The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-07-04

American interests in Venezuela as affect
ed by the British controversy
am glad 10 say he answered. that
Americans have now substantial and def
mite interests in the most valuable sec
ton OF Venezuela, part Of which is claim
ed by Great Britain.
Although have no interest in the sub
JSct except as an American. yet 1 was
slad to be able while at Ca
Iasca 10 assist in comsumma-
ing concession Of 100000 acres
70 an American company. In which a num-
ner OF the most influential men in the
United States are Interested The conces-
sion mad formerly been held by British
company, who had secured IL from Blan-
CO. Inc Crespo government favored the
american company. but the negotiations
had halted.
=. urged upon the various members OF
the cabinet the desirability Of giving our
american friends the concession. n was
LIShkly stated by one of the cabinet Of
L-0ets that what stood in the wav was the
iHahclal interests OF Venezuela After
ealhlhg with one of the Americans inter
- yea, 1 assured this cabinet officer that,
II need be, an American bank. with TWEEN
" millions of capital would he Al once
estaohshed at Caracas, as a financial sup
toI'er 20 the government. That afternoon
me cdolnet met and remained in session
toi Two hours, canceling the concession
70 tne BRITISH concern and giving 1t abso-
ICY 10 the American company The
americans Immediately sent their men TO
trinidad Island. whence they will 20 to
various points on the concession and take
formal possession of it,
IL Is very valuable land, including the
rlch gold mines. and part OF Il is in the
territory claimed by Great Britain. should
me americans meet with any opposition
by the British. the subject undoubtedly
VIII be brought TO the attention of the
state department in the form of a pro-
test"
Col Livingston was asked as 10 the re-
suits OF his investigation OF the British
claims.
4 found" said he, that upon our part
information had been very meaeer- and 7
brought back many maps and documents
Whlch hope will throw light upon .he
subject. The British have made no less
than seven lines as their boundary claim
Inc hrst four lines were found not to ir-
clude the gold country and the land com,
Inahdlng the mouth OF the Orinoco river.
As result the British have been pushing
their lines inland, until they now claim
all the gold Held and all the Orinoco coun-
try IL is believed beyond question that
much OF this territory belongs 10 Neneuze-
IA ana IN any event 1t is only justice that
the SUBJECT should be passed upon by an
impartial commission for arbitration as
the United States has suggested
BUT suppose Great Britain declines 70
arbltrate, what will the United States
do?"
congress will certainly take IN the
question as soon as II reassembles, IL. in
deed, the executive branch of the govern
ment has not passed on IL in a very defin-
lie form by that time. / am not informed
as TO what answer Great Britain has
given to the request of the United States
Tor arbitration, but IL is understood that
she VIII arbirate a part, but will NOT
arbitrate as to certain territory. which
she claims is unquestionably hers But
why should she hesitate to arbitrate IL
her title Is unquestionable? That con-
gress VIII act very decisively is beyond
! the slightest question, for the American
people have already reached conclusion
on this subject"
Col. Livingston was again asked what
would be the ultimate result II Great
Britain rejected all arbitration and COM
missions.
Then he said, "the United States
Will protect the interests of its citizens In
venezuela. With the granting Of this
American concession there is a definite
something which It is the duty of this
government to protect, and l have no
doubt that the responsibility will be as
sumed by the executive branch and by
congress with every requisite to secure
respectful enforcement of the attitude
of the United States"