The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1912-02-23
MONETARY DIPLOMACY.


Until very recent years it was q recognized
fact that the United States was a world power
by virtue of main strength and awkwardness
With some brilliant exceptions, the diplomatic
affairs Of the nation have been conducted by
men whose training has been had In the school
which teaches that arrogance is the privilege OF
wealth. AS a result, the American diplomat
was prone to do of two things upon dis
covering his ineptitude and ignorance: he blus
tered making himself ridiculous, or he toadied,
making himself contemplate. Always mindful
OF the exceptions. It has been on these alter
natives that the diplomacy Of this country has
rested In the regard of the world
When President Taft inaugurated move
ment 70 apply the merit system to the dplo-
matte service. there appeared on the surface to
be hope of reform. Men, presumably. would
win to high posts the result OF long eX-
perience and familiarity with their duties, At
least a knowledge OF the language of the coun-
try to which they would be accredited would
be a condition precedent to their appointment
Portfolios were no longer TO be the quid pro quo
of campaign contributions. No more would a
bluestockng Presbyterian be consit--e ed the
proper envoy to Rome. We were to put the
Diplomatic corps on the business basis~-the
has,s Of reasonable. and sensible. diplomacy.
lust how these roseate hopes turn out in
practice Ia we'll evidenced by the experience
Of Mr. John Ridgely Carter, for sixteen years
in the diplomatic corps who mas heid many
important posts. amerg them the delicate one
NJ minister to the Balkan States. Mr.. Carter,
who ia ms, now at his home In Baltimore. ex-
Mains how II was that he resigned after
having been named as minister TO Argentina
IN the Baltimore sun he Is quoted IN part As
follows:
Then came the offer of the post at Bnenos
ayres. , When informed thar W"ui"
he named ] expressed my "liii's Ias :" are
IT Is said in some quarters that ola not car
"a go 10 south America. This Is hni"nhu'o
! wrote to residents of i5uenos ASres ana ""
,tainei some information about the eos' Va
living found that servants hire was eN
iremeiy high House rent was even greater
than In New York. Imagine that
THE, cost OF food was far above ahSththS
in this country. | figured il all up, making
a careful estimate OF every cent would htEs
to spend. Then / saw that conlu not me-
the expenses with TIE money a'lo"eo NV ~
Il wrote to the government and asked that
a house be furnished mo ana "puiu '""N
the post This was not new thing. In many
countries the government pays for the mouse
of it's representative. In Berlin. beileVe' u"
allowance for a home for the ambassador more
than covers the actual rent My request was
rot allowed. Ther4s where the scheme
worked out Just 1t had been planned Ihey
knew could not stand the expense,
or his successor Mr.. Carter says that he viii
open large house and will entertain lavishly,
for he has the private fortune with which to
do It, s.s ] could not. Soon
mighty howl would have gone up to Washington
that the United States was I'll represented at
Buenos Ayres l considered all these things be-
fore asked for help"
In other words. the diplomatic service is still
TO be conducted rich mans trust The
promise OF reform Is made to the ear and
broken TO the hope. No donht4 when worthy
representative of tho government has worked
up TO the position where he Ia entitled to in-
portant posts, he viii. II In moderate circum.
stances, he permitted to resign as Mr. Car
ter was permitted to do. because he does not
care either TO humiiate his country or him
self SO long as such a practice ia condoned. it
Is not remarkable that the representatives Of
tho rTnited States abroad should ccntsnae 10
give point 10 an ancient jest.
POSTOFFTCE PROBLEMS.