The promotion of Robert Lansing to be Secretary of State following Mr.
Bryan’s resignation is a recognition of the principle of selecting men
for public place for demonstrated fitness to perform the duties of the
position rather than for political availability. It is not known that
Mr. Lansing has any political influence to speak of. But as Mr. Bryan’s
assistant he demonstrated the possession of a comprehensive knowledge
of international law, sound judgment, and the diplomatic instinct.
He has been all along the real Secretary of State whom the President
consulted, while Mr. Bryan was merely the figurehead. It is of course an
open question whether it would not have been better for the President to
appoint a man of national reputation and commanding ability to occupy
the chief place in his Cabinet, relying upon Mr. Lansing for the detail
and technical work. Such an appointment might have added strength to
the Wilson administration, but while Mr. Lansing occupies the place the
people of the country will have a comfortable feeling that no foolish
mistakes are likely to be made, and that no half baked or hair brained
theories will be promulgated to complicate our foreign relations and make
our State Department a laughing-stock.