The times., 1899-11-29
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER %, 1888
Military and Diplomatic schools


People who take an intelligent interest
in the questions which our new position
As world power renders it necessary for
us TO consider, among other things are
hoping that the Fifty-sixth Congress may
not forget 10 make some provision for
increased facilities and the education of
q larger number Of cadets at our National
Military Academy. West Point, one Of the
best schools for the production Of army
officers in the world. is justly the pride
Of ali patriotic Americans. To the limit
Of its ability to graduate scientifically
fraired soldiers, It Is fairly beyond criti-
eism- But as at present constituted it
cannot supply the demand. It is organ
tzed 10 meet the requirements Of an estab-
meat Of only twenty-five thousand troops
81 all arms. whereas il is TO be doubted
If the Regular Army Of the future
VIII ever fall much below seventy OF sew
entv-fve thousand men; certainly not if
The suggestion Of General Miles. Of one
soldier per thousand OF the population is
adopted.
Aside from the question Of an actual
basis or standard Of Army strength. it is
desirable that nation with a small regu-
lar military force compared with its extent.
coast lines. and possible dangers of war.
should always have a reserve OF educated
officers 10 draw upon in case Of need. and
10 depend upon TO a greater or less extent
for the training and command Of its Citi-
zen soidiery, whose numbers and efficiency
VIII be necessarily much increased il. our
law makers are wise. This is not mill
larism; il is the negstion OF it.
There is another and equally important
subject which cur new. responsibilities and
influence make il proper for Congress 10
consider When our relations with foreign
Governments were hardly more than nom
lual ii did not matter much whether the
meu We sent 10 represent US al courts and
capitals we're yersed in international law
and diplomacy OF not In most cases their
Positions were merely ornamental. and we're
Hotorously given as rewards for political
service, without particular reference 10
personal or professional qualification. Now
IL is quite q different matter. We have
imperial possessions and interests across
The seas 10 maintain and protect We can
not do this efectuaIly without trained able
and upright diplomatic representative. Sc
leered from among citizens who have made
or are making such service career.
Win The growth and rapid expansion
OF our industries and agriculture. and the
foreign commerce they back with an ever
increasing pressure Of surplus productions
which must find markets, the necessity for
. regularly established. non-polIticaI. and
permanent consular service is too apDarent
10 the business classes OF the country tc
require argument. Our CousuIs should nc
longer be the accidents Of local politics. o-
OF sdTentitlous political influence. They
should be men carefully trained TO The busi.
ness and willing 10 devote their lives to It
Considering the provinciallsm from which
We are but just emerging. perhaps II 1,
not strange that reform in the diplomatI
and consular services. with q view 10 thel
greater efficiency, has not been regarde,
as an imminent need by our legislators. A
the present time. however, the vast charge
wrought by the Spanish war, our acquIsi
non Of Hawaii. and other like movements
seem 70 leave no excuse for further iudiffer
ence 10 the matter In future we shall re-
Quire not only Ambassadors. Ministers sec
Tetaries Of legation. and Consuis CT brain.
end technical ability but We shall need
corps Of colonial administrators and otbe
officials. with practically the same cduca
tion- FOR service 10 our various uaass9lsri
possessions.
Ia Europe, when 2 young man has com.
pleted his collegiate course and aspires I,
prepare himself for diplomatic. consular
or colonial service be has the oBportuntt,
OF recourse 10 any one Of several exceIIen
schools of diplomacy. one OF the best o.
which Is IN Paris. or be may spend ty
years IL the School Of Jurisprudence al,
Diplomacy az Heidelberg University Unit
~ecentiy no such chance was offered to IN
ambitious American youth on this side o
the Atlantic, nor until the establishment O
she school OF Comparative Jurisprudcnc
and Diplomacy In connection with the Co
IUmblsn University IN this city The work q
this excellent institution should not escap
Congressional notice. Il is supportsd e,
private enterprise and & is without ofHcia
relations 10 the Government; but Il is al
embryo West Point in its peculiar field su,
81 supplying q course of education whicl
VII DO 50 manifestly valuable to the coun
try. IN providing Il With trained diplomati
sid consular material. that # certainly de
EerFes attention and encouragement Th
SUBJECT o. properly trained officers for on