Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-06
Mrs Fosters relations with the widowed

Mrs. Fosters relations with the widowed
queen and her children.
Mr.. Foster came back from Spain to
practice law in Washington, and settled
down in a home-like residence here, but
that was not to be permitted long, ana,
I'm 1891. having been selected by Presl-
dent Harrison TO negotiate the reciprocity
treaties authorized by the Mckinley tar
in act, h was sent to Spain again to re-
new his acquaintance with the public men
of that kingdom, and to conclude one or
the most important commercial treaties
that has ever been submitted to the
United States Senate for ratification.
He gives US a history of the important
part he took in the reciprocity policy in
augurated by President Arthur. and re-
vived by President Harrison in the Ber-
ing sea and Alaska boundary arbitrations
and the peace conference at The Hague,
where he represented the Chinese gov
eminent. 1t was a remarkable experience,
and although the writer touches lightly
upon some of the most important features
Of the negotiations these chapters con.
tain a most satisfactory explanation OF
the several controversies and the basis
upon which they were settled.
China's Adviser.
One Of the most important acts of the
authors life, to which he devotes especial
attention, was the peace negotiations be-
tween China and japan after the war OF
1895. The chief commissioners were the
late ii Hung Chang and the lamented
Prince Ito, who was SO cruelty aSsassi-
mated in Manchuria the other day. Mr..
Foster does not give himself full credit
for what he did on that occasion. nor
does he give an adequate explanation or
the significance of his advice or the eff
feet of his influence upon the subsequent
policies of the hostile nations. 1t may be
inferred in a measure, however, from the
fact that committee of japanese states
men and business men led by Baron Shi-
buSawa, the leader of the commercial
commission that Is now visiting the
United States, showed their appreciation
by presenting him with a handsome pair
of cloisOnne vases and an address in
recognition OF the perfect tact that Mr..
Foster exercised throughout a period OF
difficult and complicated negotiations: and
as a proof that the japanese can distfn-
guish and appreciate services rendered i'm
the highest interests of humanity. even
though en- enemyS benefit may be the
immediate object OF their performance"
Very few people know that at the con-
clusion of these negotiations Mr.. Foster
was invited to remain in Peking as the
perma nent adviser OF the Chinese govern
ment. and IL he had accepted that re-
sponsib.lity the subsequent history Of
that part of the world might have been
entirely different.
Annexation of Hawaii.
Mr.. Foster. as Secretary of Stale. took
an active part in the transformation Of
Hawaii from a Kingdom to a republic
and the subsequent annexation of the is
lands TO the United states. !fc gives us
all inside account Of that Attain ard tells
us all about the conference 1T The Hague.
Several other events Of International i'm
pOrtance in which he participated are de-
scribed, but | think the most interesting
portions of the two volumes ere those de-
voted to the personal experiences of Mrs.
Foster and himself and his estimates of
the character of the famous men with
whom he has had to do.
Chapter XXXIX is devoted to an esti-
mate of presidents Under Whom Have
Served" The next chapter is devoted to
1.-The Secretaries of State" with whom he
has been associated. beginning with Ham,
ilton Fish, when his department occupied
the building now used as an orphan asy-
lum on 1ith street. There is a good deal
Of personal gossip in these chapters which
illustrate the characteristics. the habits
and dispositions of federal men who have
held high positions under the govern
ment. Mr.. Foster does not hesitate to ex-
press his opinion of their personality. or
to pass judgment upon their official rec
Ords.
Everybody will read with especial pleas
IRE his cordial tributes paid to Justice
Day and Secretary Hay and his personal
and official relations with Mr.. Blaine are
discussed with a genial affection for that
remarka BILE man.
Lie IN w aSQluRIOu.
The concluding chapter is devoted TO
Life j., Washington of which no one
has q NOR thorough knowledge than Mr..
and Mrs. Foster. whose horne has been
the scene of cordial hospitality ever since
they retired from public life. Il is filed
with testimonials which Mr.. Foster has
received at different times at home and
abroad. gifts from great personages, me-
mentces of memorable experiences and
events and many unique objects that have
been collected during their travels.
The two volumes are illustrated with
portraits of Mr.. and Mrs. Foster and
celebrated people who have been assocl-
ated with their lives.
Mrs. Fosters contributions appear in'
the form Of letters which her husband
has interpolated here and there In the
text as containing better descriptions
than he could write of some novel ex-
perience. Mrs. Foster has been urged
to write her memoirs, under the title of
1.-The "reminiscences of a Happy Wom-
an" and II she would do SO her multi
tudes of friends would be gratified.
The uninterrupted happiness of the
married life of Gen. and Mrs. Foster was
crowned last September by the celebra-
ton Of their golden wedding at their
summer home at Henderson Harbor. on
Lake Ontario, when they were reminded
Of the respect and affection in which they
are held by bushel or two OF letters