The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-03-14

views of Edwin w. GunsauIu., United
states Consul at Toronto.
New York Tribune.


In the main, 1 believe it is a recognized
fact that the consular service of the United
States, generally speaking, is equal to if
not superior to that of most other coun-
tries. In spite of this fact, there is I'M
doubtedly room for Improvement, and as
this is the object aimed at in the various
discussions of the subject. and in the meas
proposed, a free interchange of opin-
ion is likely to prove of value
OF course qualification or fitness for the
service should be one of the first requi-
sites. This may be secured either by a
special course of training or may come
through the avenues of general business.
a man may have technical knowledge
of consular work and yet be lacking in
other broader essentials, which have quite
as much to do with the success of the
service as mere knowledge of the routine
work of the consulate. There are many
clerks and consular agents who could to
the undoubted good of the service, be adj
vanced to consuls, and a system providing
for the filling of vacancies from these
ranks might be a substantial benefit
While the duties of consul are of wide
range, differing greatly in character and
kind with reference to geographical sta
ton, a conscientious and determined APP
plicatiOn 10 the requirements OF the post.
and a careful study of the regulations and
laws governing consular duties, together
with certain amount of adaptability, will
in nearly every instance solve all difficult
ties and put him in position to render
good and effective service TO his country
and countrymen, whose interests are of
There is no doubt that consular officers,
as a rule are underpaid and. whether
rightly or not the average citizen of the
community where consul is stationed re-
CARDS the latter as an official representative
who, while devoting his time and atten-
ton to the business affairs of the consulate
should also cultivate the social side OF
the people This cannot be done without
some outlay in the way of entertaining.
So long a consul cannot return in kind
the Inequalities extended. he is virtually
deprived OF accepting such courtesies, and
when the salary received by him will not
permit him TO repay the social obligations
the degree his acceptance would en-
tail he is. unless. fortunately, man OF
private means. virtually denied partici-
pating in the amenities Of social life. the
indulgence in which requires the expendi-
ture Of a sum quite beyond his ability 10
spare. While the average consul, l take
it, has ambition to lavishly entertain
or indulge in any unnecessary frills along
this line. he should be paid enough to
be able to support himself and family in
a genteel way and have means at his dis
pOsal TO entertain in manner BETTING his
station when occasion demands. This much
Is naturally expected OF him, and 10 do
less is embarrassing.
| concur in the suggestion that much
good might be accomplished from a meet
ing in Washington of representatives of
commercial and other bodies interested i'm
the betterment Of the service and a dele
cation or consuls for the purpose of con-
ferring as TO the best steps 10 be taken TO
bring about the reform desired.