The Washington herald., 1910-01-16
Representative from Costa
RIGA Would Be Dean
of Corps Had Larger
Nations Not Raised Le-
cations to Embassies
Recently.
By CHARLOTTE VI. coxGER.

% important
countries with which the United States
maintains diplomatic relations. Joaquin
Calvo, Minister from Costa RIGA, would
be dean or the diplomatic corps a not
unimpOrtant Office. since his deanship IS
the arbiter of all official and social ques-
tons that concerns the corps and takes
precedence Of his colleagues. This office
was once held by the minister from the
dark and diminutive republic OF Haiti,
Mr. Preston. who represented his gov
eminent here for long period, and It
has never been filled by a more accomp-
nshed or agreeable man.
Mr.. Calvo has lived more or less IN the
United States since he first came here
as charge daffaires in 1891, the younger
OF his children were born in Washing
ton, his eldest son is a graduate OF West
Point. and younger son IS now a cadet
there: his daughters were educated at
private schools in the Capital. and the
whole Calvo family is so thoroughly
Americanized that 1t IS difficult TO think
of them as belonging TO another country.
But the fact that he is so we'll acQuaint-
ed with America. that he so perfectly
understands the American people, and
the American esprit. adds greatly TO Mr..
Calvo's usefulness. and the sister repub-
lies Of Costa Riea would do we'll 20 fol-
low her example and. instead OF con-
stantly changing their diplomatic repre-
sentativss. as has been their custom. TO
tain them AT post. after they have IA
miliarized themselves with the intrica-
ri 90 - ~
try TO which they are accredited. as long
as they acquit themselves with credit.
Attained Honors at Home,
Although a comparatively young man
when he was first accredited TO the
American Capital. 8ir. Calvo had al
ready attained honor and distinction IN
his own country. His administration as
governor of the province OF Carthagena
was most Creditable: he reorganized the
police service of Costa RiCa on modern
lines. he established and edited the first
daily paper ever published in that cOun-
try. and he taught its farmers how 90
develop and improve their lands.
Mr. Calvo's first diplomatic post was
as secretary Of the International Amer
lean conference, the forerunner OF the
Pau-Americau congresses, which was
held in Washington, at the suggestion OF
Mr.. Blaine. IN 1889; and two years later
he was a delegate TO the monetary con-
gress, and was ut the same time appoint
ed charge d'affaires. tt was while hold
ing this Office in 1892 that Mr.. Calvo
negotiated the reciprocity treaty between
his country and the United States. and
he had charge OF the Costa Ricau sec
ton al the Worlds Fair, Mr.. Calvo was
promoted to the grade Of minister resi-
dent at this capital in 1895 and three
years later was made minister plenipo-
Tertiary.
The next oldest minister as regards
longevity OF service is Phya Akharaj
Naradhara, the envoy from Siam. who
presented his credentials IN December,
1901, and has only recently returned from
a long leave OF absence. covering a pc
Rod OF three years, which was devoted
10 regaining his health During the min
isters long vacation Phya Ratanayaptf
acted as charge d'affaires. and was one
Of the most interesting and distinguished
figures IN tlet diplomatic circle
He was tall, slender, graceful, with the
clear. yellowish complexion, Ike old
ivory, of the Orientals; brilliant. deep-set
eyes. thin, classic features, hair and
mustachs both prematurely gray, and
with a mystical expression that caught
the attention Of the passer-by and set
him to wondering. Occidental education,
Occidental affiliations had seemingly lit
tie effect upon him, and one felt that
beneath the European habillments the
European COnventiOnalities TO which he
had subscribed, the old school Oriental re-
manned.
Belongs to Progressive Group.
Mr. varadhara is OF quite a different
type. He belongs to the young and
progressive group in his kingdom, and
in HIS speech. manner. and appearance
would PASS for an American OF an Eng
lishman; but then he lived for ten years
in England. was educated there, holds an
oxford degree, and since hls hoyhood
has been constantly associated with Eng
lishmen, OF whom there are a generous
quota IN the government service Of Slam,
especially In the diplomatic branch OF
that service. One OF the best known OF
these is the present secretary Of the
Siamese legation. Mr.. LOTUS. who has
been in the service ever since he reached
his majority, and holds much the same
position in the SIamese legation as that |
held by the late Durham White Stevens |
in the Japanese Embassy.
When Mr.. Varadhara had completed /
his studies IN England he returned to |
Bangkok and entered the foreign ofice.
where he acted as secretary TO the minis |
ter Of foreign affairs, Iater/ilo VS. trans
ferred 10 the local government. and was |
fer a number of years chief OF police at /
the Siamese capital, resigning this ONCE |
10 accept the appointment TO Washington /
where he has been persona grata not
only in Official but social circles.
In the latter, indeed. he Is a shining /
light. and with reason. for he is an ac-
compIished host and appreciative guest.
He entertains constantly and well. and
IS especially popular at the. Chevy Chase
Club. with which he has identified him
self. OF which he is one Of the most
inspiring and useful members. Attracted
by all outdoor sports. he has shown
especial interest in golf and gives every
year silver cup for the golf tournament
Represents Portugal Here.
Visconte de Alte, formerly known as
Jose Francisco de Harsa Murchada de
Franco, and raised to his present rank
shortly before he was accredited here
presented his credentials to President
Roosevelt May /, 1902. in speech thai
was more eloquent because Of the evident