Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-04-05

stated by persons in a position to
speak with authority that as soon as
Venezuela is convinced that Great
Britain has finally decided not to afbi-
trate or settle the boundary dispute,
as suggested by the United States,
through Ambassador Bayard, the
southern republic will regretfully but
resolutely resort to what she regards
as her only recourse, resort to force.
Venezuela fully recognizes the great
military strength of Great Britain,
but it is declared that her people are
ready to see their homes and their
cities desolated and laid in ashes
rather than to submit TO what they
regard as national dishoner. 1t is
said that the contention with Great
Britain is not so much one of territory
as Of the 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 practical control OF
foreign power.
Little doubt is felt under these cir
cumstances that Venezuela will forci-
bly, as srt her rights to the disputed
Orinoco trritory as soon as Great Brit
aims rejection of the settlement Is
defnitly communicated.
THIS TERRITORY EXTENDS
about $50 miles along the coast, and
running back thirty-five miles to what
is known as the Schomberg line
Through the middle of this strip runs
the Orinoco river, commanding the
commerce Of it to the interior Of South
America. Great Britain is already well
entrenched there with a naval station
at the mouth Of the river.
The interest of the United States In
the controversy has progressed steadi-
ly in recent days.
It began with the friendly sugges-
tion through Mr. Bayard, and a request
from Congress- that Great Britain sub
nit the matter to arbitration. The
United States squadron, under Ad-
miral Meade, was accorded an ovation
at Venezuelan ports quite recently,
and steps were taken to commemorate
the Monroe doctrine by erecting a
statue to President Monroe at the Cap
itol of Venezuela. Within recent days
Venezuela has granted large conces-
sions Of the 0rinoco country to citizens
Of the United States. A strong hope
seems to be entertained on the part OF
Venezuela that the United States will
not stand idly by rf a resort to force is
made. 1t is understood that the posi-
tion os Great Britain in declining the
suggestion of the United States for the
settlement Of the troubles Of Vene-
zuela
is SUBSTANTIALLY FOLLOWS:
First-Great Britain takes the posi-
tion that the question of arbitration
was once before proposed by Vene-
zuela. At that time the foreign Office
gave the subject most careful consid-
Grafton, and then submitted a reply
embodying a proposition to arbitrate
certain definite subjects of contro-
versy. To this proposition Venezuela
has never made reply, neither ac-
oepting nor rejectingthe proposed basis
of arbitration. Under these circum-
stances, it is not desirable to proceed
to a second proposition of arbitration,
wien Iue uISI Ieiudluo uHdloWci cu.
Second-In any event there are GER
tain portions of territory to which
Venezuela lays claim, which, under no
circumstances, will be made the SUBJ
ject of arbitration, as they are recog-
nized and established portions Of the
British domain, and are not, there
fore. a subject on which the Judgment
of arbitrators could not be invoked.
Third-The subject matter is one be-
tween Great Britain and Venezuela, so
that the good offices of the United
States are not regarded as essential to
the settlement, as it is not understood
that the United States has assumed a
protectorate over Venezuela, OF has
other interest than that of friendly
power.