Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1913-08-09
JOHN LIND, SPECIAL ENVOY TO
MEXICO, INEXPERIENCED IN
DIPLOMATIC WORK.
MANY SEE FAILURE OF
MISSION sY uNTRIEp MAN
Washington Diplomats Ready to Ex-
claim 81 Told You So" IL Lind 10 Un-
sueesssfui-Think 1ryan's Policy Of
Picking Diplomats 10 Excuse to GIVE
Democrats Jobs.
Especial Correspondence

Washington, Aug s.-The mission OF
John Lind. of Minnesota, to Mexico is
being watched by officials and men in
congress, as we'll as In diplomatic
circles for one reason that is quite
apart from the question of whether
there is TO be restoration of peace in
Mexico.
This reason concerns the problem OF
whether the unframed, shirt-sleeves
representative of the United States
abroad can get as good or better results
than the trained diplomat. schooled In
all the usages and practices Of up-to-
the-minute diplomacy. 1t is well known
that the question is being widely asked
here by the sceptics:
What can John Lind. who knows
nothing about the Latin-Americans,
hope to accomplish in Mexico?"
And if Mr. Lind fails the chorus. OF
II told you SOS" will be long and loud.
On the other hand, if Mr.. Lind sue
ceeds his success will be hailed as a
victory for the shirt-sleeved order OF
diplomat. And there is already talk
that if he succeeds. his friends in Min
nesota will boom him for the senate.
Mr.. Bpan's Policy.
The situation is a reminder OF the
fact that since Secretary Bryan came
into office he has been advocating the
doctrine that ministers and ambassa-
doris should not be trained diplomats
but rather that the competent Ameri-
can citizen who is in close touch with
public sentiment at home Is the best
selection to head an embassy or lega-
ton abroad. Mr.. Bryan takes the same
view whe nit comes to the selection OF
men to head special missions. The
secretary of state. pursuing this idea,
has undertaken to get rid Of the trained
diplomats who head the embassies and
legations and supplant them with new
men.
Think Policy Great Mistake.
The charge is freely made that the
real reason Mr.. Bryan is advocating
this doctrine. which amounts to saying
that schooling in diplomatic methods il
all a fiction. is that he Is beset with
democrats who are hunting Office and
had to find some way to discover places
for them. Among some OF the members
Of the senate foreign relations commit
tee there is talk that the Bryan policy
is a great mistake and that 1t will be
felt sooner or later, especially in deal
ing with the Latin American countries
where various men have risen on meri,
thru years Of good service.
Nevertheless, there is plenty OF sup
port for Mr.. Bryan's policy and plenty
Of believers in the idea that diplomatic
training does not count for a great deal
and that the best diplomacy, especially
for this government, Is the diplomacy
Of plain speaking and direct action
Those who hold this view will not be
slow to rejoice II Mr.. Lind wins out
1t is true that IL Mr.. Linds mission is
success it will probably be due to thu
active cooperation Of powerful hnan-
cial interests In Mexico with the plans
Of this nation. Nevertheless, Mr.. Lnd's
trip will be Judged by results and II Il
| is followed by restoration OF peace IL
Mexico he will get the credit for it anc
the believers in diplomacy in shirt
sleeves Will acclaim it as triumph fol
| their views.