New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-05-14
CONSULAR REFORM.
SOME OF THE DIFFICULTIEs-HE
SUGGESTS METHODS OF
IMPROVEMENT.
To the Editor of The Tribune
IMPROVEMENT.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir: In the various articles which have ap-
peared on the subject of our consular system
and in the bills proposed in Congress for its re-
form the distinction between two classes of
consuls does not appear to be sufficiently en-
phasized, T. e, the consuls with commercial
functions, such as those in Great Britain,
France, Germany. etc. and consuIs with semi
diplomatic, legal and judicial functions, such as
those in South America. Asia and Africa.
1t is true that inthe great seaports of Europe
the consuls may be called upon to exercise legal
and judicial functions. but in the paucty of our
merchant marine these inconsiderable com
pared with the examination of invoices and
samples of goods the ascertainment of cost of
production, market prices etc. The commercial
class is by far the most important to the coun-
try in its daily life for. while the ignorance or
incapacity of consul in South america Asia
may occasionally involve the Government in dis
agreeable complications, the difficulty is easily
Strengthened out by The trained diplomatsts OF
the State Department and the law officers of
the Government. Commercial consuls have ii in
their power to render effective or almost nuga-
tory the whole protective system while If
trained and experienced men they do much
TO promote and extend the commerce of their
country.
1t is needless to say that the distinction is not
tenn, but. aside from the haphazard method of
giving some political hack the place his Con-
gresham Senator asks for. the essentially
commercial consulates are filed for the most
part by lawyers. newspaper men and mere polit-
ical hangers-On, while not few men with bust
ness training sent to South America and
the East, where there is comparatively little
trade, at least in dutiable goods but where a
knowledge of law is essential.
II is probable that a real reform of our con-
sular system will in time The CONNER
ciai bodies of the country demand 1t. the people
when they take any interest in the matter at
all favor it. and every President would be glad
10 be spared the horde OF importunate office
seekers who harass him at every step. absorb
his time and injure his health and of whom he
is sure to make ten enemies for one friend.
Like all deep rooted evils however. II is diff
cult TO eradicate and the reform is slow Some
progress has been made and knowledge of the
question is becoming more extended and the
demand for thorough reformation becomes year
Iy more insistent The reform should begin in
the State Department. Always short handed,
with the appropriations for its maintenance cut
down by Congress to the narrowest limits il
can scarcely exercise adequate control over the
Consular Corps.
In spite Of this il has maintained from its
beginnings a high standard of excellence COM
pairing favorably with the Foreign Office of any
nation. Its chiefs have been the most eminent
men of the country, and the assistant secre-
taries usually men of ability and of learning
The clerical force is experienced and faithful,
but the number of officials should be doubled in
order that the vast amount of work devolving
upon il should receive adequate care.
Then there should be a particular bureau
under one or more assistant secretaries and
with adequate clerical force, different from
the present consular bureau, with no real head
and no power. AS at present constituted the
Secretary and his assistants have quite all they
can manage in the diplomatic questions con-
stanty arising, and in certain interstate ques-
lions Ghe separate and independent govern
ments of the State creating additional work for
the Department not appreciated by outsiders)
Besides which the greater interest and scope
attaching TO diplomatic work tends to shifting
the consular control to the less efficient and
subordinate officials.
The consuls should be divided into one class
having commercial functions, a second class
having legal mi-diplomatic) functions, with
perhaps separate division for appointees to
Eastern countries where judicial functions are
exercised. 1t is needless TO add that men should
be selected for qualifications adapted to these
different classes The technical divisions into
consuls- general, consuls of the Iirst and second
class, vice-consuls consular clerks etc, consti-
tute simple and orderly arrangement which
should apply TO both classes. but incumbents Of
either should not be interchanged, promotions
being made in the same class.
Adequate and appropriate examina lions for
applicants TO the consular service moral stand
ing properly youched for, promotion retention
in office and liberal salaries are of course essen
tial conditions TO an efficient consular system.
The United States has attained a pre-eminence
In the financial, commercial and industrial
. world, but the rivalry and competition are keen
and in order TO achieve and retain the first ran
every effort must be made. and factor Will
be more influential than consular corps firmly
established on a rational. scientific basis
VIM. MORTON GRINNELL
New-York, May IL, 1900
COMPLAINT OF NEGROS TREATMENT