The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-02-14
The Consular Service.

For several years the question of con-
sular reform has been a subject for pop-
ular discussion. A great many people
have had an idea that our consular
system needs thorough overhauling.
1t is common thing to hear fault found
with it. Many of our consuls have been
accused of being men OF very poor ca
pacity who are no credit to their coun-
try. and as a result OF all the criticisms
two bills have been perfected by the
New York chamber Of commerce and
the Chicago National Business League
through which it Is expected the de-
sired reforms may be effected.
II is proposed that there be nine
classes of consular offices with in
creased salaries in some instances, with
frequent promotions from one branch
TO the other civil service examinations
in consular duties. providing a board
for this purpose. the abolition of all
consular fees. which shall be turned
into the treasury to cover the increased
salaries. the abolition OF the grade
known as commercial agents and the
gradual extinction of consular clerks.
Service In the state department. Civ
ing as ii does knowledge of consular
duties. viii obviate the necessity of an
examination. and after service 81
twelve months in consulate no consul
shall be removed except for due cause
presented to him in writing and with
power to defend himself
Present incumbents of consular offices
viii be gradually recalled for examina-
ton and If successful. readmitted to the
same classes they formerly occupied.
Consuls. like army and navy officers.
may be transferred from one place 10
another and the president is permitted
to make selections for nomination 10 Of
fee from the list OF eligible candidates
presented by the board OF examiners,
thus securing the most suitable person
for the service. During the first year
OF service consuls will be on probation
and can be recalled and dismissed with
service they are accorded the right ~
defense before impartial Judges and
the right to answer and examine
charges Consuls may also be recalled
and assigned to home duty, thus pre-
venting their getting out Of touch with
home affairs. while the unsalaried posi-
tons will be filed by the present meth
DDS and all fees aceruing thereto not
exceeding $1,000 shall be regarded as
compensation.
II is perhaps true that men have been
given American consulships who were
not qualified 20 perform the duties de-
voiving upon them. and some changes
in the administration %. these foreign
cfsiees may be needed. bat "a would be
well to bring about no wholesale reyO-
luton in the methods OF appointment
and the regulations Of the consular ser
vice until 1t is clearly evident that good
is to result therefrom. In spite OF ig
norant criticism. cur consular service
is equal in efficiency to that OF any
other nation IN the world, II it is 20 be
/ judged BY the work performed. There
is no other country that approaches the
United states in the intelligence. scope
| and general worth Of its consular re-
( ports. and these reports are held up by
/ other powers a. models which their
own representatives could well afford 10
| follow.
IL our consuls were men OF the in
| ferior ability spoken OF so often By