There was scarcely a Democratic leader of national prominence whose name was not mentioned in that connection, though speculation from day to day eddied round Mr.
James S.Rollins, of Missouri, an especial friend of the President and a most accomplished public man.
At the height of excitement I happened to be in the library of the State Department.

I was on a step-ladder in quest of a book when I heard a messenger say to the librarian: "The President is in the Secretary's room and wants to have Mr.Dimitry come there right away." An inspiration shot through me like a flash.

They had chosen Alexander Dimitry for the Central American Mission.
He was the official translator of the Department of State.

Though an able and learned man he was not in the line of preferment.

He was without political standing or backing of any sort.