New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-07-13
US. DIPLOMACY DEFENDED
Kahn. of California, Replies to
Henry, of Texas.
SALARIES FAR TOO SMALL
Achievements of Dollar Diplo-
macy" Related-Heavy Tax
on Dowries Suggested.
IRON Tho Tribune Buren, ]

Washington. July I2-Declaring that he
had little sympathy with those who crit
else public men. diplomats and others
simply because they have accumulated
wealth. Representative Julius Kahn. OF
California, delivered a speech in the House
to-day answering the remarks of Repre-
sentative Henry. of Texas, who recently
attacked the so-called dollar diplomacy.
Mr. Kahn spoke bv unanimous consent and
the House was glad II had given him the
privilege, for his speech bore evidence OF
careful research and study of the diplo-
macy Of to-day.
The California member traced the history
Of American diplomacy from 1855 10 the
present time. and said this government had
never paid its representatives abroad ade-
quate salaries and that Mr.. Henrys hom-
age to the democratic simplicity" of for
mer DAYS was paid 70 a myth. lie said IN
part:
The gentleman from Texas decries the
fact that men of large means are. inVarl-
ably selected TO IN the responsible diplo-
matte posts abroad. Let me say that from
the very outset the pay of our represents
tives abroad mas been entirely inadequate
and al every period in our country's history
matte missions have been compelled TO use
their private means in order TO maintain
the dignity Of their positions and 10 up
hold the honor Of their country. Thus
France. wrote n the Continental Congress
and 10 his own personal friends that i
was impossible for him 70 live on his sal
airy. He suggested more liberal sppro
priation. John Adams complained sadly
that his salary at Paris and The Hague
was insufficient 70 enable him 10 make 2
decent appearance at court and in society
He said truthfully that extreme parsi
mony IL NOT economy and he told Con
gress that his expenses had 'pinched and
straitened him confoundedlv."
II goes without saying that II our rep
resentatives abroad are ~ accept courte
sizes they are compelled IN return them
John Quincy Adams. probably the mos
experienced of all our diplomats, wrote r.
the State Department in 1915. The annu5
salary Of an American minister Is lnsufh
cient 10 support a man with q family
say NOT IN the STYLE Of high official rank
but in he deconCy becoming private gen
tleman.'
Referring to Mr.. Henry's criticisms n
American diplomats abroad. Of theil
wealth. and OF their alleged desire fol
kingly favors." Representative Kahn said:
Al no time in the history of the Republic
have the American ambassad doris or min
isters "a foreign courts been less obSe
qUlous. been dressed in simpler clothes, re
sorted as little 10 fnesse and chicane, con
Quoted more important and far-reachns
negotiations with candor and directnes'
that have never been exceeded IN our for
eign policy than has the American diplo
mat under the leadership and guidance 81
the lamented John Hay and the able and
distinguished Elihu Root and Philander G
Knox And. I say further. that at no time
has American diplomacy achieved greater
results than during the period these three
I. L. LIZ IL 80 -