Omaha daily bee., 1911-12-08

II Is believed that the time has come for
the amendment Of this feature OF the law
IN such way as to provide a graduated
means Of meeting varying degrees Of
discriminatory treatment OF American
commerce in foreign countries as well as
to protect the financial interests abroad
OF American citizens against arbitrary
and Injurious treatment on the part Of
foreign governments through either legis-
lative or administrative measures.
1T would also seem desirable that the
maaimum tariff OF the United States
should embrace within its puryiew the
free list. which Is not the case at the
present time. in order that II might have
reasonable significance TO the govern
ments Of those countries from which the
lmportations into the United States are
confined virtually to articles on the free
list
1.-THE fiscal year ended June 60. 1911
shows, great progress in the development
OF American trade. II was noteworthy
rs marking the highest record of exports
OF American products TO foreign coun-
tries. the valuation being in excess OF
s. 600, 10000. These exports showed a gain
over the preceding year Of more than
$500 100000
Need for American Merchant Marine
II need hardly reiterste tile conviction
that there should speedily be built UP an
American merchant marine. This Is
necessary to assure favorable transporta-
ton facilities to our great ocean-borne
commerce as well as to supplement the
navy with an adequate reserve of ships
and men. II would have the economic
aI Loo M Of pf 90
the vast sums now paid foreign shipping
for carrying American goods. All the
great con-nercial, nations pay heavy SUBJ
sides 10 their merchant marine, so that
Il Is obvious that without some wise aid
from the congress the United States must
lag behind in the matter OF merchant
marine in its present anomalous position.
Improvement of the Foreign Service
The entire foreign service organization
is being improved and developed with es-
pecial regard to the requirements Of the
commercial interests OF the country. The
rapid growth of our foreign trade makes
IL OF the utmost Importance that govern
mental agencies through which that trade
is TO be aided and protected should pos
sess high degree OF efficiency. Not
only should the foreign Representatives
be maintained upon a generous scale in
sofar as salaries and establishments are
concerned, but the selection and advance
ment OF officers should be definitely and
permanently regulated by law so that
the service shall not fail to attract men
Of high character and ability. The ex.
perience OF the last few years with
partial application Of civil service rules
TO the diplomatic and consular service
leaves no doubt in my mind OF the wis
dom OF a wider and more permanent ex-
tension of those principles to both
branches Of the foreign service. The men
selected for appointment by means of
the existing executive regulations have
been OF far higher average OF intelli-
gence and ability than the men appointed
before the regulations We're promulgated.
Moreover, the feeling that under the ex-
listing rules there is reasonable hope for
permanence of tenure during good be-
havior and for promotion for meritorious
service has served 10 bring about a zeal
Gus activity in the interests of the coun-
try, which never before existed or could
exist. IT is my earnest conviction that
the enactment into law of the general
principles OF the existing regulations can
not fail TO effect further Improvement in
both branches OF the foreign service by
providing greater inducement for young
men OF character and ability to seek a
career abroad In the service of the gov
eminent. and an incentive to those al
ready in the service TO put forth greater
efforts 20 attain the high standards which
the successful conduct OF our interna-
tionRl relations and commerce requires
Il therefore again commend to the
favorable action Of the congress the en-
actment OF law applying to the diplo-
matte and consular service the principles