The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-04-07

The Little Republic Will Resist England
II She Is Pushed.

WASHINGTON, April e.-It Is stated
by persons in position to speak with au-
thority that as soon as Venezuela is con-
vinced Great Britain has finally reclined
to arbitrate or settle the boundary dis
pute. as suggested by the United States
through Ambassador Bayard, the South
ern republic will regretfully but reso-
iutely resort to what she regards as her
only recourse-a resort TO force. Vene-
zaeia fully recognizes the great military
strength or Great Britain, but IL is de-
ciared that her people are ready TO see
their homes and their cities desoiated and
laid in ashes rather than submit 10 what
tney regard as national dishonor. It is
that the contention with Great Britain
IL not so much one of territory as OF the
sentiment and honor involved So firmly
impressed have the people become with
TINS that the opinion Is expressed that
they would rather see their country 20
out OF existence than pass into the prac-
teal control OF a foreign power.
Little doubt is felt under these clrcum-
stances that Venezuela will f0rcibly as
Sert her rights to the disputed Orinoco
territory as soon as Great Britain's rejec-
tion or settlement are definitely COM
munlcated This territory extends about
one hundred and fifty miles along the
coast. running back thirty-five miles to
what is known as the Schomberg line.
Through the middle OF this strip runs the
Orlnoco river, commanding the COM
merce 10 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 recent days. IL began with the
iriehdiv suggestion through MIR. Bayard
or settlement, and a request from Con-
gress that Great Britain submit the mat
ter to arbitration. The United States
squadron, under Admiral Meade, was ac-
corued an ovation at Venezuelan ports
quite recently, and steps were taken to
commemorate the Monroe doctrine by
erecting statue to President Monroe at
the capital OF Venezuela. Within recent
days Venezuela has granted large conees-
sl0nS or the OrtrocO country 20 citizens
Of the United States. A strong hope
seems to be entertained on the part OF
venezuela that the United States Will not
stand icly by If resort TO force Is made
IL Is understood that the position of
Great Britain In declining the suggestion
of The United States for the settlement
OF the trouble with Venezuela Ia sub
stantially as follows:
First. Great Britain takes the position
that the question OF arbitration was once
before proposed by Venezuela At that
time tho foreign Office gave the subject
most careful consideration, and then sub
mitted reply embodyng proposition to
arbitrate certain definite subject Of con-
tTOyersy. To this proposition Venezuela
has never made a reply. either accepting
or rejecting the proposed basis Of arbtra-
tion. Under these circumstances IL is not
desirable 10 proceed to a second PROPOSE
ton Of arbitration. when the first remains
unanswered.
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
portions OF the British domain, and are
not, therefore, subject on which the
Judgment OF arbitrators could be invoked.
Third. The subject matter is one be-
tween Great Britain and Venezuela, 50
that the good offices OF the United States
are not regarded as ess sntial to a settle
ment, as II IS not understood that the
United States has assumed a protectoratc
over Venezuela or has other interest
than that OF a friendly power.