New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-12-06
TRAIN DIPLOMATS
TO IMPROVE OUR FOR
EIGN SERTICE.
Merit System Established bu
the President at Mr.. Kno.r's
Ngggesti0n.

Washington. Dec. s.-Another ste,
toward the Improvement OF the fors,,,,
service ~ the United states and tou,sr5
g broader field Of activities ard usef,,,-
ness on the part Of AmeNea's iiploma,i,
and consular officers has been taken nv
Secretary Knox. Acting on his suxyes-
ton President Taft has issued an exec
itive order which makes II compulsor,-
for al young men entering the diplo-
matte service 20 take examination.
orcns the way for advancement by mo-
motion in the diplomatic service and in
sures tho keeping at the State Densrt-
merit of careful record OF the u-or,.
done ~ al diplomatic representatives
ri this country. Efficiency and industry
are 70 be rewarded and the communica-
ton and cooperation between the dinlo-
mstic and consular services are To- he
made closer. with the object Of savanc-
iug Americas prestige in foreign coun-
tries and developing more profitable
trade relations.
Nj. Knox has realized FOR some time
that TIE diplomatic service could he
much improved by the INTRODUCTION Of
more capable Young men. who. growing
I'D in the service. would learn its impor-
isn't details and acquire experience
which would n them for important mis-
SONS. In letter 10 the President ex-
planning his reasons for recommending
improvements Mr.. Knox points out that
Tho great political and commercial
growth % the United States has brought
rev and subtle problems which only
trained and efficient foreign service can
adequately solve. He declares that i'm
mediate Improvement in the diplomatic
service is necessary. and 20 this end he
Fss appointed an examining board which
VII inform itself as TO the qualities tons
Of al candidates for the service. and will
make r. certain that no man shall be
appointed secretary 10 an embassy or
legation who has not the ability and
chsrscteristics which AZ him for the du-
r5as required OF him. He has provided
Tor = system Of promotion whereby
Young man entering the service as a
third secretary may in time BECOME a
minister
From tire 20 time the State Depart
-0eut win report 10 the President the
names n those secretaries in the diplo-
matte service who have special capacity
for tho work and who deserve promotion.
NJ Knox has decided that the initial
positions IN the service such as third
secretary of an embassy OF secretary 20
rhe smaller legations. on the examining
board he has placed tho Assistant Secre-
ra~v - state the solicitor for the De-
rartment Of state. the chief Of the dip
'0mstic bureau. the chief 81 the board OF
appointments and the chief examiner az
Inc civil Service Commission. he has
outlined the general scope OF the eN-
sr7instions which must be passed. They
81 include international and diplomatic
law. At least one modern language. a
studs az the resources and commerce OF
the United States. American history and
knowledge % tho history Of Europe.
south America and the Far East since
1859.
SECRETARY KNoX's LETTER.
Secretary Knox's letter 70 the Presi-
dent follows
Departments OF state.
Washington. NoveuD Der D. 1873.
~.
ras remarkable growth ~ the political
and commercial foreign rels tlOns % Ire
r--'raS states and tho increasing difficulty
0r INC problems growing out OF these re-
f--i0rs which have 10 be dealt with through
r-e iuetrlmentalirv Of the diplomatic ser
nee make n apparent that some improve
rrerr should speedily n made N the or
.---i cation Of that service. II seems par
-.-..farlz. desirable that IN the interest OF a
more ef7cieut foreign personnel an eTort
b .arIf ~ rlade 10 test more fully me quail
-=r--ious Of Young men DESTROYS OF enter
~ rre diplomatic service as secretaries
and 20 provide regulations which shall tend
f. encourage such . degree or er1clency
r- rhe part NJ secretaries as may JUSTIFY
-.=-- promotion 10 the higher grades ana
Ultimately 20 the grade OF minister u Il
'-o er fh@ highest importance mat there
: 1-lid 10 = closer relationship between the
-E.o branches OF the foreign service ana the
department OF State than has hitherto eA-
SIZED
With view 20 the attainment 0f these
r- .ecfS I have the honor 10 submit tor
sour approval a draft OF an order proHlo-
= board OF examiners foT the dipio-
rla-ir service indicating the SUBJECTS ana
DDS Of examination and prescribing
..-rs .r other rules conducive 70 tnaf IN
cease ir rhe efficiency Of the depart
entail. diplomatic and consular personnel
IiCf appears 10 be 20 desirable.
have the honor 20 be, Mr. President,
fh great respect, very sincerely yours
j. 4. KNOX