New-York tribune., 1909-11-14
KNOX NEEDS HELP
Necessity for More Assistants
an State Department.
IFrom The tribune Bureau.I

Washington. Nov. BIN diplomatic cir
cles there is practical unanimity Of opinion
that the Department of State should have
a legally authorized second secretary. or
under secretary. although there Is little
chance that this will be accomplished IL it
is sought to make the latter title official.
The last summer. while it has not been un-
usual i'm diplomatic activity. has served to
demonstrate beyond question that ,he for
eign relations Of the United States are de-
veloping by leaps and bounds. and that the
machinery 10 foster these relations Is capa-
BILE OF substantial Improvement.
1t has become apparent TO those who are
especially interested I'm the success of Sec
retary Knox's administration OF the State
Department that to place half a dozen i'm
portant diplomatic questions IN the hands
CT an Assistant Secretary at one time. IN
addition to his necessary routine work. Is
burdening that official to an unwise degree
and may cause dangerous delays. not to
say mistakes. in the progress and settle
ment of diplomatic problems. That such
mistakes have not frequently occurred Is
due entirely 10 the efficiency of the few
officials at the department and the earnest
ness with which the subordinates do their
work, but that such success can continue
interInlnably under such conditions Is hard
ly to be expected.
Secretary Knox's announced policy of de-
veloping the commercial relations Of the
United States has been hailed on all sides
as one OF the most important steps which
the State Department has ever taken, but
II imposes new and onerous duties on his
subordinates and will at all times be
seriously hindered unless more adequate as
sistance Is given to him When he as
sumed the portfolio he saw clearly that
the time had come for commercial develop
ment but he also realized that to bring
about the fullest development his personal
advisers would have to be more numerous.
He submitted his desires TO Congress, and
because the title of Under Secretary was
thought to SAVIOR OF continentalism, which
In the minds of certain statesmen spelled
aristocracy and intrigue. Congress did not
see fit TO grant his request
Later in the session he obtained an ap-
propriation OF 100000 for extension of
trade relations. and by utilizing a portion
of this sum he has been able TO obtain
the services of Henry NJ. Hoyt as counsel
lor TO the State Department. There has
been some confusion as TO the exact nature
of Mr.. Hoyt's duties. The situation at the
State Department with Secretary Knox alb
sent mas Deen referred 10 as an "anoma-
lous one" as no one knew exactly who
was the acting secretary, either Mr.. VIII
son or Mr.. Hoyt. The situation has, on
the contrary. been perfectly clear Mr..
Hoyt Is the adviser and counsellor of Sec
retary Knox. To him will be referred
many important questions. whether legal
or otherwise. No part OF his duty will be
TO act as Secretary or TO allow his posi-
tion to interfere with the regular pro-
cedure OF the department. His only duty
Will be TO decide questions which are put
before him by Secretary Knox for decision.
to confer with Secretary Knox when his
opinion Is desired, and to prepare digests
when the Secretary calls for them. Until
Congress makes a permanent appropria-
ton for him. he will bs paid out of the
appropriation for trade extension. or from,
the contingent fund. but IL is practically
a foregone conclusion that Congress. az it's
next session, can be brought TO see the
necessity for a man of Mr.. Hoyt's calfbre.
besides such other additions to the Stats
Department as Mr.. Knox may see At 10
recommend