Evening star., 1914-12-15
SAYS HERR|CK'S RECALL
WAS DUE TO JEALOUSY
Representative Gillett Declares Ohio
Politicians Regarded Ambassador
as "Too Popular"

In a speech in the House yesterday
Representative Gillett of Massachu-
setts made the charge that the admin
istration recalled Ambassador Herrick
from France because jealous Ohio poll
ticans believe former Gov. Herrick
was becoming too distinguished fig
ure by his services abroad:
What basis has the gentleman for
that" quickly asked Representative
Sherley of Kentucky.
Something More Than Rumor."
II have something more than rumor,
but / cannot give it and will not" re-
turned the Massachusetts republican,
who continued:
The selection of ambassadors has al
ways been partisan and personal. Al
though l have always favored putting
our whole diplomatic service on merit
basis and promoting as a reward for
efficiency, yet l have never thought IL
was vital. because it seemed to me that
in these days of cables and wireless an
amba sSador was only the mouthplece
of an administration, and his personal
ability was of no great moment II ne
creditably upheld the dignity of ms
country. The present war has led me
to revise my opinion in this as IN some
other matters. 1t teaches me how val
an ambassador who had friendly and
intimate personal relations with the
leading men of the country to which ne
was accredited and who could analyze
accurately their prevalent opinions and
purposes. How Invaluable to Germany,
for instance, last summer TO Know eX-
actIy the purposes and probable action
of England and Italy. But ordinarily
an ambassadors duties ana opportu-
mites are less important. During the
trying times of this war our foreign
representatives have met with ability
and wisdom the unusual emergencies.
/ do not think, however, 1t Is PARTISAN
ship which makes me feel that one
above all the others has distinguished
himself and won the unlimited admira-
tion and gratitude both of the people
among whom he was stationed and OF
his own fellow w-countrymen.
with no desire to disparage any one,
/ think bassador Herrick won for
himself unique position. ana we an
in this country may take pride In the
fact that when the French government
fed from Paris it was to our represent
atire that President Poincare said: !
commit to your charge the people of
Paris
Wins Position of Distinction.
He had won a position of distinction
and usefulness which fortune seldom
permits to any man, and 1t was with
great regret that learned OF MS re-
call l have the warmest regard and
respect for his successor. We learned
in this House to appreciate his ability.
his refinement, HIS courtesy. But Gov.
Herrfck has aftafned' such an unusual
prestige that felt he might well have
been retained until the emergency was
over, and this feeling was vastly inten-
sifed when the current rumor reached
ordinary routine. but because of selfish
partisanship, because Ohio politicians
demanded it, because Gov. Herrick was
rendering too splendid service, was
making America and himself too use
full was making himself a too popular
and dangerous opponent, and so the
yery glory of his service was the secret
and vital reason of his recall. And yet
an admin istration which can stoop to
this rebukes others for being partisan"