SOME BOOKS OF THE WEEK.
[Under this heading we notice such Books of the week as have not been reserved for review is other forms.] Diplomatic Memories. By John W. Foster. 2 vols. (A. Constable and Co. 24e. net.)—" How I Entered the Diplomatic Service" is the title of Mr. Foster's first chapter. The story it tells shows a curious difference from British methods. In 1872, when General Grant stood for a second term as President of the United States, Indiana was a doubtful State. Mr. Foster, as chairman of the Republican Committee, helped to secure the return of a Republican majority to the Legislature, the choice of Mr. U. P. Morton as Senator, and incidentally the success of General Grant. The reward was prompt. Senator Morton showed him the " Blue Book," and bade him choose what office he pleased. He modestly selected the appointment of Minister to Switzerland, where, he reflected, he was not likely to make great mistakes. Switzerland, however, was not to be his destination. A very much more difficult task awaited him. He was sent to Mexico. Juarez, who had held the office of President since the days of Maximilian, died suddenly on July 18th, 1872, and the Vice-President, Lerdo, succeeded him. He had the Presidency continued to him by a vote of the Congress for foie• years. But when it was known that he was going to seek re-election the trouble began. In 1875 Lerdo was virtually made Dictator, and Porfirio Diaz, who had been a candidate when Juarez was elected for the last time, raised the standard of revolt. At first things went against him, and he had very narrow escapes; but he ultimately triumphed. In 1877 he was formally chosen President. Meanwhile Mr. Foster had not a few difficult questions to decide, recognition being prominent among them. It is a lively story which he tells, and as we read we cannot but imagine his not unfrequent regrets that the Switzerland plan fell through. However, his management of affairs seems to have confirmed his reputation as a diplomat. Twice he was sent to Russia, and twice to Spain. He still thinks that a diplomatic training is a better method than this way of improvising Ambassadors out of successful party managers ; and we may presume that he has good reasons for his opinion. Mr. Foster says little about England, though he has paid frequent visits to it, but he has some interesting things to say about India and Egypt. It is pleasant to see how emphatic is the testimony which he bears to the benefits of our rule. It is useless to recom- mend this witness to the politicians who persistently belittle their country. They have axes to sharpen for themselves. But doubtful readers who want to know the truth should weigh his testimony.
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