course, the art of diplomacy, and, in the narrower, more precise and most exacting sphere of that art, the art of negotiating, must not be denied recognition for pertinacity and adroitness and a large measure of good intention.
The mere fact that permanent legations were accepted and approved was at once a consequence and a proof of the importance of the interests that were represented by them. Those interests grew as the several nations grew, and as their contact became more immediate and more vital to each. Throughout all this development, the gift of persuasive speech has continued to be a primary quality for the diplomatist. His function is to carry on political business, never against the interest of his own country, by personal intercourse and persuasive speech with foreign statesmen and other diplomatists. According to the testimony of Lord Lyons—an accomplished ambassador, and, at a critical juncture for this country and the United States of America, a highly successful one—‘the faculty of influencing others by conversation is the qualification peculiarly necessary to a diplomatist’;[1] and to this end, he added, ‘besides higher qualities’, quickness in observing, readiness in reply, tact and even good manners are of far greater use than much learning.
Broadening our view, we may think that Lord Augustus Loftus, in passing a eulogy on Lord Clarendon as Minister for Foreign Affairs, was almost ascribing to him the qualities of a perfectly equipped representative of the service of which he was himself an experienced and distinguished member. ‘Courteous and dignified, with charming manners, he won the regard and confidence of all with whom he came in contact. Firm and courageous, with consummate judgement, he was neither open to flattery nor to the influence of fear. He had a remarkable perspicacity and knowledge of human character,
- ↑ Report (1861), 442.
