Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-18
HOMES FOR AMBASSADORS
GOVERNMENT DUTY TO PRO-
VIDE SUITABLE BUILDINGS.
The Kaiser's Alleged Attitude To-
ward DR.. Hill, Owing to the Lat
ter's Lack of Great Wealth.

In the course of an appeal for govern
ment legation buildings abroad Mr.. Per-
kins of New York in the House of Repre-
sentatives yesterday afternoon, by impii-
cation charged that Emperor William
attitude toward David Jayne Hill as
American ambassador to Berlin had been
entirely due to social causes. That the
ambassador from the United States must
De a very rich man, he said, seemed to
be accepted in court circles. In the case
Ct Mr. Hill. he declared that mo one
oues toned his capacity. nothing he had
ever said or done was distaSteful to the
country to which he was accredited, but
those who find special pleasure in elab-
crate entertainment and in the splendors
social life. supported by multi-million-
aires. seem 10 have regarded as dlstaste-
full the prospect of a change in the social
regime" Plain living and high thinking
ne maint aimed apparently were not popu-
lar in all classes. 1t is quite evident,
said Mr. Perkins that If the recog-
ui:ed function of American ambassadors
iS to entertain with excessive l1bera1ty
and therein their usefulness is thought to
consist the sooner We are done with am
baSsadorS the better. Hospitality has lis
charms and dining and winning is cred
liable amusement, but, after all, 1t is not
for such purposes that We sustain dipio-
=.
may be useful adjuncts but certainly
they are not the recognized objects OF
diplomatic life If. he said. only mil
lionaires were fit for the duties expected
from American amba ssadors. then Amer
lean amba ssadors must soon cease to eN-
ist When the United States. he declared,
owned its own buildings there would be
"A better chance for the man of moderate
means to make ends meet. and less de-
mand for the muiti-miilionaire to expend
LIE. I, In. a 6iSnlaV
MIR. Hayden of Texas also touched upon
TIE question of wealth as a qualification
Tor foreign service I'm urging adequate
government maintenance for American
dinlomats abroad by providing suitable
r.sidences and fair salaries. He asserted
that unless it was done we will be vir-
tIally saying TO the world that the great
North American republic. despite its dec
Iaration of equality. has set aside certain
OF It's more important offices for the eX-
elusive enjoyment of the rich by making
II impossible for the citizen of small
means To Occupy them. The tendency
was growing more and more. he said. to
select men of large wealth for those
places.
Mr.. Slayden was willing to admit that
some rich men may be as accomplished
In statecraft as Motley. Lowell or Bay
ard but he said these really great
na,n should not have their memories in
sdltcd by mention in the same breath with
Il other class who are distinguished only
because they give costly dinners or pay
eXtravagant rent for the palaces they &C.
cuEy while socially exploiting themselves
Is american officials.
Touching the incident of Ambassador
Hill. whom the President named for the
Berlin post. Mr.. Slayden said:
Two great governments have just been
jolted by the mere replacing of one rep
lesen. alive by another. 1t was rumored-
| hose without foundation-that the sub
ctnution of a highly trained diplomat of
exalted character. but of limited means
for another who may be equally qualified
and who is a man of great wealth did
no. meet the approval of the sovereign to
whose court he was to be sent just be-
caused he was clasSed a poor man.
TIE juniors wer, denied from the court
OF that sovereign. and our diplomat. il
nov an"cars. is persona grata and will be
received
a.. tact. however. said Mr.. Slayden.
that such stories could be circulated
showed the state of mind of the public,