South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-01-02
Statesmen Real
and Near.
By Fred c. Kelly

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2.-This Eu-
ropean war would be a great deal
worse in its local aspects if it were
not for Eddie Savoy.
Eddie is the little old cOlOred man
who has been doortender at the office
of the secretary of state since as far
back as anybody can remember.
AS rule his duties are compare
lively simple, even though part of his
work consists of mothering the for
eign ambassadors and other diplo-
mats who call to see the secretary of
state.
Just now, however, the handling of
foreign ambassadors is a delicate
task, for one must be constantly on
the alert to prevent a meeting between
any two representatives Of the ma
tions now at war. If two ambassa-
doris from the warning countries were
to meet face to face they would not
speak, but would look off into space
with the distracted air of a man
trying TO make himself think he is
somewhere else.
This is that custom and precedent
may be fulfilled. The ambassadors
are all friendly enough with one an
other PERSONAL but If they were TO
nod or speak. It would only be au-
other step to passing the time of day.
And if they did that they might ex-
change small talk. From small talk
they might go TO war talk, and that
would not do at all. Thus II happens
that although Ambassador Jusserand
of France, dean of the corps, and Am
bassadOr Won BernstOrff of Germany
are good friends and much seen to-
gether in time of peace, either one
would be Mortified to be ushered into
the room with the other one just now.
To prevent such a scene is part of the
task OF Eddie Savoy, and he teens
with pride over the fact that so far
he has been successful. 1t is no small
job, either. Ambassador Spring Rice
of Great Britain does not like TO be
shown into the diplomatic waiting
room at all, even though none of the
representatives of the nations at war
are there. he prefers to avoid con-
tact with the diplomats Of all other
nations whatsoever, lest somebody
should accidentally start up an I'M
pleasant conversation.
So that makes one less room in
which to put the British ambassador,
and adds TO the responsibilities Of
Eddie savoy. AS a rule Ambassador
Spring Rice is ushered directly into
the private office of Mr.. Bryan.
When his visit is over Eddie Savoy
must make certain that no other am
bassador is lurking about the hallway
or anterooms.
Occasionally Eddie has TO shift an
am baSsador from one room 10 another
10 clear path, ard he does SO in a
quiet, motherly fashion that is dis
tinctive. An ambassador always feels
that he is amply protected from en-
barraSsing situations so long as Eddie
Savoy has him in charge.
Only once in his long career has
Eddie allowed two ambassadors to
meet while their nations were at war,
and that was during the Japo-Russian
war. The Japanese ambassador was
walking thoughtfully along the cor
ridor just outside the Office OF the
secretary Of state when he CHANGED TO
look up and found himself staring into
the face of the Russian ambassador.
Before he stopped TO think OF prece-
dents the japanese man nodded.
Il did not nod to the man, but to
his position as dean OF the corps,
/ insisted the japanese.
So strong is the aversion 10 a
chance meeting among the diplomats
OF that warning nations that none OF