The National tribune., 1909-09-23

organization. that It may keep up with
the new diplomatic and consular
regime
The diplomatic representatives of for
eign Governments keep we'll informed
about the Department of State. They
know when an efficient Secretary OF
State comes in They are recognizing
that Secretary Knox is the goods" The
force of his personality and his great
ability is not lost upon them The Sec
retary's name stands for something out
OF the ordinary in foreign chancellOries.
our foreign affairs in the years gone
ny have had to do chiefly with Europe
An Embassador or a Minister from
european country always has ranked
high in Washington Comparatively
Snldu recognition has been extended to
uipioHfdtS from Asia or South America.
inc esteem IN which European diplo-
mats nave been held has not been low
ered' but tne regard for the diplomatic
representatives of China. Japan and the
countries of Asia and South America
has increased. Greater attention is paid
to tnrm. The raising of Legations in
Japan. Mexico and Brazil to the rank of
Embassies is in itself an illustration of
the change. But it has been much
more marked than the elevation OF
diplomatic rank alone would signify
Broadening the Departments Scope.
Thus the State Department has been
broadening the scope of its interest in
foreign affairs, and Secretary Knox has
been quick to grasp the importance of
the larger field. The idea has By no
means been confined To the United
States. for some of the European coun-
tries have been beating our Govern
ment to it and making action impera-
tive unless we would be left far behind.
Japan sends ambassadors to the more
important European courts. Certain Of
the South American Republics have
been very willing to be represented in
Europe by ambassadors. The pressure
for representation Of higher rank has
by no means ceased. Argentine Repub-
lie wants to Ge represented at Washing
ton by an ambassador, because the peo-
pie of the Argentincs think they have
as big and prosperous and influential a
Republic as Brazil.
1t is not improbable that in the course
of a few years there will be four or five
ambassadors from South American Re
publics and as many from the United
States to those countries Even with
the decline of American shipping the
communication with South America is
constantly on the Increase. and the
countries to the South are getting bet
ter acquainted with us
Secretary Roots voyage around South
America few years ago was so prolific
of good results that it has been sug-
gested Secretary Knox make a similar
journey. 1t is not improbable he will
do so. The South Americans regard
themselves as highly honored when
Secretary of State of the United States
visits them. 1t encourages favorable
comment, starts the newspapers to
printing favorable articles and makes
the people talk. All this counts in the
long run Then. business and financial
knn in NaNr VnrIy f.l- 70 toll
advantage Of such visits. They send
their representatives right in, behind
the visitors, and almost invariably bag
good orders for goods or establish ar
rangements for facilitating business
which are important. Certain New York
banks sent men along after Secretary
Root, and achieved much toward the
establishment of the South American
Bank. which is now about to become a
reality.