The herald., 1896-01-23
THE VENEZUELAN QUESTION
AgitateS the Politicians of Three
Nations
SENATOR WOLCOTT'S WORDS
Received With Satisfaction by the
Bold Britishers
Wild Tales Of Military Activity Are Sent
Out From Caracas, But England Seems
Peaceably Inclined

Associated Press Special Wire.
LONDON, Jan. 22.-G. w. Smalley, cor
respondent of the London Times, cabled
from Washington to his paper today as fol-
lows:
The full force of the English objection
to the Venezuelan commission has never,
1 think, been appreciated here. Americans
are surprised when they are told that Eng
lish recognition of the commission is inn
possible. They hardly understand why
they should be warned by a London even-
ing paper that an American claim to de-
termine the British boundary is one which
could only be conceded after defeat in
long war and that if such a demand were
made by any other power it would be met
by handing their ambassador his passports
and mobilizing the fleets.
'Such language does not clarity the Wis.,
ion of the Americans. 1t simply creates
irritation and resentment. The writer who
said it might have reached the American
mind if he had merely asked what Ameri-
caes would say if the case were reversed
and if England should appoint commits
sion to determine the boundary of an Amer
lean state.
as if it embodied a perfectly natural ap-
peal for the friendly cooperation of Eng
land in the work of the commission"
Mr.. Smalley suggests that in view of a
sincere desire in Washington to see the full
text of the British case, that Lord Sails
bury publish the documents as supple
ment to the London Gazette.
WILL NOT REFUSE ARBITRATION
LONDON, Jan. 23.--The Chronicle with
graduates the Times on the candor and
open mindedness which has led into the
rational path tqat the two great countries
are pursuing.
The Chronicle then proceeds: "Only do
not let us deceive ourselves. 1t is very
pleasant to read such speeches as that of
Senator Wolcott, but Americai is absolutely
solid for arbitration over Venezuela and
arbitration we cannot and will not refuse"
The Graphic. commenting upon the well
come change in the official attitude of
America, thinks that 1--WE cannot JOIN the
commission, but it is not too late for
| America to urge Venezuela to accept our
offer for arbitration. If it went against us
| we might then agree to the arbitration OF
the Schomberg line."
| Wild NONSENSE
New YORK, Jan. 23.-The Worlds copy
right special from Caracas, Venezuela,
says:
Michael McTurk, the head magistrate of
British Guiana, who has been identified for
years with the usurpation of Venezuelan
territory. has been relieved of his duties in
order that he may command an expedition
charged with fortfying the entire length of
the Guyana river lying in the disputed ter
ritory. This news has caused great stir
here.
Ell Liberal, in leading editorial, calls
the attention of the government to the mil
itary preparations on the Guiana frontier,
which, although London denies it, are ac-
lively going forward. On the British
island of Trinidad the forts are being re-
paired and the militia are being drilled in
the method of handling the new heavy
guns.
In the name of the people of Venezuela
this government is asked to fortify Anna
cuo, Cangrejes and Cuyuni on the frontier,
in order to be ready for war If arbitration
fails. The moral effect of increasing the
military strength would be to unite the
country, it is argued, and command the
respect of President Crespo's bitterest ene-
mics. The English plan is believed to be
to fortify the disputed territory while the
American commission is investigating, and
if it's report is adverse to Great Britain, to
be prepared to hold it forcibly Ex-Presi-
dent Guzman Blanco denies that there is a
conspiracy against Venezuela. He pro-
nounces the story of it the work OF enemies
at a time when ali Venezuelans owe their
support to President Crespo against a COM
mon enemy. The news of the proposed
adoption and definition of the Monroe
doctrine by the United States congress has
aroused great enthusiasm here.
THE REPORT DENIED
LONDON, Jan. 22.-The report which
was received here today from Rio de
Janeiro that the Brazilian government had
dispatched the cruiser Benjamin Constant
to occupy the island of Trinidad, concern
ing the possession of which dispute has
existed for sometime past between Great
Britain and Brazil, cannot be confirmed at
the Brazilian legation or in other official
quarters. 1t is stated that. on the con-
trary, the negotiations between Great
Britain and Brazil are continuing on the
mcst friendly basis.
The Berlin correspondent of the Times
believes that the government has already
abandoned the idea of introducing meas
ure to increase the navy.
THE PRESIDENTS OPINION
NEW YORK, Jan. pa special to the
World from Washington says:
President Cleveland has authorized SEN
ator Smith of New Jersey to make public
his opinion of the Davis resolution reported
by the senate committee on foreign rela-
tons. The presidents opinion is: ~ re-
gard the Davis resolution as mischievous,
inopportune and unfortunate"
MIR. Cleveland believes that the policy
adopted by the senate committee strikes
at the heart of the principle of arbitration.
Senator Smith has prepared a resolution
declaring that the United States does not
intend to establish q protectorate in South
America, nor to become responsible in any
degree for the conduct of other American
nations. He discussed the substance of
the resolution with the president today.
Secretary Olney has privately expressed
his disapproval of the action of the senate
committee.
DOESN'T LIKE DEPEw
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22.-Senor Salvador
de Mendonca, minister of Brazil to the
United States. in a communication to the
Washington Post, with reference to Mr..
Depew's speech before the New York Bar
association, writes as follows:
'If Mr.. c. M. Depew were as we'll ac-
uuainted with the Latin-American coun-
tries as he is with the financial relations
between this country and Europe, he would
know that at present there is no dictator
ship in South America, but a president
elected in accordance with the election
laws of the countries; and there is as much
security for life and property of citizens or