The times., 1898-12-30
DIPLOMACY OF AMERICA.
1t Is Far Superior to Europe's Ac-
cepted Methods


New Haven. Dec 2e.-At the evening
session of the American Economic aGd
Historical Associations, Prof E. il. Sros
venor, OF Amherst College, made the most
enthusiastically received address of the
present convention on the subject of
American Diplomacy" He declared
American diplomacy to be superior to
European diplomacy, and eulogizei I'resi-
dent Mckinley as one of the greatest dip
lomats of history. Prof. Gros 5enor said:
There is no better training for the business
OF European diplomacy than the school OF pFac-
teal American politics. 1t is i better training
than is afforded by the inherited blood OF an
ampassadorial bne or by the Partially of Z
prihee. or by routine from childhood in the
monotony Of Office.
l make no claim that our diplomatic service
is perfect or that all American foreign ministers
have been saints sages. Sometimes have
had inefficient, sometimes timid, shutting men;
but what Gen. Woodford said Of himself was
the record Of his colleagues: ''When your min
lister reached Spain he was absolutely direct and
frank in his dealings
In scholarly culture our diplomatic repre-
sentatires have surpassed those of any other
land. No foreign country has summoned 10 its
service such host Of historians. political econ
onists. poets, orators. journalists, and eSiu-
Gators OF every class. Any discussion of this
subject is incomplete which does not recognize
the ability in diplomacy displayed BY the Of
hcers OF our navy.
The American diplomat lives in a glass house.
where may not only be seen, but stoned The
European diplomat still inhabits a halfmedieyal
castle, almost iHpregnable to criticism and
difficult OF Access, except 10 the privileged few
In this later day, the nations listen to catch
the accents OF that Western State which has
revealed itself to them. 1t is President Ne
kinle!, his utterances and his bearings, his
entire demeanor. which they heed. As one
reviews these last few months past, III the Sis
| pcrse Of imminent war, in the strain and agony
| of uncertain battle, in the delirium OF unmeas-
ured victory, he recall act or word OF
| the President in his diplomatic relations which
| has not been worthy Of his exalted efiee
I am well aware that many are caiaorous for
| the adoption of the European system of diplo-
| macy. Docs American diplomacy offer only an
| uncertain title and promise nothing Of real ae-
| complishment! The iInmensity OF its achieve
! ment covers the whole nineteenth century OF
| international law. IL has broken the caste
shackles Of birth, has successfully asserted the
| right Of expatriaticn: has declared the seas
and straits and continental rivers, Gods high
ways" and destined to be free for II
has compelled the rights of neutrals 10 be reeog-
nized by every civilized state. Now it is build
ii'y the scaffolding .or achievement no lesi
| great-the exemption OF private property from
capture on sea il is exempt from capture on
\ land.
Ihe other addresses OF the evening were.
..Napoleon's Plans for French Colonies in
| Spanish America Prof William NJ.
| Sloane, Columbia University, and ''The
| Diplomatic Relations OF the Confederate
/ States and England" DIR. J. NJ. Callahan
/ Johns Hopkins University.
The principal feature of the morning seS-
| sion was the presentation of the report OF
| the special committee on banking and cur
rency. which includes Profs. F. NJ. Taylor,
| University OF Michigan; f. W. Taussig,
Harvard; ]. W. jerks. Cornell; Sidney
| Shirwood. Johns Hopkins University, and
| David kinley. University of Michigan
Secretary Gage is said to hold the main
| features of the report in great regard.