Enthusiastically. Inc
President is said 10 favor this. But the
question rests with Turkey. II the sui
tan for any reason should decline to be-
STOW upon his representative here a cor
responding promotion, the American rep
resentative at ConstantinOple would con-
tinuc to occupy the present grade OF MN
lister.
The reason offered in support Of the
change is that in the divisions of the DIP
iomatic service at COnstantinople MINIS
ter counts for very little.
No matter what the talents or deserts
Of the incumbent of the Office may be,
great measure powerless.
SPECIAL PRIVILEGES.
Ambassadors alone have what In the
vernacular is called "the pull. Side
doors and big front doors alike ny open
at their approach. and they alone are
able by virtue Of their office TO get hear
ing at any time for their business.
But even ambassadors in Turkey, az
has Of late frequently been demonstrat-
ed. have no great powers. Still as Is
suggested. 1t would be well TO have the
United States occupy there one OF the
front seats.
Naturally. there IS some speculation rs
TO why General Foster should be willing
TO accept this post when he has express
ed an Indifference 10 others. assuming the
rumor Of his willingness TO accept 1t 10
be true.
lie mas enjoyed many diplomamtic hon
ors. lie has been minister TO Mexico,
Spain and Russia: he negotiated several
OF the important commercial conventions
that grew out of the reciprocity clause
Of the Mckinley tariff bill. and his re-
ward for this was the state portfolio when
Mr.. Blaine laid II down.
He was the adviser Of China In the
peace negotiations with Japan. and was
accredited with getting his client fairly
we'll ont of It very awkward predicamcnt.
lie Is i'm independent circumstances; has
a charming home here in Washington,
and enjoys life.
Why. i'm such circumstances, should Doe
care 20 20 20 turkey. II IS dste Ell. and
take "A hand IN ,hc difficulties Of tastein
diplomacy?
MIGHT Do GOOD.
General Fosters own silence on the SUD-
icct is the excuse for the answers that
come from other sources.
Gen. Foster. in religious circles Is a rec
ognized authority on the subject Of the
condition Of Christian people living IN
heather countries. He has not only Civ
en- good deal OF study 10 the subject,
but he has personally made inspections.
At the close of his service as Secretary
OF State he made a tour Of the world,
travelling losurely and spent some time
in Turkey.
His investigations were thorough, and
upon his return home he delivered a num-
Der Of addresses on the subject Of foreign
missions. their status and how greater
growth might be promoted.
These lectures were cOmplimented as
containing an unusually full measure OF
information on the subject. The sup
position. therefore. IS thar Gen. Foster is
willing 10 take office where he can give 10
Christian civilization IN turkey the btH-
eft Of labors guided by this information
and previous experience in public affairs.
The ambassadors TO Turkey from Chris
tan nations have for years had their
hands full Of business touching the rights
Of Christian subjects Of the sultan. They
have accomplished but little because OF
the overshadowing political deals involV-
ed in the territorial problems Of the
great powers. But the end Of this. II IS
bv many believed. cannot be far distant,
and when the end comes. an opportuni-
~ TO serve civilization in that quarter OF
the globe viii be altogether unusual and
desirable.
And this II is suggested, is probably
the reason why the President is anxious
. IN have a first-rate man at that post In
frst-ratc shape for serving the country.
and turns 70 General Foster with the