The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-03-25
TIE MISSION TO TURKEY.
Gossip Concerning the Possible APP
p~Ointment of John w. Foster.
Xrnrhinntnn Ctnr

pO1ntment OF John w. Foster.
Washington Star.
The Eastern question has taken on a new
interest here because of "a rumor respect
ing the mission to Turkey. This rumor Is
that the mission has been rendered to ex-
the offer under Amusement. The refusal of
General Foster TO discuss the rumor seems
to encourage some belief in it, When his
attention was called to an earlier story
connecting his name with the mission of
China. he made a prompt denial. As the
story goes, General Foster will accept the
mission If the post is raised to the dignity
of an Enthusiastically. The President is
said to favor this. but if the Sultan for
any reason should decline to bestow upon
his representative here a corresponding
promotion. the American representative at
Constantinople would continue to occupy
the present grade of minister. The reason
offered in support of the change is that
a minister counts for very little. No mat
ter what the talents or deserts of the in
cumbent of the office may be, his minor
grade Of office renders him in great measure
pOwerlesS.
Naturally there is some speculation as
to why General Foster should be willing
TO accept this post when he has expressed
an Indifference to others. assuming the ru-
NOR of his Willingness to accept be true.
He has enjoyed many diplomatic honOrs.
He has been minister to Mexico. Spain and
Russia: he negotiated several of the impor-
tant commercial conventions that grew out
of the reciprocity clause of the Mckinley
tariff bill. and his reward for this was the
state portfolio when Mr.. Blaine laid il
down. He was the adviser of China in the
peace negotiations with Japan, and was ac-
credited with getting his client fairly well
out OF a very awkward predicament. He
is in independent circumstances has a
charming home here in Washington, and
enjoys life here. Why. in such circum-
stances. should he care TO go to Turkey, 1T
is asked. and take a hand in the difficult
ties of Eastern diplomacy?
General Foster in religious circles is a
recognized authority on the subject of the
condition of Christian people living in
heather countries. He has not only given
a good deal of study TO the subject. but he
personally made inspections. At the close
of his service as secretary of state he made
a tour of the world. travelling leisurely and
tions were thorough, and upon his return
home he delivered a number of addresses
on the subject of foreign missions, their
status and how greater growth might be
promoted. These lectures were compli-
mented as containing an unusually full
measure of m on the subject. The
suppoSition, therefore. is that General FoS-
ter is willing TO take Office where he can
give to Christian civilization in Turkey the
benefit OF labors guided by this information
and previous experience i'm public affairs.
The ambassadors of 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 involved
in the territorial problems of the great pow
ers. But the end of this. ii is by many
believed. cannot be far distant. and when
the end comes an opportunity to serve civ
llization in that quarter OF the globe will
be altogether unusual and desirable. And
this, it is suggested, is probably the rea-
son why the President is anxious to have
a first-rate man at that post in firSt-rate
shape for serving the country and turns TO
General Foster with the offer.