New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-16
A POPULAR AMBASSADOR.
REGRET AT ST PETERSBURG OVER MR..
HITCHCOCK's PROMOTION

HIS STANDING IN COURT AND DIPLOMATIC
CIRCLES AND THE IMPORTANT SERVICES
HE RENDERED. HIS COUNTRY ABROAD.
lFRoM 4 SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT or ruH TnisuxE.l
St Petersburg. December - 1S9s
The announcement Of the appointment OF
Ethan Allen Hitchcock. Ambassador Of the
United States at 81. Petersburg as Secretary
Of the Interior created great surprise and
regret among all classes in St Petersburg who
have an interest in or know anything about
American affairs Although the Ambassador
and his family have been here but little
more than year, they stand at the top
notch OF popularity among the diplomats. and
their departure at this time is matter Of
general regret. Since the announcement OF his
promotion the Ambassador and his family have
been overwhelmed with regrets and congratua-
tons. because OF the voluntary tender by Presi-
dent Mckinley OF so important portfolio. by
Minister'S. Court officials and the members Of the
American colony. The latter refuse 10 be con-
sOed and consider the loss 20 be a personal
one as the Ambassador and his family have
been specially considerable of their compatriots
in this distant land. Felicitous cable dispatches
are still pouring in on them from all parts Of the
United States and Europe rendering hearty
congratulations.
EMINENT FITNESS FOR HIS POST.
Ambassador Hitchcock was selected by Presi-
dent Mckinley to represent the United States
at this Court by reason OF the Presidents per-
sonal knowledge OF his specia, fitness TO
strengthen the commercial relations between
the United States and Russia. and to find a
market for surplus American manufactured
articles. Nothing succeeds like success and the
immense increase in the orders for American
lost Il
conclusive evidence Of Mr. Hitchcock's success
as the representative OF a great manufacturing
and exporting Nation. 1t has elected favorable
comments from the correspondents OF the lead
ing newspapers in Europe, who commended his
example to the representatives Of other nations.
The importance and the character Of the ser
vices rendered the United States by Ambassador
Hitchcock during the Spanish American War by
keeping the Russian Government and repre-
sentatives Of European governments repre-
sented al this Court advised as 10 the causes
that led to and issues involved in the war, as
we'll as the facts yelating TO the transfer Of the
Philippine Islands most probably never VIII
be known. they were necessarily secret IN
their nature and consisted Of private confer
ences with the Foreign Office and his colleagues
Of the Diplomatic Corps. keeping them advised
as to the progress Of the war placing documents
before them giving the American view Of ques-
tons that might be raised concerning the policy
Of the United States. For this he was repeated
The services OF Ambassador Hitchcock will
remain conspicuous among those OF q number
OF prominent statesmen and diplomats who nave
represented the United States at this Court dur
ing the last thirty years. His large expert
ence in business. extensive travel wealth ana
ambition to do his full duty, his manner OF Nv
ing and princey hospitality. have met the al-
prevail and hearty commcndation Of all Amerl-
cans who have visited Russia during the last
year and his voluntary nomination by the Presi-
dent for a Cabinet place. while serving In dis
tant country. is the highest evidence OF the
estimation in which he is held by President
Mckinley.
TO START FOR AMERICA SOON.
The Ambassador and Mrs Hitchcock had dur
ing a recent visit 10 Paris. completed their pur-
chases for their spacious apartments In this
city preparatory TO giving their first oficiaI
reception since his promotion to be an Ambas-
sador. when Secretary Hays cable dispatch ten
dering him on behalf Of the President. the APP
pointment as Secretary of the Interior and ask
Ing his immediate acceptance or the same. ar
rived Mr. Hitchcock will leave st petersburg
for Washington as soon as possible. while MIS-
Hitchcock and the Misses Hitchcock viii e. 10
Vienna ConstantnOple and on to ltaly. Ihey
will spend six months in European travel re-
turning 70 the United States in July or August
and will spend the summer at their summer
home in New Hampshire. taking up their resi-
dence in Washington In the ran.