New-York tribune., 1909-12-08
DEPARTMENT OF STATE.

! earnestly recommend TO the favorable
action of the Congress the estimates sub
mitted by the Department of State, and
most especially the legislation suggested
in the Secretary OF States letter of this
date, whereby IL will be possible TO de
velop and make permanent the reorganiza-
tion of the department upon modern lines
in a manner to make 1t thoroughly eth-
cent instrument in the fUrtherance of our
foreign trade and OF American interests
abroad The plan TO have divisions OF
Latin American and Far Eastern affairs
and TO institute a certain specialization in
business with Europe and the Near East
will at onco commend itself. These politico-
geogra aphical divisions and the detail from
the diplomatic or consular service to the
department of a number Of men. who
bring 10 the study of complicated prob
lens in different parts OF the world prsc-
tical knowledge. recently gained on the
spot. clearly is OF the greatest advantage
10 the Secretary OF State in foreseeing con-
ditions likely 10 arise and In conducting
the great variety OF correspondence and
negotiation. IL should be remembered that
such facilities exist in the foreign offices
of all the leading commercial nations. and
that TO deny them 10 the Secretary of
State would be 10 place this government
at q great ulSduNdii III hAAC AANo VI
commercial competition
The consular service has been greatly
improved under the law of April ). 1896. and
the Executive order Of June q, 1896. and I
commend 10 your consideration the question
of embodying in a statute the principles of
the present Executive order upon which
the efficiency of our consular service is
wholly dependent.
In modern times political and commercial
interests are interrelated. and In the nego-
tlation OF commercial treaties. conventions
and tariff agreements. the keeping open OF
opportunities and the proper support OF
American enterprises. our diplomatic ser
vice IS quite as important as the consular
service 10 the business interests Of the
country. Impressed with this idea and
convinced that selection after rigorous ex-
animation. promotion for merit solely and
the experience only TO be gained through
the continuity OF an organized service are
Indispensable 10 high degree of efficiency
in the diplomatic service, ! have signed
an Executive Order the first step tow
ard this very desirable result Its effect
should be TO place all secretaries in the
diplomatic service in much the same posi-
tiOn as consular officers are now placed
and 10 tend TO the promotion Of the most
leaving for outside appointment such
posts OF the grade of ambassador or min
lister as IL may be expedient 10 hH from
without the service. IL is proposed also To
continue the practice instituted last sum-
mer OF giving 10 all newly appointed secre-
taries at least one months thorough train
sng in the Department OF State before they
proceed 10 their posts This has been
done for some time in regard TO the con-
sUlar service with excellent results.
Under provision of the act OF August
:. 1909. have appointed three officials to
assist the officers OF the government I'm
collecting informa tion necessary 10 A wise
administration 81 the tariff act Of Au
gust 3. 1909. As 10 questions OF customs
administration they are cooperating with
tho officials of the Treasury Department.
and as TO matters OF the needs and the
eXigencles of our manufacturers and ex-
porters. with the Department of Com
merce and Labor. In its relation To the do
mestic aspect Of the subject OF foreign
commerce In the study of foreign tariff
treatment they will assist the Bureau of
Trade Relations OF the Department Of
State. IL is hoped thus to coordinate and
bring to bear upon this most important
subject all the agencies Of the govern
ment which can contribute anything 10 its
efficient handling
AS a consequence of Section of thu
tariff act of August 8. 1909. II becomes the
duty of the Secretary Of State TO conduct
as diplomatic business all the negotiations
necessary to place him in d position TO
advise me as 10 whether or not particu.
lar country unduiy discriminates against
the United states in the sense OF the stat
ute referred to. The great scope and
complexity OF this work. as we'll as the
obligation to lend all proper aid to our
expanding commerce. is met by the ex-
pansion OF the Bureau Of Trade Relations
as set forth In the estimates for the De-
partment OF State.