Patriotism and Citizenship 345 by Congress January x6, x883, and by thiz act advil service commi-o?ion WaS brought into existence. The three members of this commission axe appointed by the President with co of the Senate, not more than two of whom may be members of the same party. Thus, by this civil service act, positions in the government sexvice are now obtained for the most part through competitive examinations, and such positions are not affected in any way by the incoming of a new President or the appoint- ment of a new head of a department. In some states and in most of the large cities ci?51 service appointments are now made through competitive examina'dons. Any one interested. in learning what positions may be sootred in the service of the government, may apply to the Civil Service Cornm?ntion at Wash!ogton, D.C., or make inquiry at the local post-office. Foreign Service The foreign service of our government is carried on ? the diplomatic corps snd the consular service.. In the diplo- matic corps, we have amba?axiors, envoys, ministers, diplo- matic agents, and secretaries; in the consular service, com4ds general, consuls, and consular agents? Our diplomatic representatives abroad look after our interests as a nation in the family of natio? They represent us socially as well as politically in the great foreign capitals of the world. They are received as our representatives of state, and it is their duty to sustain and promote good-will and friendly feeling between us and other nations. The consular service is more directly responsible for our trade relationships in the great centres o the world. Through our foreign service, also, Americans abroad, whether as tourists, or residents, are protected in person and in property interests. Appointments to the foreign service are made by the President with the advice of the Senate. As we send our representatives abroad, so the countries to which our representatives go in turn send their representatbtes to us. In the city o WaShington, one may see representatives of all the principal nations of the earth living there as ambas- sadors, for the purpose of promoting friendly commercial and political relationships. The secretary of state is the representa- tive of our government through whose office the great workof the foreign service is directly carried on, and upon him devolves there- fore the great affairs of state relationships with other countries. When our independence as a nation was declared ? x77?t, it
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