An Idea.
It is the opinion of Professor Loyal of the University of ---- that the
average American, to put it bluntly, knows little or nothing about Uncle
Sam’s foreign service.
He is also of the opinion that the time is at hand when the aforesaid
average American _must_ know more about it, owing to the growth in
importance of our foreign relations, both politically and commercially.
Now if the good Professor could only work miracles he would take the dry
details which he has in mind upon this subject, and make them as
interesting as fiction. Instead, however, he chose a method to which he
was more accustomed, the “university extension” plan, aiming primarily
to stimulate interest in his subject, and secondarily, in some small
measure to gratify it.
The reader is indebted to the notes of a shorthand reporter who happened
to hear the entire course, both for the text here given and for the
illustrations with which it is adorned. If he thinks that the latter are
not always in harmony with the text he must remember that the Professor
and the Scribe did not see things from the same standpoint. Moreover he
must not hold the Professor too strictly to account for his language,
for it is not to be wondered at if he occasionally forgets himself and
uses large words, which might be considered out of place in a popular
lecture; and again, in his effort to impart life and present-day
interest to his subject he at times introduces a levity which he hopes
will not too seriously offend the sober-minded, or make them distrust
his statements of fact.
On the evening of the first lecture the speaker, having been presented
with the usual complimentary remarks, first spoke briefly in explanation
of the nature of the course and of such courses in general. He mentioned
among other matters that syllabi or leaflets containing outlines of the
lectures, together with copies of the “Diplomatic and Consular
Register,” would be distributed to all in attendance. He also announced
that opportunity would be given at the close of each lecture for
questions from the audience, and he promised to attempt to answer the
same. Then he turned to the subject of the evening.
[Illustration:
THE STATE DEPARTMENT.
]
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[Illustration: The Scribe]
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[Illustration: Man standing next to table with pitcher and glass]