The Butler County press. [volume] (Hamilton, Ohio) 1900-1946, 1916-11-03
A CONSUL'S DUTIES
They Are Highly Important From
a Commercial Viewpoint.
HIS WORK is ALL FOR TRADE.

He Must Guard ZeaIousy the Interests
of Our Land In Shipping Matters and
In All Lines of Business, and Must
Be Ever Alert and Tactful
Ii the United States were so great
that it could be entirely Independent of
the rest of the world it would need no
diplomatic or consular service. but no
country in the world is so great as
that.
The diplomatic representative must
concern himself very largely with po
litical matters, must be in constant
communication with the leading states
men and with the court-if there Is
one-in the country TO which he Is ac-
credited; he must give dinners and
parties and mingle in what Is called
society" but he is useless if only
ornamental.
The consul is expected to occupy
himself with all commercial matters,
TO guard jealousy the shipping inter
ests of his country and to report ex
haustiyely to his government ON con-
ditions of trade as far as they affect
the interests Of his country. He does
not have to spend 50 much money for
social entertainments Us his colleagues
in the diplomatic service or worry so
much about the irksome details Of pre-
cedence and etiquette Except on very
rare occasions he does not so to court.
The consular service of the United
States is growing in importance and
efficiency every year Commercial
questions between nations are the
causes very often of difficulties that
the diplomatic representative must try
to settle, but the foundation Of the
practical side of our diplomacy rests
on the consuls On their experience
and alerness depend our trade oppor-
tunities
The consul deals in a business way
with business people and he must
learn their methods of managing af-
fairs. There are young men who look
on experience in American consulates
as the best possible preparation for
active business at home But, as
rule, those who enter the public sery-
Ice III foreign countries ought to make
II their life work, especially as our
government has taken the wise course
of making it a career and not a re-
ward for political Loyalty.
A consul may live as quietly as he
pleases; he is not expected to entertain
eifbaf, yiSitino Au,o,,ica,,e ar Tho ,,,,a,,1o
OF the country in which his post is
The reports that he must make often
interest him greatly, his advancement
now depends ON his efficiency He
must have tact and he must be able
to adapt himself to new conditions
lie should NOT overlook any chance to
further the interests of his country,
but our government does not expect
It's representatives g be utterly selfish,
and usually the consul finds that he
does best when he helps toward the
progress OF both countries
Inc examinations for consulships are
held at certain intervals IN the state
department at Nashinston A candi-
GATE can obtain examples Of eXamina-
'40N H''H'i"i9 v liI Will SHOW MN
very plainly the subjects that lie must
master II, while at school or college.
ne determines to enter the consular
service he can acquire the necessary
information from the state department
and mold his studies in accordance
with the object in view
Tie state department is always in
need Of serious minded men for sery-
ice abroad and, in spite Of the seem
ing necessity ef political influence,
man Of merit and perseverance is sure
10 get his opportunity to enter the
service. lie may have 10 begin, to be
sure. IN some desolate place in Arabia
or in some unWholesome spot I'm China
but when be has proved his efficiency
the department Of state Will give him
the proper promotion
4 man who enters the foreien service /
must reconcile himself 70 leaving his
American surroundings. lie is entitled
70 leave OF absence with permission
10 VISIT the United States, probably ev-
cry second year But OF course the
adppt ada hin 5j9snif 's f. f5a 'g"sG rs ile must must