AMERICAN AMBASSADORS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1099, 20 May 1913, Page 4

AMERICAN AMBASSADORS.

The announcement that Mr William M’ Combs, chairman of the Democratic National Committeemen, had reconsidered his decision regarding the acceptance of the post ot Ambassador to France, and would proceed to Paris, is construed in New York as further evidence that under the Wilson regime comparatively poor men will have a - chance of becoming Ambassadors. Mr M’Combs first declined the Paris appointment on the ground that his salary as Ambassador was inadequate for entertaining iu France as the. salary of .£3500 paid to the American Minister at the Court ot St. James’ is inadequate for entertaining in London. Both cities have flocks of American visitors during the summer, and hospitality at the American Embassy is regarded by American citizens abroad, not so much as a privilege, but as legal right. Mr M’Combs and Dr. Page are not wealthy men, and the fact that they have accepted office in London and Paris, which had hitherto placed a burden even upon rich citizens, is accepted as indicating the approach of a new era, when either American Ambassadors must live simple, inexpensive lives or the American Government must decide to increase their allowances. It is believed that President Wilson, intends to make an issue before Congress of the necessity for providing official residences for the American diplomatic representatives in foreign capitals, or increasing their salaries. Recent agitation on the subject has had the effect of arousing interest, and it is expected that the arguments which will be advanced by the President in behalf of legislation of this character will find a ready response, a response that will have its effect iu bringing about the enactment of an adequate law which will provide inducements for men of ability without large private means to go abroad as Ambassadors and Ministers.