Perth Amboy evening news., 1920-07-29
Great Interest
In U. S. Politics
BY w. S. MANN.
Copyright, 1920, by The Washing
ton starr


WASHINGTON, July 2s.-Anx-
ious inquiries are reaching Washing
ton from a number of distinguished
gentlemen serving their country
abroad as to the state of American
politics and the prospective outcome
of the elections. Some of the in
quirers are anticipating or appre-
hending, as the cas- may be, a return
to these shores shortly after March
4, next, whatever the outcome of the
presidential campaign. while others
have reasonable ground for expecta-
ton of being invited to return,
whichever way the elections go.
1t is in the ambassadorial and dip
lomatic corps that solicitude is thus
entertained. In event of a Republi-
can victory in November, there will
be changes in all the ambassadorial
posts. If the Democrats win, an
other president will be in Office and
according to custom. designations
will be rendered, subject to his ac-
c~eptance, so as to leave him a free
hand in the selection of the person
lCA vi his ANRAC ava ~
International usage and custom
accord an unusual distinction to an
ambassador. He is supposed TO rep
resent the person of his sovereign
and in the case of republics the per-
son of the president. An ambassa-
dor of the United States represents
even more-the people of this coun-
who are the sovereigns. Ambas-
are the most coveted Of
within the gift of a president
and therefore are held by the execu-
tive as his most valuable asset of
A present, upon taking ONCE, APP
his cabinet officers mainly by
reason of his need for their assist
ance in conducting the executive
branch of the government, presiding
over the great departments which
form, together with the Presidency,
one of the three coordinate arms
legislative, judicial and execu-
tive as recognized by the constitu-
ion.
Ambassadors, however, he usually
either as reward for service
rendered the party oil in recognition
IF the distinguished public or pro-
'essional character of the appointee.
4 noted literateur, or publicist, or in
.ernational lawyer, or orator may be
abroad in the capacity of am
oassador but for the most part the
appointments are made for more
Jolid party and political reasons.
Next in rank to the ambassadors
the ENJOYS extraordinary and
minister's plenipotentiary. in most in
appointed because of loyal
,arty Affiliations. These posts are
coveted by the PATRONAGE
and constitute a valuable
of political leaders. They are
however, from ambassador
heir holders feel their official heads
just a little more safely on
heir shoulders about election time.
1t has been the dream of many
American statesmen to make the
service Of this country a
referred service, membership in
which would be permanent through
.ood behavior, and promotion at
aimed through long and m~eritorious
In European countries, of
the diplomatic service con-
orms to that character. Men are
to it from early youth, just
s to the army and navy. This re-
'uted desirability is often quoted on
floors of congress when an effort
s being made to stabilize the diplo-
matte service of this country.
But 1t is a hard, uphill task in
congress. Every session the subject
s fought over. The arguments are
but always there jumps up
ONE rough and ready talker from
he country districts who %counters
With recalling the exploits of the
shirt sleeve" diplomacy of the
States, as pitted against the
decentralization of old world diplo-
and Immediately "gets a
out of his auditors.
For they like the idea of frank and
dealing, accredited to the ex-
,onents of the shirt sleeve diplom-
.cy, as contrasted with the deep and
lark Vaccinations of the diplomacy
# Europe and the Orient. They
Ike to picture the rugged American,
" his Straightforward thinking. con-
using the tortuous and ~secretive
of the willy foreigners.
But more important still, they
ealize as they ponder this picture,
to American self love, that
hem in their political affairs, and
hey don't want to elevate them so
on the political persimmon tree
hat a pole can't reach them once in
while.
Business interests in this country
ave succeeded in putting the consul
ar service on a more business basis
nd farther removed from politics.
han perhaps any other. Men are
in that service and do have
Incentive Il remain in it. Ultimate
it is predicted, the same system
viii apply to the diplomatic service.