The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-11-29
Our Diplomatic Contingent.

The United States, which 100
years ago represented a popula-
ton of between three and four
millions, is now expanded to the
proportion of approximately $4,000 600.
This growth has been natural and en-
tiTely Que to aecretion by immigration
and increase Of population within the
boundaries of the continent which ex-
listed at the close of the Revolutionary
war or which came by natural ac-
cessi0ns of territory through the Louis
lana purchase of 1903 and the Texas
additions OF 1883, to say nothing Of
the Alaskan territory acquired in 1857.
The commercial Importance OF the
republic Of the United States is prob
ABLY a quantity which is very slightly
understood and comprehended by the
people of the present day. The produc-
tive capacities of the country are an
nually making themselves more and
mere apparent. We have had many
controversies over tariffs and the prop
er methods of disposing of that which
the productive energies of the people
annually yield. Theories are always
being advanced, and their applicability
to conditions becomes a matter OF
test. There are many failures in all
this system of explorations as to what
the commerce of the country both in
pI actice and in the perspective really
demands
But it may be positively stated that
there is nothing which the country
demands today so far as the advance
ment Of its commerce is concerned
so much as an intelligent representa-
ton abroad Of our national resources.
Any one who will take the pains to read
the consulac reports which are sent in
periodically to the state department at
Washington cannot fail to be reminded
Of the fact that the manufacturers and
merchants Of the United States do not
select with proper care the agents who
are expected to present in the most
effective way, and at the same time
the honest way the merchandise,
either in the line of product of the soil
or of the mill or factory. The country
does not need fresh acquisitions Of ter
ritory to add to its greatness. It re-
qui1es trade for the consumption of
that which its industry produces for
the general good of mankind
Quite recently New York city has
risen up to the sense of Importance of
doing something for its local commerce.
1t would seem to be an appropriate sea-
son for congress to awaken to the i'm
rortance OF improving its consular
service. The country has been treated
to a good many theories in the past
bearing upon what is styled the civil
service. 1t is not necessary that there
should be an army of consular serv-
ants created; but it is highly essen
tial that, when the state department
under the appointing power OF the
president of the United States is called
upon to make its selections of repre-
sentatives Of the government in foreign
ports which are susceptible of i'm
provement for our trade, such selections
should represent the highest qualifi-
cations for the offices sought
1t is not to be expected that
this republic can adopt a diplomatic
school similar to that of Great Britain,
which really has developed into an
ofIice-holding aristocracy; but the Unit
Ell States government can do much in
the direction of Improvement by elinli-
mating common officeseekers from the
rolls of the consular service,