Evening star., 1895-10-18
HAS BECOME SERIOUS
Effect on the Situation of Instruc-
tions to British Guiana.
MIR. CHAMBERLIE'S WARLIKE DISPATCH
Intention of Venezuela to Advance
on the Frontier.


LONDON, October 1S.-The st. James Ga
zette this afternoon makes some highly
important and sensational statements re-
garding Venezuela, which seem to show
that the dispute between that republic and
Great Britain has assumed a very grave
aspect 1t says that since the Right Hon.
Joseph Chamberlain assumed Office as
secretary of state for the colonies he has
paid close personal attention to the ques-
tion of the relations between Great Britain
and Venezuela, and that he has taken the
initiatory in directing in part the admin
istration of the affairs CT the British colony
of Guiana, adjoining Venezuela. Mr..
Chamberlains hand. it appears. has been
felt in the local executive council, and the
st. James Gazette adds:
I'VE are now enabled to give the tenor of
a remarkable dispatch in which is out
lined the imperial policy toward the colo
nies. The document is of much Importance,
inasmuch as it was followed by cabled in
structions from Mr.. Chamberlain to the
governor of British Guiana, Sir Charles
Cameron Lees, X. c. NJ. c., to obtain with
ont delay a vote for the provision of two
Maxim guns, one of which is to be sta
toned "a Uruan or elsewhere along the
frontier where the Venezuelans may at
tempt to cross. The mere fact that Mr.
Chamberlain cabIed instructions for the de-
Tense of the frontier in this manner is
positive proof that the imperial govern
ment will not tolerate a repetition of the
Uruan incident and that it intends to hold
the frontier within the Schomburgh line
by force If necessary.
I'm this dispatch Mr.. Chamberlain ad-
vocates, especially, fostering gold mining
and urges the cutting of a road from the
upper Basima river to the Cuyina point
Ing out its Importance from military
point of view, as it would enable the gov
ernment to keep more closely in touch
Uyit hn
Venezuelan aggression, adding that in view
of the possibility and rapid expansion of
gold mining it will be necessary to pro-
vide adequately for the protection of the
northwest district and recommending an
ircrease in the number of military and
police as well as the erection OF barracks
on the frontier
No Advices at the Embassy.
At the British embassy there was much
interest evinced in the action of Mr.. Cham
berlain on the Venezuela boundary ques-
ton, as announced by the st. James Gazette.
The embassy was without official advices,
however, and it was thought that any steps
this and other South and Central Amnri-
can questions would be taken in London,
executed at the point effected and not COM
municated to the British diplo matte repre-
sentatives in the United States.
1t has been evident to diplomats here for
some time that the British foreign office
views all these questions as issues between
Great Britain and the parties Immediately
involved, and does not recognize the United
States as factor in the questions.
Those who intimately acquainted
with Mr.. Chamberlain say that his letter
to Sir Charles Lees is indicative of the
determined attitude he will adopt in all
questions of colonial policy. He Is regarded
as radical in action as in politics.
The Uruan Incident.
The Uruan incident mentioned in the
chief of police of British Guiana and sew
eral of his officers were arrested by Ven
ezuelan soldiers while on the disputed
border tract. The British officials were
few in number, and could make no re-
sistance to being taken to Venezuelan
town and held as prisoners. They were
quickly released. however, on the tilng Of
protests.
The Situation Growing Serious.
The statements made in the st. James
Gazette this afternoon while sensational
are not entirely unexpected. If the an
nouncement of the St. James Gazette be
true the situation is rapidly assuming a
serious aspect. 1t is expected by those
who are familiar with the Venezuelan
situation that within two or three months
Mt farthest the Venezuelan government will
occupy the disputed territory with troops.
The action of Mr.. Chamberlain would in
dicate belief on his part that this is the
to establish a defense by the British with
in the disputed territory is doubtless to
forestall the supposed purpose of Venezuela
to adopt an aggressive policy for the main
tenance of her territorial rights.
II these instructions are carried out it
will complicate the situation between the
United States and Great Britain and
hasten a conclusion, either anicable or
otherwise, of the negotiations which Mr..
Eayard is conducting for the settlement Of
this boundary dispute.
1t may be assumed that the United States
will; not submit to England taking violent
possession of Venezuelan territory. 1t is
probable, too, that Venezuela, counting
upon the devotion Of the United States to
the Monroe doctrine. will not hesitate to
oppose military force against any pro-
posed occupancy of the disputed territory
by British fortifications.
But the British chief of police claimed
that he had been improperly treated while
under arrest, and he proceeded in person
to London to lay the matter before the
colonial office. Since then no action has
been taken. and it is probable the action of
the colonial minister is made with a view
to preventing repetition Of the border
arrests.
TAKEN TO HOT SPRINGS.