Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1895-04-05
BEFORE SHE WILL SUBMIT TO
THE DEMANDS OF GREAT
BRITAIN.
SHE KNOWS ENGLAND Is STRONG.
BUT VALUES HER HONOR.
THE PEOPLE READY TO SEE
THEIR HOMES AND CITIES DEs-
oLATED AND LAID IN ASHES
BEFORE SUBMITTING TO MA
TIoNAL DIsHoNoR,
WASHINGTON. April I.

WASHINGTON, April 4.
1t is stated by persons in position
TO speak with authority that as soon
as Venezuela is convinced Great
Britain has finally decided not to arbi-
trate or settle the boundary dispute
as suggested by the United States.
through Ambassador Bayard, the
southern republic viii regretfully, but
resolutely, resort to what she regards
as her only course. Resort To force.
Venezuela fully recognizes the great
military strength of Great Britain,
but 1t is declared that her people are
ready to see their hbmes and their
cities desolated and laid In ashes
rather than submit u what they re-
gard as national dishbnor
1t is said that the contention with
Great Britain is not s1 much one of
territory as sentiment and honor in
volved. So firmly impressed have the
people become with this that opinion
is expressed that they would rather
see their country 20 out of existence
than pass into the practical control OF
a foreign power. Little doubt Is felt
under these circumstances that Nenc-
zuela win forcibly assert her rights
to the disputed orinoco territory as
soon as Great Brltain's rejection OF a
settlement is definitely communicated.
This territory extneds about 100
miles along the coast, running back
IS miles 10 what Ii known as the
Schomberg line, Through the middle
of this strip runs the Orlnoco, com
manding the commerce OF 1t to the in
terror OF South Aemerica, Great Brit
at al. 4 III
with naval station at the mouth of
the river. The interest Of the United
States In the controversy mas progress
ed steadily In recent days. IL began
with the friendly suggestion through
MIR. Bayard and n request from con.
gress that Great Britain submit tho
matter To arbitration The United
States squadron under Admiral Mead
was accorded an ovation at Venezuelan
ports quite recently, and steps were
taken to commemorate the Monroe doc
trne by erecting a statue TO President
Monroe at the capital OF Venezuela.
Within recent days Venezuela has
granted large concessions of the Grin
oco country 20 citizens Of the United
States. A strong hope seems to be en-
tertained on the part Venezuela that
the United States will not stand idly
by If u resort to force is made. 1t Is
understood that the position OF Great
Britain in declining the suggestion Of
the United States for the settlement
of Venezuela is substantially as fol-
lows;
1. Great Britain takes the position
that the question OF arbitration was
once before proposed by Venezuela.
At that time the foreign office gave the
subject most careful consideration
and then submitted a reply embodylng
a proposid m 10 lrbitr4te certain def
mite subjects OF controversy. 10 this
proposition Venezuela has never made
reply either accepting or rejecting
the proposed BASIS Of arbitration. I'M
der these circumstances II is not de-
sirable to proceed TO a second PROPOSE
tion OF arbitration when the first re-
mains unanswered.
2. In any event there are certain nor
tions Of territory to which Venezuela
lays claim, which under no clrcum-
stances viii be made the subject of ar
duration, as thay are recognized and
established portions u the British do
main, and are not, therefore, subject
on which the judgment of arbitrator
could be invoked.
3. The subject matter Is one between
Great Britain and Venezuela, so that
the good offices OF the United States
are not regared as essential to a set
Element as II Is not understood that
the united States has assumed a pro-
tectorate over Venezuela or has other
interest than that OF n friendly mower