Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-11-24
The CONSUL WHO was not Dead.

1t In not alone on the chessboard OF
international politics that Secretary OF
State John Hay displays his diplomacy.
He Is strategist of no mean order In
foiling the moves of powerful opponents
| in the game of Congressional sp0ils.
Not long ago q well-known Western
Representative in Congress was chosen
United States Senator. He Immediately
began to figure what was really due him
| from the Government In the way Of
patronage. Already powerful in the
Republican councils of his state, the new
Senator bethought himself of the added
glory of Government plums that should
be plucked by his party workers and
their friends. Their name was legion.
There was, in fact, glut In the market
of available timber for official sinecures.
The clamor for Office was deep, loud,
and insistent. The new senator ponder
ed over the prerogatives that, rightfully
or..unrightfully, belong to the toga-bear-
| ers of the nation. He finally saw his
opportunity. At least he thought he
Straightway, with true Senatorial
dignity he summoned four of his hench-
men. He promised them choice berths
| in the consular service. Such appoint
ments are recognized Senatorial per.
ouisites. He took his four friends to the
State Department, and brushed past the
sable .hued messenger, who vainly tried
| to explain that Secretary Hay was busily
engaged on pressing international mat
tiers. The Senator and the quartet OF
would be officeholders stalked single
file toward Secretary Hays desk.
"I'm Senator Blank" said the Senator.
"Good morning." replied the author
of "Little Brooches"
"And these are Mr.. -" etc. "Of my
State" added the Senator.
The Secretary quietly nodded recogni-
ton.
"Now, Mr.. Secretary" continued the
Senator, "I've been examining the consul
lar list and find that my great common
wealth is not adequately represented
there. My state hasn't its quota OF
places, and have now selected some of
the desirable posts for some of the de-
serving men of my state"
A cold, impenetrable expression stole
over the face of the Premier of theRoose-
welt Cabinet. 1t was look he assumes
II
that number of the Diplomatic Corps
have learned to recognize as sign to
look to their laurels.
'For instance?" suggested Hay.
"Well, here's Stuttgart. It's good
post, pays we'll, and desirable all around.
would like that appointment made
first"
"Certainly. Wait a moment. I'll
look into it." And Secretary Hay
pressed button. "Send for the appoint
ment clerk" he ordered. The latter
hurried in.
Mr.. Hays face became as solemn as the
visages of the Goths in the olden days
"Mr. Mosher," he inquired, "why did
not you report to me that the consul at
Stuttgart is dead?"
"But, Mr.. Secretary" ,
81 want to know, sir, why you failed
to report that fact to me?"
"But, Mr.. Secretary, we have no such
report-no advices even to indicate that
he had been ILL.,"
"Sure?"
Certainly, SIR" .
Hay turned to the Senator. SENATOR"
he said, sthere's some mistake. You
must have been misinformed. The
consul at Stuttgart is still alive"
There was an awkward silence. The
Secretary stood grim and somber. The
four who had coveted the foreign posts
shifted position uneasily. The Senator
boiled with indignation. But suddenly,
from somewhere in his inner sub-con-
seriousness, there came realization of
the situation. and of the futility of argu-
ment. He and his bevy of political ad-
herents lost no time in filing out, while
Secretary Hay, confronted with problems
of worldwide moment, but none the less
a ready friend of consular reform, smiled
and resumed the consideration of treaty
making.-COllier' Weekly.