The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-15
THE CONSUL WAS NOT


Golfers Weekly
1t is not alone on the chessboard of inter-
national politics that Secretary of State
John Hay displays his diplomacy. He is a
strategist of M mean order in foiling the
moves of powerful opponents in the game of
congressional spells.
Not long ago well-known Western repre-
sentative in Congress was chosen United
States senator. He Immediately began to fig
ure what was really due him from the gov
eminent in the way Of patronage. Already
powerful in the Republican councils of his
State. the new senator bethousht 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 avail
able timber for. official snecures The clam
or for office was deep, loud and insstent.
The new senator pondered over the preroga-
tives that, righsfully or unrightfully belong
to the toga-beasers of the Nation. He finally
saw his opportunity. At least he thought he
did.
Straightway with true senatorial dignity
he summoned four of his henchmen. He
promised them choice berths in the consular
service. Such appointments are recognized
senatorial pereuisites. He took his four
friends to the State Department, and
brushed past tie sable-hued messenger, who
vainly tried to. explain that Secretary Hay
was busily engaged on pressing information
al matters. TIL. senator and the quartet of
would-be officeholders stalked single file
toward Secretary Hays desk
II am Senator Blank" said the senator.
Good morning, replied the author of
Little Breeches."
"And these are Mr.. -" etc, "of my
State" added the senator.
The secretarg quietly nodded recognition
Now, Mr.. Secretary" continued the sena-
tor. 1--WE beer examining the consular list
and find that my great commonwealth is
not adequately represented there. My State
hasn't its quota Of places. and 1 have now
selected some Of the desirable posts for some
of the deserving men of my State"
A cold. impeaetrable expression stole over
the face of the premier of the Roosevelt
Cabinet. 1t was look he assumes on occa-
sions of grave moment, and one that a num-
Der of the diplomatic corps have learned to
recognize as sign to look to their laurels
For instance?" suggested Hay.
We'll. here's Stuttgart. It's good post,
pays well and. desirable all around. / would
like that appointment made first
Certainly. Wait moment. I'll look into
it," And Secretary Hay pressed a button.
Send for the appointment clerk" he or
dered. The latter hurried in.
Mr.. Hays face became as solemn as the
visages of the fGoths in the olden days Mr.
Mosher," he Inquired, why did not you re-
port to me that the consul at Stuttgart is
dead?'
But. Mr.. Secretary"
II want to xnow. sir. why you failed to
report that fact to me?'
But, Mr.. Secretary, we have no such re-
port-no adviees even to indicate that he
has been ILL.,"
"Sure?"
Certainly, Sir
Hay turned ITO the senator Senator" he
said. there's some mistake. You must have
been misinfor ned. The consul at Stuttgart
is still alive:
There was an awkward silence. The score
tary stood grim and sombrc. The four who
had coveted the foreign posts shifted posi-
ton uneasily. The senator boiled with indig-
nation. But suddenly. from somewhere in
his inner sul.consciousness, there came a
realization OF. the situation and of the flu
tility Of argument. He and his bevy OF po-
litical adhereSts lost no time I'm filing out
while Secretary Hay, confronted with prob
lens of worldwide moment, but none the
less ready. friend of consular reform
smiled and resumed the consideration of
treaty-maknk