The New York herald., 1869-06-24
VENEZUELA.
Claims OF American Citizens-Prodigality Of
the Government.

Claims Of American Citlzeus-Prodigality Of
the Government.
CARACAS, June s. 1859.
At consultation Of several American claimants
who had awards made in their favor by the mixed
commission under the treaty Of April 25 1865, they
resolved that the HERALD was the best means Of
conveying their grievances 10 the President and
Secretary Of State at Washington.
It must be remembered that many OF the claims
adjudicaed by the mixed commission had been OF
long standing, say from twenty to fifty years and
upwards and had been pressed upon the considera-
tion of the Of Venezuela by long success
sion of American Minister'S viz:-Williamson, Hall,
Ellice Shields, Steele, Eames, Turpin, Culver and
Wilson, accredited to this government; but the sue
cessive governments Of Venezuela have become cal
lous TO every demand and remonstrance. They are
always prepared with mutifarlous excuses In them
selves unfounded. They 6nd means to get up and
carry revolutions and the chiefs Of the defeated
as well as the successful party accumulate large for
tunes from the spols.
The Congress lately in session increased the MILL
tary pension list to aoout 800 900 per MONTH Gene
rails with $500 pensions per month to squander at
the gaming table, while the sufferings OF widows
and orphans and other claimants 60 unneeded. Thus
committed depredations against the lives and
property OF American citizens are pampered
and rewarded, but never punished. No less than
200 generals, ike vampires, are sucking the hearts
blood OF the nation, and whose services have only
been TO make revolutions ana counter-revoutl0ns,
not rom any patriotic motive, but for power and
gain 10 Is understood that on the last day before
Congress adjourned In secret session. they advised
that the American claims be resisted at all hazards.
The government OF the United States becoming
tired OF the machinations constantly practised by
Venezuela to thwart the pressing demands on her
by the American Minister'S finally succeeded In max
| ing treaty 70 organize mixed commission for
| the decision OF all the claims pending between
| the two governments and the amount to be
| awarded, made payable 10 the United States
government by Venezuela In ten annual nstaments,
| with interest at FIVE per cent The first insfalment
OF Sl25, ,331 became due the 9th OF February last
with six months interest 49, 1881, making total OF
S12S 484 payable In American gold: and It appears
unaccountably strange that no demand TO the pre-
sent day has been made on the government OF vene
zuea either for principal or interest. on the 5tf
| OF August six months more interest will be due
| and II the government at Washington allows these
sums to accumulate the more diicult II will be t(
obtain payment. II the American government refuse
Justice to her own citizens TO favor spendthrif
| and unworthy government-if government 10 can bt
called-she should assume the payment OF the Amer
can claims for she has made herself virtually lIab,
for the same. Among the claimants are widows ant
| orphans whose husbands and fathers have beeI
| murdered by military desperadoes who 60 unpun
| ished. Venezuela has abundance OF revenue 70 NEE
| all her engagements, save tue stealings; and 81
bird that can sing and won't sing must be made Il
| sinQ.u