Knox's name is not associated with a single
successful foreign policy. Some might have succeeded but
unfortunately the energy displayed at the outset of his career in
this new field was soon dissipated. Mr. Knox disliked the methods
of diplomacy. He lacked both the patience and the finesse. He went
to the Department, over which he was supposed to preside, but
rarely. For weeks at a time Washington saw nothing of him. The
administration of the Department was left largely to Huntington
Wilson, whose ineptitude was colossal.
Fortunately for Mr. Knox the extent of his failure was somewhat
screened from public view by the dust and clatter of the collapse
of the Taft Administration, but it left its mark on him. He had
failed dismally to eclipse his predecessor, Elihu Root. He had
eliminated himself from all consideration as one of the very great
statesmen of his period. He was a bitterly disappointed man. Not
only his associates but the members of the diplomatic corps were
made to feel the sting of his resentment against overwhelming
circumstances. Such references as that directed at the French
Ambassador, M. Jules Jusserand, now dean of the diplomatic corps,
whom he called "the magpie," cost him many friends.
Upon the inauguration of President Wilson Mr. Knox slipped quietly
away to Valley Forge. Public life, however, still had for him its
attractions, and when Senator Oliver retired, he returned to the
Senate.
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