It is exactly the same story in America. Directly we
send an Ambassador to Washington whose standards, owing to his train- ing and his career, are not markedly dissimilar from American standards we invite comparisons and judgments which are not fair to the Ambassador himself. Sir Auckland Geddes has gained his distinction and has lived a large part of his life in Canada, and he married an American. Moreover, we would protest against the growing practice of appointing an Ambassador, not because impartially considered his claims are obviously strong, but because it happens to be convenient to the Government at a particular moment to find some new work for a Minister who is no longer wanted, or at all events is not urgently required, at home. Finally, we hope that the Government will give Sir Auckland Geddes a salary which is adequate to the social duties he Will have to discharge, and to the specially increased cost of living which is due to the unfavourable American exchange. The British Ambassador at Washington should receive a salary which will make it always possible in future for the best man to be chosen even though he may be without private means.
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