Waterbury evening Democrat., 1895-04-05
VENEZUELA IS FOR WAR
Will Fight Desperately Against
 British Encroachment.
THIS COUNTRY IS INTERESTED.

4h1O OOON N1h1 10 IN N1hhhO1hO' As Soon England's Formal Refusal to
 ArbitI nto the Boundary Question Is Made
 Known the VenezueIans Will Take Up
 Arms--A Clash Is Imminent.
 WASHINGTON, April 5.-It is stated by persons in a position to speak with au- thority that as soon as Venezuela is con- vinccd Great Britain has finally declined to arbitrato or settle the boundary dis putc, as suggested by the United States through EmbasSador Baynrd. the southern republic will regrotfully but resolutely resort to what she regards as her OnlE re- course-a rosCGt to forco Venezuela fully recognizes the great military strength of Great Britain, but it is declared that her people arc ready to sec their homes and their cities desolatcd and laid in ashes rather than submit to what they regard as national diShonor.
 It is said that the contention with Great Britain is not much ono of territory as of the sentiment and honor involved. So firmly impressed havc the people become with this that the opinion is expressed that they would rather sec their country go out of existence than pass into the prac- tical control of a foreign power.
 Little doubt is felt under these circum- stances that Venezuela will forcibly assert her rights to tho disputed Orinoco terri tory as soon as Great Britain's rejection of a settlement is definitely communicated. This territory extends about 150 miles along the coast. running back 35 miles to what is known as tho SchOmberg line Through tlS' middle of this strip runs the OrinOcO river, conducting commerce to the interior of South America. Great
 Britain is already well intrenchod thcre
 with a naval station at the mouth of tho river.
 Tho interest of the United States in the controversy has progressed steadily in re- cent days. It began with tho friendly suggestion through Mir Bayard of a set tlemont and request from congress that
 Great Britain submit the matter to arbi-
 tration. Tho United States squadron, un- der Admiral Meade was accorded an ova-
 tion at Venezuelan ports quite recently, and steps were taken to commemorate the Monroe doctrine by erecting statuo to President Monroe at tho capital of VCne- zuela. Within recent days Venezuela has granted largo concessions of the OrinOcO country to citizens of tho United States. A strong hope seems to be entertained on
 tho part of Venezuela that tho United States will not stand idly by if n resort to | force is made.
 Great Britain's Reasons. It is understood that tho position of Great Britain in declining the suggestion | of the United States for the settlement of | tho troublCsswith Venezuela is Substanttal | ly as follows:
 First-Great Britain takes tho position
 that tho question of arbitration was once | before proposed by Venezuela. At that
 time the foreign office gave tho subject | most careful consideration and then sub.
 mittcd n reply embodying a proposition tC arbitratc certain definite subjects of con. | troyerSy. To this proposition Venezuela
 has never made reply, neither accepting or rejecting tho proposed basis of arbitra | tion. Under thcso circumstances 1t Is not | desirable to proceed to a second proposition | of arbitration when tho first remains un | answered.
 | Sccond-ln any event, there are certain | portions of territory to which Venezuela l lays claim which under no circumstance.
 will bc made tho subject of arbitration n. | they arc recognized and established DOT l tiOnS of the British domain, and arc moi | therefore a subject on which tho judg mcnt of arhiiraturs could be invoked. Third-Tho subject matter is one be | tween Great Britain and Venezuela, sC | that tho good offices of the United State: l arc not regarded as essential tO a settle | mont, as it iS understood that tho United | States has not assumed n prOtCCtOratc uVe | Venezuela or has other interest than tha | of q friendly power.