The Washington times., 1909-10-17

ness IN which he has been engaged for
the department. was writing him a
letter,
Mr.. Buchanan spent the summer III
Europe on business, returned to this
country. aud then, about September Il.
went over again. No. he did not go
primarily on business of the STATE De
partment. just what his immediate
business WAS do not know positively.
As Is well known, he represented various
great American business concerns in
their dealings with foreign governments.
EFT was, I think, on some OF these
matters that he was In London; but in
oidentany lie doubtless was looking after
some matters IA which the State Depart
uaent has employed him ia his capacity
as a specialist in South and Central
American AFFAIRS.
If it is true that he is dead. 1t will
De a great loss, and fearful shock to
thousands OF friends all over the world.
There are few men living VIII" had so
many friends 50 widely scattered and
IN places of so much prominence
Wilson's Tribute.
Huntington Wilson. Assistant Score
gram was read 10 him. expressed him
self as similarly shocked. He, also,
while admitting that all the indications
pointed 10 the identity of the dead man
as the American diplomat. was Ioath to
believe the identification could be COM
plete: and he paid high tribute to the
work OF Mr.. Buchanan during the long
period Of his connection with the State
~ apartment.
Steps have been taken by the state
Department 70 have the American rep
resentative in London give the closest
attention to the case. Just as soon as
possible everything will be cabled to
The authorities here, that can be secured
ia London; but thus far the first news
10 Americans OF what seems likely to
DC q celebrated case has come through
The Times cable advices.
AIr. Buchanan has had one Of the
most remarkable careers that ever de
Neloped In the diplomatic service Of the
American Government. He was a plain
business man in a Western city score
nj years ago, with no dreams of a career
in diplomacy. and no suspicious OF his
especial fitness for such a career
A Democrat all his life, he was given
his first diplomatic appointment by
land went out OF Office Buchanan was
retained in his post, that Of minister to
-Arg entlua, because or the remarkable
success with which he had handled il,
and especially because all South Am
erica desired his retention there He
has arbitrated the boundary dispute be-
tween Argentina Snd Chile, which not
only prevented war between those COun-
tries. but laid the foundation of an en-
tente which in more resent times has
developed into CLOSE understanding,
enabling both countries to adopt pol
icy Of naval disarmament
Was Indispensable
A student Of all Latin-American sF-
fairs. and by dint Of earnest application
10 the subject a skilled diplomat in
All the technicalities OF that science
Mr.. Buchanan simply made himself in
dispensabIe. His very IsJest mission, to
which he was drafted by the Govern
rnent from his private business. was the
adjustment Of the mUddIe in Venezuela
a few months ago. Ee was sent as spe-
cial commissioner of the State Depart
ment. and so well did ne succeed that
OF the I'VE great claims against the
Venezuelan government which were
causing the difficulty with the powers,
he settled two out of court; he provided
IN the protocol which he had adopted,
FOR the settlement Of two more out of
court. and th4S have been thus settled
since; and the fifth is on its way 20 set
Element At The Hague arbitration court.
AIT. Buchanan had been appointed to
represent this Government ia that case,
and he was to have gone 10 The Hague
70 appear iu il. May Is next. One re-
suit Of his death Will, therefore, be the
necessity OF finding new man TO
handle that very important and deli
cate business.
Mr. Buchanan home is now in Buf-
Iaio, where his family Is at present.
William ]. Buchanan was a dealer ia
cfockery twenty wears ago in Sioux
CITY. II NAV be said that he founded a
new profession. 50 FAR as concerns
Araerica-that IF practical business ii
plomacy- He settled more rows, pre-
vented more wars. made friends of more
Eafions that We're disposed to be enc
mics, than any man, perhaps, OF MS
time His career has been really one OF
he finest illustrations Of the POSSIBLE
lies OF the public service in this coun-
try, for the man who has brains and
the courd &c 90 use them
Has Original Career
Agr. Buchanan had a career entirely
unique. He became a public character
Is general manager OF the Corn Palace