The Wilmington daily Republican., 1895-04-05

PRESIDENT CREsPo, OF VENEZUELA.
mined fighter, and is pronounced in his
opposition to the British demands. There
was considerable hard fighting In Ven
ezuela before tho triumph Of Crcspos fol-
lowers, and while the trouble was going
on it was openly stated that victory for
Crcspo and his accession 10 the presidency
would mean the peaceful cession to Great
Britain Of the disputed territory. When
Crespo won, however, and was made pres
ldcnt, he proved % he MS good a patriot as
Palacio had been, and does not propose to
give up an acre, let alone tho vast terri
tory England demands, with its fabu-
lously rich gold mines without the bitter
est kind of II struggle.
Ii is said that the contention with Great
Britain is not so much one of territory as
of tho sentiment and honor involved SO
firmly impressed have the people become
with this that the opinion is expressed
that they would rather see their country
go out OF existence than pass into the prac-
tical control Of foreign power. Little
doubt is felt under these circumstances
that Venezuela will forcibly assert her
rights to the disputed Ornoco territory as
soon MS Great Britain's rejection OF a senti-
nlent are definitely communicated.
This territory extends about 100 miles
hiuiiB INV 'bu9AY running Duth lHlTly-DNb
miles to what is known as the Schomberg
line. Through the middle OF this strip
runs the Orinoco river. com manding the
commerce to the interior of South Amer
lea. Great Britain Is already well in
trcnched there with Il naval station at tho
mouth OF the river.
The interest OF the United StateS in the
controversy has progressed steadily in re.
cent days. IL began with the friendly sug-
gcstion through MIR. Bayard of u settle.
ment, and request from congress that
Great Britain submit the inattcr to arbi.
tration. Tho United States squadron un-
der Admiral Meade was accorded an ova.
tion Mt Venezuelan ports quite recently,
and steps were taken to commemorate tho
Monroe doctrine by erecting statue to
President Monroe at the capitol Of Vene-
Euela Within recent days NeneZucla has
granted large concessions Of the Orinoco
country to ritileGs Of the United States,
and strong hope seems to b. entertained
on the part OF Venezuela that the United
States will not stand idly by il a resort to
force is made.
1t IL understood that the position of
Great Britain in declining tha suggestion
of the United States for the settlement of
the trouble with Venezuela Is substan-
tialy as follows:
First-Grcat Britaln take, the position
thAt the question Of arbitration was once
before proposed by Venezuela. At that
time the foreign office gave the subject tho
most careful consideration, and then sub
mittcd II reply embodying q 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 arbislql-
tion. Under these circumstances ii is not
desirable TO proceed to second PROPOSE
tion of arbitration, when the FIRST remains
unanswered.
Scc3ndEn any event there arc certain
portions of territory to which Venezuela
lays claim, which under no circumstances
will b. made the subject OF arbitration, Us
they are recognized and established por-
tions of the British domain, and arc not,
therefore, subject on which the judg
ment of arbitraturs could he invoked
Third-Tho subject matter is one be-
tween Great Britain and Venezuela, SO
that the good Offices of the United States
nro nos regarded MS essential To Il settle
ment, AS IL is not understood that the
United States has assumed IA protoctorato
over Venezuela or has other interest than
that of II friendly power