Foster, who wound up a long and
brilliant diplomatic life as Secretary of State in President
Harrison's Cabinet after Mr. Blaine's resignation.
Mr. Lansing had made Washington his home for many years, and when
the new Democratic Administration came into power he believed his
services to the party entitled him to recognition, and he sought
the appointment of Third Assistant Secretary of State. The Third
Assistant Secretary is the official Social Secretary of the
Government. When royalty or other distinguished persons come to
this country as the guests of the nation the Third Assistant
Secretary is the Master of Ceremonies. He has to see that all the
forms are properly complied with and nothing happens to mar the
visitors' enjoyment; he sends out invitations, in the name of the
State Department, to the funerals of Ambassadors or the
inauguration of the President. But for some reason Mr. Lansing's
praiseworthy ambition was defeated.
Mr. Moore had knowledge, learning, and experience, but he was
denied the gift of divination. Had he known that a few months later
a half crazed youth in an unheard of place was to be the
unconscious agent to set the whole world aflame, undoubtedly he
would have put up with Mr. Bryan's curious ideas and peculiar
methods and stuck to his desk at the State Department, and Mr.
Lansing would never have been heard of.
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