The daily Alaskan., 1917-01-09
A CONSUL DUTIES
They Are Highly Important From
 a Commercial Viewpoint.
HIS WORK IS ALL FOR TRADE.

m All LtnSS VI EkSilSSSi 0hN "SSA
 Be Ever Alert and Taotful.
 If the United States were so great that 1t could be entirely independent of the rest of the world 1t 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- ntical 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 jealously the shipping inter- ests of his country and to report ex- haustively to his government on con- ditions of trade as far as they affect the interests of his country. He does not have to spend so much money for social entertainments as 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 go 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 alertness 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 a rule, those who enter the public serV- ice in foreign countries ought to make 1t their life work, especially as our government has taken the wise course of making it a career and not re- ward for political loyalty.
 A consul may live as quietly as he pleases; he is not expected to entertain either visiting Americans or the people of the country in which bis 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. He should not overlook any chance to further the interests of his country, but our government does not expect its representatives to be utterly selfish, and usually the consul finds that he does best when he helps toward the progress of both countries.
 The examinations for cOnsulst1ps are held at certain intervals In the state department at Washington. A candi- date can obtain examples of examtna- tiOn questions which will show him very plainly the subjects that he must master. If, while at school or college, he 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.
 The state department Is always In ,p r,,;rInl for ice abroad and, in spite of the seem- ing necessity of political influence, man of merit and perseverance Is sure to get his opportunity to enter the service. He may have to begin, to be sure, in some desolate place in Arabia or in some unwholesome spot in China, but when he has proved his efficiency the department of state will give him the proper promotion.
 4 man who enters the foreign service must reconcile himself to leaving his American surroundings He is entitled to leave of absence, with permission to visit the United States, probably ev- cry second year. But of course the IIID uULuG uIGduS GA ApGASC' A4O HANSh adapt himself to the ways of a new country and show himself sympathetic, firm, alert and tolerant, and he must often learn a new language. The sal aries in the consular service begin at $2,OOO and end at $12,000.
 The usual objection that the positions of neither secretaries of legation nor consuls are permanent does not hold under the law as it Is now. Since the reorganization of 1906 no man has been dropped from either service for political reasons.
 The foreign service of the United States offers great opportunities to the right man and also many chances for patriotic self sacrifice. As in all other vacations of life, man ought to have a special inclination for 1t and a de- Youring desire to make himself as fit as possible for the work. There is no doubt that 1t will become, as the years go by, more and more worthy Of the consideration of earnest, energetic and well educated Amerlcans.-Hon. Mau- rice F. Egan in Youths Companion.