Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-25
LaCes and EmbrOideries
COnsular Reform.
augusta Chronicle.)


The retention of Consul Lee I'm office
I'm Cuba by the Republican Administra-
ton despite sectional and party ar
filiations that ordinarily would have In
sured his speedy recall, has brought
about comment on our usual course In
these matters. Some are led TO hope
that this wholesome example may lead
our government hereafter to hold
good man when he is secured.
But we would be oversangulne 10 take
this instance. remarkable as II should
not be. for It's singularity as the mar
binger of a general return TO sanity IN
the methods of making diplomatic APP
polntments. We have for so long had
orr attention as a nation fixed almost
exclusively on matters OF internal adj
minlstration so Insignificant has been
the eeress OF American citizens 10
trans-oceanic countries and so COMPARE
lively small the interests involves
across seas that we have been content
TO regard with apathy the appointment
70 the American residences at Tripoli
or Singapore or Hongkong whatever
loval national, committeeman or sue
cessful ward politician II might please
the honorable congressman or senator
furtively to nominate.
The result has been. and is to-day that
Americans dDLOdu dfG Npti'NhtNp 49,
tilted at the representatives sent
out by their congressman. We were no
long time since talking with gentle
man inst returned from Japan, and he
seemed inclined 10 reflect rather bit
terly on the officials Of the consular and
automatic service that we had IN mat
empire. He said that they were otten
men OF the diamond-pin, red-striped
shirt-front. heavy black moustache and
husky-yoice description. unedueated ana
jncompetent, representative or nothlns
save the influence OF the Bowery eie-
mont In American politics. And the
worst az n. he said, IS that English
men and Frenchmen abroad formed. as
mon will their opinion OF the whole
neopre OF the United States from these
discreditable representatives.
The choice OF men 10 watch interests
~ England or France in foreign ports or
courts. is made on principles very DIT
ferent from those that obtain In our
courtrv From those countries no man
nav 90 out as Minister. Consul or at
tache OF legation until he has completed
= Long and severe preparation in govern
ment school OF training for diplomatic
service. until he has become thoroughly
acquainted with the history. language.
manners. and habits OF thought OF the
peopIe among whom he IS 20 be thrown
He makes the diplomatic service his mes
vocation. as he would make medicine or
the law, and he may hope by the exercise
OF fideiity and intelligent discrimination
to advance through all the grades or
promotion. from the most insignificant
vice-consulate TO the position or Minister
t'Ienipotentiary al the court.
I. needs no great exercise of sagacity
n see that this Is as It should be; that
the Kind OF genius that makes success
fui ward -heeier Is not Just the kind that
ia likely 10 shine In foreign capitals, ana
that when time has adjusted TO better
gear the more remote wheels OF the
working machinery OF our government,
We may expect to have perfected sys-
tenn OF civil service In the making or