The Lodge Consular Bill

The Lodge bilí having for its purpose the placing of the consular service of the government upon a foundation of "merit" in place of the present "epoils" and doing away with fees and substituting flxed salaries is a move in keeping with modern ideas, and wül claim the attention of congresa at the next sesslon. The senate committee reported it out favorably last session and it is to be hoped the principie of the bill may be enacted into law. Should the IhII be enacted and its spirit carrird Into the selection of the consular agente of the government it would our consular agents f rom the do: in of politics and insure competent jreseniatlves in these important posi '.ons, men who could and uudoubted!y would do much to extend our aark ís. These posltions need thoroughr, Ing men of affairs, well acquainted w.dï trade condiüons,and able to speafe t: ;■ langnage of the country to whtch ;.,v are aceredlted. They should be nble to quickly get onto the demands of trade In their Bpbere and tlms make kuown to our manufacturing and comoierelal interosts the kind and quallty ot' goods demanded by trade. The bill provides for promotion and thus creates an incentive for our represontntives to develop themselves for higher po-Mtions. Suoli a law falrly adminlstered, with promotlons for those who have demonstrated tlieir atness and dismiasal íor thope who have not grown, wonld accouiplish much for a service which ïitlierto luis not been anything of which we could boast, altliough there ia ve been in it some excellent men. tut such a law shoulcl be admlnlstered so as to prevent men who have once gotten in nnder the merit systeru becomlng ba rímeles and holding their positions for lile, whether they develop fitness or not. The men who occupy these positions need to possess the hustling traite of the successfnl American business man. They should be gentlemen, good mixers and able to quickly discern any busi ness chance. The Lodge bill undoubtedly will suffer maiiy changes before it becomes law and niay possibly be greatly hnproved, but some such measure embodylng the principie of this bill should be enacted.