New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-03-23
THE MISSION TO TURKEY.
RtMoR THAT THE PLACE HAS BEEN OFFERED
TO JOHN ". FOSTER.
rey TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBusE.]

A sUMOR THAT THE PLACE HAS BEEN OFFERED
TO JOHN W. FOSTER.
Washington. March - (SpecaD.-"The Star" pub
fishes this evening some interesting gossip concern
ing the possible appointment OF ex-Secretary John
w Foster as the diplomatic representative Of the
United States at Constantnople. II says
The Eastern question has taken new interest
here because of rumor respecting the Mission to
tondered 70 ex- secretary John w Foster and that
he has the offer under Amusement. The refusal OF
courage some belief in it, When his attention
called 10 an earlier story connecting his name with
ne the stor 70 goes General Foster viii accept
# the post b is Ts escG no the s afp ~ "a s
this hut II Sultan for any reason should decline
ing promotion. the American representative at Con-
stantinople would continue TO ocSupy the present
Of the change is that In the diplomatic service at
Constantinople Minister counts Tor very lltt lie,
cmmbcnt of the Office may be. his minor grade OF
Office renders him in great measure powerless ,v
General Foster should be wiling TO- accept this post
when he has expressed an 10 sceS he
true lie has enjoyed many diplomatic h9nors; he
has been Minister to Mexico SPa4 an'
conventions that grew out of the reciprocly c.a us
of the Nh Me S,d pp aFn o when r Blaine laid it
down. He was the adviser Of China in the peace ,cs
getting his client fairly well out of very awkward
predicament He is in Independent circumstances aa
toys life here. Why. in such circumstances should
ne care TO go Turkey. IL Is asked ana take d
hand in the difficulties of Eastern diplomacy?
General Foster In religious circles Is recognized
authority on the subject of the CONDITION OF
Christian people living In heather countries he mas
not only given a good deal of study TO the subJec'
but he personally made inspections; At the
close of his service as Secretary of State he made
tour Of the world. travelling leisurely. and spent
some time in Turkey His Investigations were THOR
oueh and upon his return home he delivered nurl-
her OF addresses the subject OF foreign missions,
their status and how greater growth might be pro
mofed These lectures complmented as con-
tainng an unusually full measure OF information
on the subject The superstition. therefore Is that
General Foster is willing 70 take office where ne
can give to Christian civilization In Turkey the
benefit OF labors guided by this information ana
previous experience in public affairs.
The Amba ssadors of Turkey from Christian ma
lions have for years had their hands full or bu.i
moss touching the rights of Christian subjects OF
the Sultan. They have accomplished but little. be.
cause of the ovcrshadowng political deals involved
in the territorial problems of the great Powers.
But the end of this. 1t is by many believed. cannot
be far distant and when the end comes an oppnr-
unity 10 serve civilization in that quarter of the
globe will be altogether unusual and desirable.
And this. 1t is suggested is probably the reason
why the President is anxious to have hrst-rate
man at that post i'm frs-rate shape for serving the
country and turns to General Foster with the
oner