New-York tribune., 1896-01-03
THE VENEZUELA COMMISSION.

The Presidents Venezuela Commission is a
wholly reputable group Of able men. We speak
of Il as the Presidents Commission for that
is III fact what circumstances have made II.
The Senate would not have offended any senti-
ment OF proprety Il 1t had seer 1T TO extend its
constitutional right Of advice and consent
with respect TO executive appointments to the
Presidents nominees for this extra govern
mental task, but its decision to waive the priv
ilege which it might have claimed was well
advised. 1t is better that Mr.. Cleveland being
entirely responsible for the proposition 10 which
Congress assente1. should likewise be entirely
responsible for the choice Of commissioners TO
execute his design If the approval Of the SEN
ate were necessary to complete the appoint
mcnts there would probably be some delay
which might do no special harm. and there
would be some risk Of controversy as 70 their
fitness. which would tend to cause doubt. II not
bitterness, and to impair the prestige Of the
commission.
1t may be said without n trace OF III VIII
toward any individual that It is not an Ideal
commission, or at least that 1t IS not likely So
70 impress at once the country and the world
TO compare n great affair with one OF minor
impor,ance the committee which Is considering
the Dunraven charges Is universally recognized
rs an extraordinarily sagacious and fortunate
combination Of all the clements essential 10 the
purpose of that investigation. Such IS not the
case with the Venezuela Commission, perhaps
because II does not fully represent the Prcsi-
dents original intentions. And yet it is not
open to harsh criticism. SO far ms its mental and
moral qualities are concerned. lis members are
men Of serious character and Of much expert
ence in welghty matters. and as whole II seems
to COMPRISE all the talents necessary for a Just
solution of a difficult problem. II some OF the
commissioners are comparatively unknown
abroad. they all enjoy good repute at home,
and we see no reason 10 fear that they will not
commend themselves to the respect and conf
dence OF the world as they proceed with their
labors The United States Supreme Court Is
highly honored in every civilized country and
undoubtedly the commission is strengthened In
the general estimation by the fact that one OF
its members was chosen from that great irl-
hunal On this account 'he appointment Of JUS
,ice Brewer will be regarded as especially suit
able though we must say, as We have said be-
fore. that there are grave reasons 10 question
the wisdom Of assigning any occupant of the
Supreme Bench 10 any other public service.
Judge Alvcy's appointment is not open 10 crit
icism on that account. his judicial station being
OF n differen; order. and he is credited with ad-
mirablc qualifications for the work before him.
Mr.. White and Mr.. Gilman are widely esteemed
for practical sagacity and sober judgment, and
our fcllow-townsman. Mr.. Coudert, has an alert
and fertile mind and his temperament, il ardent
is not frivolous.
The country will confidently expect a commits
sion so constituted to manifest at every stage
Of its undertaking a deep sense Of the respOnsi-
blity which 1t has assumed For the present
this is all that it is either possible nccdful to
predict concerning its momentOus proceedings.