The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-04-05
Latter Would Rather See Her Cities
Regarded as National Dishonor.
GREAT BRITAIN'S POSITION
WHY yICTORIA's GOVERNMENT WILL
NOT CONSENT TO ARBITRATION.
The Little Republic Relying ON Aid
from the United sfates-Report of
the Samoan Land Commi ssioner.

WASHINGTON, April lit is stated by
persons in position to speak with au-
thority that as soon as Venezuela is con-
WINGED Great Britain has finally decided not
to arbitrate settle the boundary dis
pute, as suggested by the United States,
through ambassador Bdyard the south
ern republic will regretfully but resolutely
resort to what she regards as her only re-
course-a resort to force. Venezuela fully
recognizes the great military strength of
Great Britain, but it is declared that her
people are ready to see their homes and
their cities desolated and laid in ashes
rather than submit to what they regard as
national dishonor. 1t is said that the con-
tention with Great Britain is not so much
Of territory sentiment and honor in
volved. So firmly impressed have the peo-
pie became with this that the opinion is
expressed that they would rather see their
country go out of existence than pass into
the practical control of a foreign power.
Little doubt is felt, under these circum-
stances, that Venezuela will forcibly assert
her rights to the disputed Orinoco territory
as soon as Great Britains rejection of a
settlement is definitely communicated.
This territory extends about $50 miles along
the coast, running back thirty five miles to
what is known the Schomberg line.
Through the middle of this strip runs the
Orinoco river, commanding the commerce
of it to the interior of South America
Great Britain is already well intrenched
there with naval station at the mouth of
the river.
The interest of the United States in the
controversy has progressed steadily in re-
cent days. 1t began with the friendly
suggestion through Mr.. Bayard and a re-
quest from Congress that Great Britain
submit the matter to arbitration. The
United States squadron, under Admiral
Meade, was accorded an ovation at Ven
ezuelan ports quite recently and steps
were taken to commemorate the Monroe
doctrine by creating statue to President
Monroe at the capital of Venezuela With
IN recent days Venezuela has granted large
concessions of the Orinoco country to cit
liens of the United States. A strong hope
seems to be entertained on the part of
Venezuela that the United States will not
stand idly by if 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 the
trouble with Venezuela is substantially as
follows:
.First-Great Britain takes the position
That the question of arbitration was
time the Foreign Office gave the subject
most careful consideration, and then sub
mitted reply embodying proposition to
arbitrate certain definite Subjects of con-
troversy. To this proposition Venezuela
has never made reply, either accepting or
rejecting the proposed basis of arbitration
Under these circumstances it is not de-
sirable to proceed to a second proposition
of arbitration, when the first remains I'M
answered.
Second-In any event there are certain
portions of territory to which Venezuela
lays claim. which, under no circumstances
will be made the subject of arbitration as
they are recognized and established Dor
tons of the British domain and are not.
therefore, subject on which the services
OF aTbitrators could be invoked.
Third-The subject matter is one between
Great Britain and Venezuela so that the
good offices of the United States are not
regarded as essential to a settlement as If
is not understood that the United States
mas assumed protectorate over Venezuela
or has other interest than that of a friend
ly power.