New-York tribune., 1921-02-22
Member of Rongh Riders

Member of Rough Riders
Althcueh not yet forty-eight years
old. Mr. F.stcheris one of the most ex
perlenced and successful diplomats of
tie United States. He has served in
Latin-Amer;can countries, and has had
European experience as secretary of
the American Legation in Portugal.
He was born in Greencastle, Pa,
April TO- 1878, and received his educa-
ton at the Chambersburg Academy,
Chambersburg Pa, and under private
tutors. He studied aw and was ad-
mittad to the bar in 1894. His practice
Of that profession was interrupted in
i698 when the United States declared
war against Spain.
Mr. Fletcher enlisted in Colonel
Rooseveits Rough Riders. At the ex-
piraton Of his service he was ap-
pointed first lieutenant and assigned to
the 10th Volunteer Infantry, slated for
duty against the in,urrectos in the
Philippine Islands. He was made bat
talon adjutant, and served in the
Philippines until 1901.
The Il, Xt year he entered the diplo-
matte ssrvice through competitive ex-
animation, and was appointed second
secretary OF the legation in Cuba. In
1908 he was transferred in the same
capacity II Picking, where later ne was
to score mis- first important success. Or
this occasion. however, he remained in
China only two years, being promoted
in 1903 to the post OF secretary to the
American Legation iii Portugal.
After two years in Lisbon ne was
sent back to Picking, this time as secre-
.ary to the legation. AS it turned out,
he was charge d'afaires ad interim
during sixteen months of the two
years he spent in Peking.
Under his control OF the legation
American dip omacy in China took on
new individuality 1t became inotfen-
siyely selfassertive and self-reliant
The poweriul Japanese and British an
terests at Peking found a new contest
ant in the field. President TAFT and
the State Department were SAID TO be
profoundly impressed with the ability
Which the temporary director OF Amerl-
can diplomacy in China displayed IN
hand ing the delicate negotiations over
the Hankow-S -Sze-chuGn Railroad loan.
So generally recognized were the
good Judgment and discretion OF Mr.
Fletener in this and other matters
which came to him in Peklng that 1t was
thought in 1909 that he would be ap-
pointed Minister to China.
His reward came to him in that year,
but took him to new field OF en-
deaYor-one which was to help pre-
pare him for the eXacting service IN
ltore for him in Mexico. He was sent
to Chile as Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotentiary. When the
post was made an embassy IN 1914 Mr.
Fletcher remained as Ambassador.
The distrust of the Americans Of the
north, which had been inbred IN
Ghieans since the misunderstandlng
Of Almost twenty years ago, was over
come by Ambassador Fletcher. The
somewhat abrupt methods Of American
diplomacy were S mt pre,ed by IN
That a growing friendship between the
TWO countries bore evidence to his skill
and tact
President Wilson caused Mr.. Fletcher
se reconsider the resignation which
ne had sent, in accordance with dip
lOmatic custom when the new Admin
lstration came into office. Although
Ar, Fletcher always has been Re
publican in politics, President Wilson
recognized him as one of the strongest
representatives the United States had
abroad and requested him to remain.
de did so, and early in 1916, when
tne great powers decided to recognize
tne Garranza regime in Mexico, +. was
TO Ambassador Fletcher, the most sue
eessfui VI American diplomats in Latin
america, that President Wilson turned.
fershlng's expedition was in Mexico
ana $4,000 men of the National Guard
We're on the border when Mr.. Fletcher
accepted this difficult service.
a. ne found that he was representing
5i sie United States in a country whose
S!ctator's chief claim to power was
ais antl-Americanism. Within year
hlS position was complicated further
tne entrance of the United States
nIo the World War and German
.a4laealnations in Mexico. At the same
ume the Administration in Washing
WI heid TO Mexican policy winch
ss4chlated between threat of military
;;Otce and tlmid acquiescence in the
ranza.
f9f Tour years Ambassador Fletcher
rIs 'a tals embarrassing position, doing
~nSt ne could to maintain peace and
'aeuai respect etween the two ma
; ;saVas' frequently he came to Wash
s-stoh TO advise with the State De-
ssaii!ement and urge the necessity of
IVY NY OF trmnes- toward Mexico.
6nen the State Department was
tiy encouraging the shipment of
rr5as r, into Mexico Ambassador
~ Steher was keeping the gun runners
ro,lr n thelr own side of the line. being
cSaslheed that, whatever protestations
~ ANA might make, nine rifles out
wo.3ay every ten shipped into Mexico
~ said m md their way into the hands
= Nm tae foes of America.
soa "' Fletcher resigned about year
SO, 1t was said that he had attempted
ao SO six months before, having
b4he h.. nls position almost intolerahle,
yss, consented to remain at the urgent
Cqeest OF the State Department
eitS Agnew Chamberlain, of this
Ivy .s VINO, as con ul general, served
NJ, years with Mr.. Fletcher in
pla.leeo City, asserted that Ambassador
fil'hef resigned because OF the
aeaaite Of his government to adopt q
allte Mexican policy.
nosa. tleteher's ideas of such
shy, az set forth in letter last