5 MARCH 1921, Page 1

Mr. J. W. Davis, the retiring American Ambassador, was entertained

at dinner by the Pilgrims last Monday. The loss of Mr. Davis is a cause of profound regret to us all. He has behaved with unfailing wisdom and tact and has shown the highest ability in the true art of the diplomat—that of standing up for his own country while being sympathetic towards the country to which he is accredited. It is extraordinary how America seems able to send one successful Ambassador after another, all of them drawn from different walks of life. This

fact inspired Lord Curzon at the dinner to suggest that Great Britain would do well to follow suit and ransack as wide a field of talents—men of letters and journalists included—as is searched by an American Government when looking for an Ambassador. On the other hand, it must be said that, apart from " the exceptional case," there are enormous advantages in a regular diplomatic service. We do not imagine that Lord Culmon's remarks were meant in criticism of the present efforts of America to regularize her own service. We owe rather a grudge to the American Constitution which requires the recall of all the diplomats when a new President is appointed.