Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-07-05

A demand for further recognition of
career men in the diplomatic, service
Is heard as Henry P. Fletcher resigns
his post as Ambassador at Rome to re-
turn to his native land. His 81 years
continuous performance Of duty at va
rious foreign posts Is lauded by the
press and regret Is expressed that a
man of such extraordinary Qualifica-
lions is to be lost to the Government
In the foreign field. While "homeSick-
ness" Is the accepted reason for Mr..
F1etcher's retirement, limitation Of pro-
motion also is recognized as a probable
factor. 1t is predicted that he will be
called to public Office by his home
State of Pennsylvania.
"It is unhealthy for the diplomatic
CORPS" says the Kansas City Star, eff
can go only so far in the service, no
matter what their qualifications. Mr..
Fletcher, for instance, is thoroughly
conversant with foreign points of view
and with international problems. He
knows the game. He Is in a position to
do important work in his country. 1t
is q pity that he cannot be retained
in the diplomatic service"
Diplomacy IS an art, but an &C
quired one," declares the Tulsa World.
zone is not born into its intricate
P. Fletcher, perhaps more than any
other modern American, has acquired
the art" The World adds thes personal
tribute, -Four Presidents have relied
on his tact and knowledge of affairs in
the countries to which he was accred-
tied to preserve our harmonious rela-
lions with those countries, and the rec
ord shows that their confidence was
not once misplaced"
Few in the diplomatic service" &C
cording to the Louisville Courier-Jour-
nal, "have had so wide an experience
or so broad knowledge of world az
fairs as this former Rough Rider and
veteran of the Philippine expedition,
In Belgium and Italy he
showed his many promotions had been
merited and that America would DO
well to follow the European practice OF
choosing Ambassadors from trained
men in the diplomatic field" The At
ianta Constitution AYERS that men OF
his ability, experience and forthr1gnt-
ness in diplomatic negotiations are not
picked out of the crowd at will; that
'they are products, as he is, OF long,
patient and adequate experience in a
difficult international occupation"
y y
Probably no man at present in Gov
eminent service has such wide knoWl-
edge and understanding of the delicate
problems of foreign relations" declares
the Bloomington Paragraph. The Lin
coin State journal points out that the
resignation "1eaves very important posts
omen" and that President Hoover has
mo easy job" in selecting men for the
posts.
quoting the Ambassadors statement,
"f am homesick," the New York Times
coyoroanfe "Tn this confession AmbaS-
sador Fletcher gives proof that he Is
still eligible in his attitude OF mind
and spirit to continue to represent his
country abroad in any land" the
Times continues: cit seems unfortunate
that such diplomatic wisdom as his long
and varied experience has gathered
should not be kept at the command OF
the Government which he has served
with such ability and distinction. Fer
hans a few months at home will allow
him to go abroad again for BRIEF Pc
RODS, for one would wish, not that ne
should be quite cured Of a patriotic,
home-Ioving malady, but that 1t should
not keep him from the service Tor
which he has given new PROOF OF
The Little Rock Arkansas Democrat
also emphasizes his confession OF home
sickness and the further information
that he Is "just going to stay around
his Pennsylvania home and play golf
earned that privilege. Furthermore,
who wouldn't resign diplomatic post,
regardless Of how great the honor At
brought, 'just to stay around home and
play little golf?" The Democrat says
in praise of the Ambassador, "He rose
from the.4ranks' to gain one of the
highest a. diplomatic posts-Quite q