The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-08-22

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PROTECTION OF AMERICAN
CITIZENS ABROAD.
For The Post.
There Is very general impression that
American citizens abroad do not receive
the protection they should from the gov
eminent. And this without reference to
the political party In power or any par-
ticular period OF time. but applicable to all
parties and all times. The comparison is
and perhaps naturally. most frequently
made to our disadvantage In this respect
with the government of Great Britain. 1t
is commonly said that the United States
does not guard with the same Jealous
care as England the rights Of her citizens
In foreign lands. Certain II Is that Great
Britain has glorious reputation for the
promptness and vigor with which she ex-
acts repatriation or ayenges outragcs COM
mitted on her subjects IN foreign coun-
tries, while that of the United States in
the Ike relation Is far from creditable.
The existence of this condition can not
fairly be questioned; it is the result Of
the history of century, and neither re-
CURES for its verification on the one hand
the enumeration of instances, nor is 1t to
be disproved on the other by citing no.
table cases-as the Martin Rooster incl
dent-when a different spirit has been
manifested by the United States. 1t Is n
reputation founded on general course OF
conduct that is under discussion and II
is reputation itself which either safe
guards the citizen or subject against such
mistreatment or exposes him to wanton
indignity. This Is indeed most deplor-
able condition, both In the want OF In.
divldual security 1t engenders and in the
growth Of feeling of contempt for the
government alike by citizen and foreigner.
Many of the indignities suffered by the
American citizen travelling abroad are SAID
to be due to this feeling on the part Of
petty officials. The United States is GER
tain to protest and claim damages. and
to open a diplomatic correspondence to be
distinguished. probably. by the lofty SEN
timents and profound learning of its sec
rotary Of state. But what Is wanted In
such practical exlgencies is neither pro-
found learning I'm international law nor
skill in diplomatic finesse, but such
prompt and vigorous action as will either
prevent the contamination of the wrong
IN the particular case or serve as an ef-
fectual warning against its repetition. 1t
Is not to be supposed that such indecision
and apparent weakness as characterizes
our government in such contingencies pro-
ceeds from any want of proper spirit.
Nor has the American principle OF the
maintenance of freedom from complica-
ton with European powers anything to
do with the question. We must and should
embrace all such complications as may
be necessary for the protection of the
rights of the citizen. The true cause of
the difference between England and the
United States In this respect Is not far to
seek. Something of exaggeration IN the
reputed weakness and inefflciency of the
executive department is doubtless due to
that freedom in criticising his own gov
ernmcnt which Is one Of the ina|ienable
rights of an American citizen not speci-
| fled in the bill Of rights. That Ameri-
| cans excel in this unenviable proclivity
| Is due to the fact that it is not possible
any quadrennial administration Of the
government should engage those sent
ments of loyalty and devotion that clus-
ter around a throne descended through
centuries. The love and enthusiasm of the
| former is for the principles of civil an1
political liberty on which their govern
ment is founded and the enjoyment OF tho
| rights which such principles have secured
| 1t has been well said by Toquev.lle thai
| the sentiment that supports throne !!
| loyalty, an aristocracy glory, republic II
| Independence.
But exaggeration aside a residuum o
| truth remains. The cause Is not Iar y
seek. 1t is because we possess no traine'
Diplomatic and consular SERVICE. wnil'
| England has the best in the world. &C
ton on the part of the government 4
| maintenance or vindioation of the right
of its citizens abroad when invaded, TO b.
| effective. must be prompt ana decisive
There is neither time nor opportunity II
such case for judicial investigation, we
representative must be. marked by sue'
a judicial spirit, such knowledge of tn
right principles and methods of investiga
ton that should govern as will give assur
ance of it's reliability. 1t must mot b
married by prejudice. and 1t must bea
evidence OF an adequate acquaintance wit
international affairs, and be conssten
with other known facts. When me re
a citizen conforms to these requirement.
at once, by the belief inspired in It
truthfulness, 1t commands confidence
and In general, 1t may readily be see
whether the reply OF the responsible fol
eign government meets or evades the II
sue. Thus a proper basis is laid for timel
and decisive action, without reasonabl
apprehension of future developments r.
uuiring the government to recede from tn
course adopted. But such reports. base
on such character of Investigation. ca
not be expected under a system whel
the selection of the officer Is dictated b
the Influences that have heretofore col
trolled in his appointment In the Unite
States, and when there Is neither previol
experience nor such probability OF lengi
of tenure as TO furnish an inducement
to the efficient discharge by the offic,
of those demands which. while of Il
highest responsibility. are of extreme
rare occurrence.
lTn1e- a proper Application al. civil Sc
vice reform wa may properly look fcrwal
! to a time wien tho competency and c
fclenc5 of our consular officers, refiectt
| by their reports on alleged wrongs
American citizens. Will forever obltora
. the Aiur OF neglect by tn. goverrnnnie.r,
Notwitf standing these general truths, u
story Of our relations TO Spanish rule
Cuba at this time furnishes slngui
exception. There the United States
/ represented by consular agent possess