Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-09-20
GREECE TO TRY AGAIN
Will Establish a Legation in
This City.
MINISTER HERE IN 1888
Couldn't Stand Public Interest in His
Official Uniform.
CONSUL GENERAL IN CHARGE
Some Reasons That Probably Infiu-
enced the Athens Government to
Make Its Recent Decision.
MINISTER HERE IN 1888
CONSUL GENERAL IN CHARGE

The marvellous increase in the flow OF
Grecian emigration into the United States
is believed to be the reason for the de-
cision of the government at Athens to
establish Greek legation in Washington
The State Department has not been Of
ficially advised Of that decision. but 1t Is
by no means surprised. Although the
diplomatic business between America and
Greece. insignificant in volume for many
years past, has been always satisfactorily
managed directly through the American
legation at Athens and the Greek foreign
office or by the State Department here and
Mr.. Botassi, the Greek consul general at
New York, it is believed that the rapid
growth of Grecian immigration, bringing
in its wake many questions Of citizenship
and property rights and claims. has inf1u-
enced the Grecian government in this mat
ter. Also the fact is undeniable that the
growing importance Of America as a world
power has had a certain effect upon the
government at Athens. which desires to
cultivate closer relations with the giant
republic of the west.
Rather Anomalous Relations.
The diplomatic relations between Amer
lea and Greece have In fact been rather
anomalous for many years past. Although
the Greek government has not maintained
Greek legation in Washington, America
has always been represented at Athens by
a minister the incumbent being John B.
Jackson. who also is diplomatic agent for
Bulgaria Had Greece been a larger power
the situation would have been impossible
and it would have been necessary to with
draw the American minister in accordance
with diplomatic etiquette. But the State
Department well knew that the Athens gov
eminent meant no disrespect toward Amer
lea. and was probably moved only by con-
siderationS of economy and dearth of dip
lOmatic business.
So it happens that Greece has only had
two regularly accredited ministers to
Washington so far as the records show.
The first was Alexandra RHO Rangabe.
who came here as envoy extraordinary
June r. 1867. and took up his residence
In what was then fashionable part of the
city-252 street northwest He remained
here about two years. and. when he retired
Mr.. Botassi. the present consular general in
New York. remained here as charge.
The Last Minister Here.
March 1. 1888, a new minister arrived in
the person Of Jean Gennadius, and he was
the last up to this time. He stayed very
short time, and then went to London, to
which capital he was also accredited. A
reminiscent official holds that one reason
for the minister's short stay was his in
ability to Withstand the manifestation of
obliged to appear in the national Greek Of
fetal uniform. This Is a remarkable crea-
ton from American point of view. the
principal feature consisting of an accor-
dion-pleated petticoat of stin white cloth.
which never failed to arouse the curiosity
OF the admiring throng whenever the I'M
fortunate minister was obliged to make his
appearance at some public function.