WHITE] DIPLOMATIC SERVICE OF UNITED STATES 129 
insufficiently provided for, and, as a rule, has not the standing which 
every patriotic American should wish for it. And yet it could easily 
be made one of the best, and quite possibly the best, in the world. 
The most essential and desirable improvements which I would pre- 
sent are, in a general way, as follows: 
I. As regards the highest grade in the diplomatic service, that 
of Ambassadors, | would have, say, one-half their number ap- 
pointed from those who have distinguished themselves as Ministers 
Plenitopentiary, and the remaining posts filled, as at present, from 
those who, in public life or in other important fields, have won 
recognition at home as men fit to maintain the character and watch 
the interests of their country abroad. And as to this highest rank, 
I would observe, as regards, say, one-half those holding it, the 
general rule of promotion for good service, and from the less im- 
portant to the more important capitals. 
II. As regards the second grade in the service—namely, that of 
Ministers Plenipotentiary—I would observe the same rule as in 
appointing Ambassadors, having, say, one-half of these at the more 
important capitals appointed for such as have especially distin- 
guished themselves at the less important capitals, and, say, one- 
half of the Ministers Plenipotentiary at these less important capitals 
appointed from those who have distinguished themselves as Minis- 
ters Resident, or as Secretaries of Embassy or of Legation. 
III. As to the third grade in our service, that of Ministers Resi- 
dent, I would observe the general rule above suggested for the 
appointment of Ambassadors and Ministers Plenipotentiary ; that is, 
I would appoint one-half of them from among those ‘who shall 
have rendered most distinguished service as first Secretaries of Em- 
bassy or of Legation. When once appointed I would have them 
advanced for distinguished service from the less to the more im- 
portant capitals, and, as far as possible, from the rank of Minister 
Resident to that of Minister Plenipotentiary. 
IV. As to any lower, or special, or temporary grades, whether 
that of Diplomatic Agent, or special Chargé d’Affaires, or Com- 
missioner, I would have appointments made from the diplomatic or 
consular service, or from public life in general, or from fitting men 
in private life, as the President or Secretary of State might think 
most conducive to the public interest. 
V. I would have two grades of Secretaries of Legation and three 
grades of Secretaries of Embassy. I would have the lowest grade 
of secretaries appointed on the recommendation of the Secretary 
of State from those who have shown themselves, on due examina- 
