Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1895-04-05
NEVER SURRENDER.
Venezuela Prepared to Fight
for Her Territory.
WILL NOT YIELD AN INCH OF LAND.
PrcferrtnS to Go Out Of Existence rs q
Nstio. Rather Than Let John Bull Have
the Disputed Acres-Status of Uncle sam
at This Date-Position Of Great Britain,
as Understood, Stated In Three PROPOSE
tions.

at This Date-Position OF Great Britain
as Understood, Stated In Three PROPOSE
tions.
WAsHISGToE, April sit is stated by
persons in a position to speak wifi
authority that as soon as Venezuela is
convinced that Great Britain has finally
decided not 20 arbitrate or settle the
boundary dispute as suggested by the
United states through Ambassador Bay
ard, the southern republic will regret
fully but resolutely resort to what she
regards as her only recourse, a resort to
force. Venezuela fully recognizes to
great military strength Of Great Britain,
but it is declared that her people are
ready to see their homes and their cities
dcsolated and laid in ashes rather than
submit to what they regard as national
dishonor. 1t is said that the contention
with Great Britain is not SO much one Of
territory as Of the sentiment and honor
involved.
Annihilation Before Subjugation.
So firmly impressed have the people be-
come with this that opinion is expressed
that they would rather see their country
go out of existence than pass into the
practical control of foreign power. Lit
tie doubt is felt under these circumstances
that Venezuela will forcibiy assert her
rights to the disputed Orinoco territory
as soon as Great Britain's 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 as the Schomberg line.
Through the middle of this strip runs the
Orinoco river, commanding the COM
merce OF the interior of South America.
Great Britain is already well intrenched
there with a naval station at the mouth
of the river.
Progress of Uncle SANS Interest.
The interest of the United States in the
controversy has progressed steadily in re-
cent days 1t began with the friendly
suggestion through Bayard and a request
from congress, that Great Britain submit
the matter to arbitration. The United
States squadron under Admiral Meade
was accorded an ovation at Venezuelan
ports quite recently, and steps were taken
tn commemorate the Monroe Doctrine by
erecting n statue to President Monroe at
the capital of Venezuela. Within recent
days Venezuela has granted large conces-
sions of the Orlnoco country to citizens of
the United States. A strong hope seems
to be entertained on the part of Venezuela
that the United States will not stand fffy-
by il a resort to force is made.
An Arbitration Propo position Ignored.
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 substantial
ly as follows: First, Great Britain takes
sac position that the question of arbitra-
ton was once. before proposed by
Venezuela At that time the foreign
office gave the subject most careful con-
sideration and then submitted a reply
embodying proposition To arbitrate GER
tain definite subjects of controversy. To
this proposition, Venezuela has never
maie reply, either accepting or reject
ing. Under these circumstances it is not
desirable TO proceed to a second PROPOSE.
tion of arbitration, when the first remains
unanswered.
Two's Company, Thiee's a Crowd.
Second, in any event there are certain
portions of territory to which Venezuela
lays claim which under no circumstances
will bc made the subject of arbitration,
rs they are recognizcI portions of the
British domain and are not, therefore n
subject ON which the Judgment of arbi-
traitors could be invoked. Third, the sub
ject matter is one between Great Britain
and Venezuela, SD that the good offices of
the United States are not regarded as es-
scntial To n settlement, rs il is not under
stood that the United States has assumed
protectorate over Venezuela, or has
other interest than that of a friendly
power