The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-10-26

easy and rapid communication. he would
call 1t foolish to place Maxim guns along
would be time enough. They had been told
IL was the direct wish of the Secretary OF
State for Foreign Affairs, Mr.. Chamber
lain. but while that gentleman might be ad-
very much about the British Guiana from
tier, and he had not yet grasped the diff
Artemus Wards reference to letter. that
il must have been wrote sarcastic" The
people of British Guiana wanted their gold
H. nna they We're sos n15 wax
and to hope to do ii by purchasing Maxim
guns and engaging subinspectors was GER
tainly very foolish.
Mr.. McKinnon said that the government
already had two Maxim guns. and instead
of buying more, those already on hand
should be sent to the frontier. He was
lain, but the latter was acting too hastily.
and he thought less haste would secure bet
ter results.
Mr. Webber said he did not think the
gun item was necessary. AT present they
had five policemen facing fifty Venezue-
lans, and they were living in amity on each
killed ten venezuelans; that would be open
war. Where would they defend them
selves? Not in the wilderness of Cruan,
but they would SCI send for one % OF ner Ma,eso les
Orinoco or TO seize the customs receipts of
Laguayra. The poor colonists OF British
Guiana could not defend themselves even
against Venezuela Maxim guns would do
more harm than good. The Secretary OF
State, Mr.. Chamberlain appeared TO be la
boring under the inspiration OF a local held
The Attorney-general defended the pur-
chase of guns, ammunition, etc. He said
this action was not premature. because IL
had been urged by express instructions OF
the Secretary OF State by cablegram. The
dispatch indicated clearly for what purpose
the equipment was required. 1t was to pro-
tect life and property and to prevent the
incursion of Venezuelans on the border of
the colony. The court should bear in mind
that a very large question of policy was
involved in the purpose OF. her MaJestys
government to prevent the advance of the
Venezuelans. With respect to that sugges-
tion her Majesty's government was entire
ly responsible, and Ii was not for this
council to determine lines of policy. 1t
seemed to him that when her MaJesty's
government had arrived at clear idea OF
what should be done 1t was incumbent on
this council TO help to carry out the policy.
Mr.. Citzean opposed the purchase or guns,
ETC. He said Ii was perfectly impossible
that Mr., Chamberlain could know the con-
dition of affairs at Uruan. If the Maxim
gun had to be used the Venezuelans would
capture 1T in short order and the colonial
force would be annihilated. The govern
ment Secretary asserted that this was part
of an important general policy by her
Majestys government. But could it be be-
lieved that Mr.. Chamberlain, who had not
those two months had been fully engaged
with his large Parliamentary duties, would
have already formulated line of policy
for British Guiana. Uaughter) 1t re-
minded him of Lord Brassey's laying down
a policy for the West Indies after his lord
ship had taken three months tour around
the West Indies in tie yacht Sunbeam. 1t
would require the brains of a Caesar. a
Napoleon or a Gladstone TO devise such
policies offhand. The speaker added: Our
defense is not the force of arms; our de-
Tense is the prestige of the name of the
British nation (cries of hear, hear'), and the
talk of any other defense is mere rubbish"
After further debate the motion was put
by the government secretary and defeated.
Yeas s; nays, 10. The second resolution,
appropriating $1,000 for a barracks at
Uruan, was adopted unanimously.
AS already stated. the State Department
has been put in possession of the letters
OF Mr.. Chamberlain and the proceedings Of
the council from which the above verbatim
extracts are made.