The Savannah morning news., 1901-03-31

said that Madame Novikoff has never re-
ceived a cent for her political work. That
may be so. But she it was that created
the profession of unofficial diplomacy out
of which hundreds of her successors have
made fortunes.
The system devised by the brilliant
Russian rests, upon three central facts,
the persuasive power of the salon, the
immense publicity and influence Of the
press, and the leverage which has the
lecture platform as it's fulcrum. The per-
sons charged with secret service, such as
Madame Novikof is still performing, all
proceed by the same means. Their gov ..
eminent procures them letters which en-
sure their immediate acceptance by the
very best circles of the capital in which
they are to work. The letters of presen-
tation of course, make no mention Of
any political object in the newcomer
residence in the capital. They are sim
ply ordinary social credentials.
Armed with these documents our unof-
fetal diplomatist lays siege to society
Well dressed, witty if a man distinguish
ed looking, if woman beautiful; giving
handsome entertainments, figuring at
every society function, and pay
ing up like "a little man when there
is question of some public subscrip-
ton, our friend gradually gains a sure
footing in the social life Of the capital.
Presently our unofficial ambassador has
come to be recognized as an authority
upon the affairs of his country. People APP
peal to him for interesting new facts,
for explanations of events taking place
there, for personal impressions of public
men, statesmen, or of the monarch of his
country, whose acts are being perhaps
unfaVora bly, commented upon
Let us suppose that our friend is charg-
ed with the social secret service work Of
Austria. There Is, perhaps, a story going
the rounds which represents the old
Emperor's personal character in an UNI
pleasant light. Or, perhaps, the journals
are blazoning "scare-heads" about the
Ubiquitous treatment of Polish villages
by the Central Austrian administration.
The Austrian ambassador can do little
or nothing in such matters; people in So
ciety can not with propriety even mem
ton them in his presence. If he should
say anything indirectly to defend his SOW
erefgn or his government it is necessarily
taken as a prejudiced statement. But
our unofficial diplomat at the head Of
his ultra-chic dinner table in the salon
after dinner and wherever he goes unob-
trusively takes or makes opportunity to
explain matters, the subject being one
on winch naturally ne Is especially well
Informed. He will begin by telling anus
ing stories about the court balls at Wen
ma, then pour out gallons of lively gossip
about the ways of the Emperor, show
ing. as If incidentally, the bluff old auto
Gratis fine nature, his good heart, his
popularity with the people. Or, II some
one has asked about the treatment of the
Poles, he will perhaps deplore certain in
justices that have been committed, but
win go on TO argue with ingenious appear
ance of candor and sympathy that the
Poles are, after all, a menace to the unity
and prosperity of the Dual Empire, that
they are commercially rascals, and utter
ly understanding of respect. All this talk,
frightened with picturesque anecdote and
made effective by a winning manner, will
set up a current of sympathy for the EN-
peror, or for the Imperial Administration,
among all who hear it. These will In
clude members of the cabinet, senators,
congressman, judges, political thinkers,
writer's of books and journalists. The