“It must be confessed that in spite of the grand part they are expected to play upon occasion, a large share of their time and attention is devoted to the art of being agreeable—not a mean art in its way, though it demands attention to trifles after a fashion that would be exasperating to some minds.”
“Then I understand that it is in this exasperating art, the minor tactics of diplomacy, that women have the credit of excelling”?
“It is in this that they certainly do excel; and indeed in major tactics or world politics one need not ask for a better diplomat for her day and her nation than ‘Good Queen Bess’, not to mention other illustrious examples”.
“Well”, said one of the ladies, as they turned to go, “since to be an ambassador a woman must either be born one or marry one, why we might as well settle down to minor tactics where we are; so have a care, Professor, for we may not have learned the art of being agreeable”.
LECTURE
V
UNCLE SAM AND EXPANSION.
Uncle Sam has lately gone abroad after an entirely new fashion—new at least to him.
He went to Hawaii only after repeated and urgent invitation; hesitating because he thought it was against his principles.