New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-12
TIE NEW AMBASSADOR.

The Amba ssadorshp to Great Britain which
has been vacant since Colonel Hay resigned II
10 become Secretary Of State was yesterday
filled by the Presidents appolntment-which
without doubt, the Senate will promptly rat
ify-of Mr. Joseph r. Choate. The appoint
ment will surprise no one who has observed
the reports and predictions which have for some
time been current and will leave no room for
anxiety on the part Of those who desire TO see
this country adequately represented abroad.
Modern improvements in facilities for inter
communication and amelioration OF interna'
tional relationships have changed the scope or
An Ambassadors duties, but have not lessened
their Importance Indeed there was probably
never a time as recent events clearly indicate,
when there was greater need Of competent
diplomacy than now, or when such diplomacy
could be Of more service to the best interests
OF the human race. This Nation could not al
ford. therefore TO lower the standard or char
acter Of its representation at what Is to us the
most important foreign capital in the world.
II has not been lowered in the appointment or
Mr.. Choate, It Is high praise to say that he
IS the peer In distinction OF any OF his prede-
cessors. but Il IL not too high. His name VIII
worthily take rank among those OF Adams ana
Lowell and Phelps and Hay.
II will be Mr.. Choates good fortune 10 APP
proach the British Court at time when there
are at once great issues to be determined ana
unusual opportunities and facilities for deter
mining them He Is to represent worlu
Power and its vastly enhanced interests at the
canital of that other world Power with when
this comes most into contact and into compen-
ton. He is to do so, however, at time wheh'
thanks 10 the tactful efforts Of his predecessors,
the relations between the two have become not
only more cordial than ever before, but more
intimate and sympathetic than those between
any other two great Powers. 1t VIII be MS
pri yflege to maintain and even strengthen this
relationship, and thus to serve the interests
or hls own land while he pursues course
oc-eeab BILE TO that TO which he Is accredited III
such n mission he will be accompanied by the
hoortiest GOOD wishes Of bis countrymen WITH
ont regard to party, and Will doubtless be wei
coined with equal heartiness by our oversea
consins TO whom he needs no Introduction ana
no commentator.
Mr.. Choate has hitherto had no diplomatic
exnerience. But he has had distinguished
aud em.nently successful career in PROFESSION
which affords one Of the best or preparations
for Diplomatic work. leader OF the American
bar needs no certificate OF intellectual ABILITY.
A favorite orator Of the after-dnner hour ana
Of more formal occasions bears on his tongue
his own credentials to those who have prizea
so highly the occasional utteranceS OF Lowe'i
and Phelps, of Bayard and Hay. His personal
character and charm and his social accomplish
ments will be his passport to those personal
relationships which are at once delightful ana
essential and which are nowhere more dis-
creetly cultivated than at the British capital
Upon his opportunities for promoting the WEI
fare Of the worlds foremost race he Is 10 10
congratulated The two great nations 'ha'
compose that race are likewise TO be congrat-
ulated upon having so fitting personal hhA
between their governments and their hearts