New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-10
CONSULAR REORGANIZATION.

No doubt is entertained that the Lodge bill
providing for a reorganization Of the consular
service. which was favorably reported to the
Senate at the last regular session by the Com
Inittee Oh Foreign Relations, viii be earnestly
pressed on the attention Of Congress this win
Ter. It is TO be observed that the various COM
mercial organizations which are making an
active and intelligent effort to procure the en-
RctmeDt into law Of the main principles en-
bodied in the Lodge bill, while not committed
exclusively 10 that particular measure, are,
nevertheless in substantial agreement as to its
merits, and do not appear to think that it re-
quires any important changes These are it's
chief provisions: The abolition Of fees payable
10 consuls and the substitution Of fixed salaries,
except in the case OF a few consular agents; a
systematic classification Of consuls; application
Of the merit system in appointments, insuring
some knowledge Of commercial resources and
requirements and the command Of French,
German Spanish in addition to English; eli
gibility for promotion; permanency Of tenure
80 long as high efficiency and good conduct are
maintained II, possibly, some minor amend
anents TO the bill as it was reported are ad-
T1sable If is clear that its essential features are
adapted to the purpose which II seeks TO &C.
complish-
II is just and proper TO say that this move
nent for reform is not intended, and should not
be regarded, as a reflection on the character
and qualifications OF a majority Of the men,
bers Of the service as ii is now constituted. It
Is undoubtedly true that until within recent
years American cOnsuls have not as q rule,
been credit to the country. though too little
discrimination has been shown in the censure
20 which the service has been subjected. Sc
aected at the pleasure Of politicians, without
- n lnofr
De removed at the first change Of administra-
don, they have too seldom endeavored to supply
aheir original deficiencies, while those who have
exhibited zeal and developed capacity have too
seldom been permitted TO survive the period of
Rpprenticeship. But there Is much gratifying
testimony 70 a recent and progressive improve
rnent OF the standard. The policy OF the State
Department under Secretary Hay has been to
r,romote men OF experience and proved quail
fcations TO the more important posts. and the
President has signihed bis intention OF con-
firing first appointments to applicants whose
credentials indicate ability rather than infu-
ence.
There is no reason 70 doubt that this process
OF transformation OF which the valuable re-
suits are already widely recognized, viii be
continued SO long as Mr.. Roosevelt is at the
head Of the government even If the law re-
mains unchanged. But II IS exceedingly desir-
able that the character Of the consular service
should be no longer subject 10 political yicissi-
audes or Presidential proclivities. 1t is rather
for the sake Of perpetuating the conditions
which have been voluntarily promoted under
this administration than because Of dissahsfac-
ZION with the existing service that the adVO-
Gates OF the Lodge bill are appealing to Con-
eress Commercial competition is becoming so
intense that the United States cannot afford 70
deprive itself of tie advantages which a faith
ful performance OF their duties and a slzilful
cultivation Of their opportunities by its con-
Eular officers VIII secure. The prosperity Of the