New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-17
able that as much as 10 per cent on all imports
not materially affected by the proposed iaw' ma!
result from general Improvement OF business
ORR NEW AMBASSADORS.

The chief posts in the diplomatic service. II
less mnortant than places in the Cabinet. are
objects of perhaps even greater interest and at
traction. according TO the general estimate The
nomination of Colonel John Hay for Ambassador
to England and that OF General Horace Porter
for Ambassador TO France do not put an end to
public curiosity and the hopes of anxious can
didates for those selections have not recently
been in doubt: but the formal announcement
does afford suitable opportunity for express
inc the satisfaction with which they are sure
TO be regarded at home and abroad a President
of the United States is virtually compelled to
appoint many persons to office without any ao-
solute knowledge Of their qualifications. relying
upon such assurances as private friendship or
political management has supplied. Sometimes,
indeed a balance of considerations may justify
him in making appointments against his own
inclination though certainly not against his con-
science. He is especially fortunate, therefore,
when he is able to fill high office in such
manner as to give himself great personal pleas
ure. while winning universal appreciation
1t is certain that President Mckinley has ex-
pressed his own preference in the choice or an
Ambassador to England and that Colonel Hay
will sustain the best traditions of the American
Legation in London. TO say that he is ideally
equipped to represent the United States at the
Court of ST. James is to say not word too
much Diplomatic appointments do not come
under the Civil Service regulations. but his
preferment perfectly eXemplifies their essential
purpose. His public activities and his private
pursuits have been systematic training for the
various and delicate duties OF an Ambassador
His early initiation into a confidential knowledge
of National affairs as one Of Presiden; Lincoln
secretaries gave him opportunities of which he
was naturally qualified to avail himself and de-
veloped tastes which he has sedulously cult
waited ever since. If prior experience in respon-
sible places under the State Department is de-
sirable qualification for the most conspicuous
nos1 in The diplomatic service Colonel Hay has
had il. as Secretary of Legation in Paris and
Madrid Charge d'Affaires in Vienna and AS
sisiant Secretary Of State He possesses the
advantage of familiar acquaintance with
several foreign languages. while the fact that ne
has a captivating command of his mother tongue
is we'll known n multitude of admirers in both
hemispheres and will be confirmed during the
next four years. not. we may be sure, as often
as the chance is offered. but whenever it is suit
able tina: the American Ambassador should
speak He has been a close observer of men
and affairs. as well as student OF history all
his life He is n man Of the world and a man
of letters in the best sense Of each expression,
and he is in the prime of his mature powers.
We congratulate the President and the country
upon the designation of Colonel Hay for the Eng
lsh mission with a sincerity and satisfaction
which long association has caused us 10 feel and
gives Us peculiar right TO express.
A sentiment of genuine affection is mingled
with the respect felt for General Horace Porter
in this community. which he has long honorcd
by his sagacous, skilful and unselfsh contribu-
tons to the success of important public enter
prlses and ceremonials and enlivened by his
eloOuence and wit. The nomination of our dis
tngushed fellow townsman for Ambassador TO
France is a welcome and appropriate recognition
of his character and accomplishments, his loyal
services in war and his good citizenship.