CHINESE COMMERCE. 207 



ment agents to China, the nation most difficult of all to come into rela- 

 tions with, men without any idea, not only of the language, but of the 

 customs and the idiosyncrasies of the people. 



This is not a reflection upon our present staff, many of whom are 

 excellent and worthy men and who are now acquainted with the char- 

 acteristics of those to whom they are accredited. But under our system, 

 by the time a man understands his duties, he is removed. Nowhere else 

 in the world is there so great a need for a permanent consular service as 

 in China. 



The British Government long ago established a separate consular 

 service for the East, entirely distinct from that elsewhere, so that a man 

 once in the Chinese service stays there, and is not likely to be trans- 

 ferred to a European or American post. Secretary Hay has lately made 

 a beginning toward this end by proposing to establish a school at 

 Peking. If the idea is not carried out now, circumstances will compel 

 its adoption later. We should awake to the realization of our oppor- 

 tunities, and unite for the invasion, not only of China, but of other Ori- 

 ental lands as well. 



