The Press., 1902-01-30
WASHINGTON LETTER.
washington, January VI. 10


Washington, January Va, 1902
Diplomatsiin Washington are realizing
that their existence In Washington hes q
greater reason for being than4 hat of mere
bearers of the courtesies Of the countries
they represent; that their usefulness ex-
tends beyond giving and attending social
functions. The proposed visit Of Prince
Henry OF Prussia has brought an active
element of interest into the relations Of
this country with Germany that is quite
different from past conference, that have
and retaliatory restrictions. The agree
ment on treaty looking toward the pur-
chase Of the Danish West Indies has been
brought about through series OF nego-
tiations that have involved real diplomacy
on the part OF both nations, and the ques-
ttons constantly arising which pertsin to
South and Central American repnblIaA
can be settled only by statesmanship of
the highest order. Another issue, PERI
haps the most important of all, and cer-
tainly the most interesting from polit-
ico-diplomatic view, is that of Chinese
exclusion. With Minister Wu and Ex-
Secretary Of State John w. Foster to
plead The cause of the Chinese against the
proposed restrictive legislation, that side
of the controversy appears to be Tar from
talentless. Mr.. Foster is one Of the best
known American statesmen, having pre-
sided over the Bering sea arbitration COM
mission and having represented China In
her negotiations with japan at the close
Of the Chino-Japanese war. He appeared
before the senate committee on immi-
grafton Friday and spoke in opposition to
the exclusion bills, directing his remarks
particularly to the Mitchell or Pacific
coast bill, which Is, he contended, q plain
violation Of our treaty with China.
All Of these diplomatic questions show,
tquite as much as the figures of our indus-
trial progress, the fact that this country
Is not only taking place among the
world powers, long considered the per-
ogative Of European countries alone. but
Is taking commanding place. England
and Germany are plainly bidding for our
favor, and the strong disclaimers that are
being made by every country of import
ance In Europe that 1t had no thought Of
interfering In the Spanish American war,
ndindeed that it prevented the interior
ence Of other countries, show that the de-
sire to propitiate the young giant OF the
west Is an uppermost thought.
Yet, 1t must not be supposed that the
business part of the life of diplomat has
in any way served to initiate against the
social side Of life In the present gay sea-
son at the capital. For many years there
has not been as much entertaining as at
the present time, and particularly in ex-
|ecntive eirelss. Thursday night congress-
paid social homage at the home Of the
president, and the occasion marked the
largest evening levee held during the
Roosevelt administration. The east room
might have been nkened to map Of the
United States, although the states we're a
little jumbled, for wherever stood sena-
tors or representatives from certain
state there were gathered citizens of that
commonwealth. North and south, dem.
ocrat and republican, here forgot all
questions that separated them on other
| grounds, and chatted amicably together
with the diplomats who were present In
large numbers. The senate representa-
tion was rather light, possibly because 80
many of them had been present at the
diplomatic and Judiciary receptions; and
Ia number of them, no doubt, deferred
greeting the president socially until the
brilliant army and navy reception tina,
will bring the social season at the White
House to close next Thursday night.
Henry G. Payne, the new postmaster gen.
eral, and Mrs. Payne made their first
public appearance together In official 80.
ciety. at this reception, and Whitelaw
Reid, the newly appointed special am.
bassador to the coronation of King Ed.
ward, had come from New York to be
present. Senator Depew and his bride
remained away, to the disappointment oi
many who had expected to see them.
At the capitol the trend of affairs has
been significant rather than conclusive
The legislation regarding the use and
manufacture OF oleomargarine is to be re-
ported from the house committee on ag
riculture In more drastic form than the
Grout bill passed by the house last year
The real fght will come when it gets te
II tho f7a0r NJ tho houao opd tho oonAao%3oc
interests, all Of them claiming to be II
the lines Of agricultural industry, beglr
to make the fight between ''cow butter
and ''steer butter" The cotton-seed Of
industry will also have an interest Al
stake. The urgent deficiency bill wa.
passed Friday, with little interest In th,
debate beyond that caused earliertin tn.
week by the vote on the clause to provid,
shelter for the soldiers In the Philippines
Although 1t was a republican measure
sixteen democrats voted for 1t, and tn,
action Of one Of them, Cummings Of New
York, supplied dramatic touch to tn,
proceedings. As he voted he exclaimed
l"When refuse to vote for the protection
of an American soldier hope l may b,
paralyzed." Interviewed on his remark
, Ilater he justified his attitude by saying
"On the spur OF the moment 1 made I'd,
reply that did, and glory In 1t the NOR,
, lethat l think of it,
} The navy department still seems &,
Fhold the center OF the stage, or as dra
matte critic said, "Tries to carry the cen
/ ter Of the stage around with It." Admira
Schley's appeal to the president has .beel
referred back to the navy department, 70
, It.tcomment, " 80 It gets the last word 4
the controversy after all. Many o
ESchseV's peEtisans regret that he did no