Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-09-26

Today is the anniversary of one OF the
most important events in the develop
ment of the American nation-the one
that marks the beginning OF its diplomacy
September 70. l116. the Continental Con-
gress made its frs. attempt 10 estab-
lish diplomatic relations with foreign
po.er hy appointing Benjamin Franklin
Silas Deane and Thomas Jefferson as
commissioners to France. as that country
was the only one that evidenced sufficient
friendliness with the new nation to war
rant such procedure.
The acceptance of the appointment of
foreign representatives at that time was
in itself a guarantee of patriotism. as
these earlier diplomats We're Obliged to
start secretly upon their mission. il being
considered inadvisable for them even 70
sail upon the same ship. The English
government regarded all Americans as
rebels. and any attempt TO secure friendly
relations with another nation would be
considered treason on the part of those
conducting the negotiations. In recogni-
ton of this. DIR. Franklin remarked be-
fore starting upon his mission 1T is bet-
ter to hang together than 10 hang sepa-
rateiy."
He took passage small and poorly
equipped boat which did not land him
in France until December The work of a
diplomat is not always speedy even today.
and 1t took a great amount of tact and
diplomacy on the part of Franklin and
his associates before the King of Franc
finally decided to recognize officially the
independence of the United states. II is
doubtful if it would have been brought
about as soon as il was had not the sur
render of Burgoyne given the French ad-
ditional confidence in the ultimate vic
tory of the Americans, and convinced
them that the United States might help
the French to retain their own territory
in the new world. Tine first treaty with
France was signed February O. ITS. and
is regarded as the most important diplo-
matte event of the revolution.
The second treaty made was with the
representative .'of their high might
nesses. the state
Treaty Is Made general of the
With Netherlands. Th ss'e ras Sc.
cured chiefly by the diplomatic skill OF
John Adams and was signed secretly.
Not long afterward Henry Laurens, an
| other American commissioner. was cap
tured by the British and imprisoned in
the, Tower at London. His papers were
confiscated. and among them was a copy
of the treaty with the Netherlands. The
capture of this secret treaty by the Brit
ish at that time was practically eauiva-
lent TO its annulment, and il very nearly
brought forth a declaration of war from
| England against the Netherla nds.
Between l77S and 1883 the diplomatic
representatives of the United States Sc
cured fourteen treaties with the more
important governments of the world. pro
| viding, to large extent, for peace neu.
! trality and commercial intercourse. SlS
/ of these We're with the French three
! with Great Britain. two with the Neither
| lands and one each with Sweden. Prussia
| and Morocco Franklin signed ten OF
| these, Adams seven. Jefferson three ano
| John Jay two, as il generally happened
! tina. more than one representative name
| appeared on each treaty.
Aside from the treaties affecting the
Welfare of their own nation. American
| diplomats have made valiant efforts &c
| help in the development of any nation tC
which they have been sent, and thei,
| service to the world has been most help
| full. Caleb Cushings work in China, lead
| ing TO the treaty of national reciprocity
and equal commercial privileges signed
July J. 1914. was largely responsible 70,
| bringing about the open door, for thu
! commerce of the world. Later Ansof
| Burlineame. who for several years wa.
attached to the American diplomatic
| corps at Picking, entered the service o
| the Chinese government with the full
| conSen. of his own. In 1855 he came Il
| Washington as the special Representative.
of the Chinese nation and signed a trat,
which is still known the Burlingam.
/ treaty.
/ *