Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1896-11-12

hlNN Usual R
interest was given to it from the fact that
Lord Salisbury the British premier, was
to make n speech at Guldhall, London,
later in the evening. 1t is an annual event.
at which the premier usually takes occa-
sion to review the status of the most i'm
portant international questions. For this
reason it was desired, if possible, to ac-
quaint Lord Salisbury of the final and sat
isfactory adjustment of the Venezuela
question in order that he might make such
announcement as he thought fit concern
ing it, When Mr.. Olncy and Sir Julian
had their final conclusions cablcgram
was at once dispatched to Lord Salisbury,
notifying him of the result. 1t reached
him within one hour of the time when he
went on the platform at Guildhal and it
was the basis for his announcement to
England and to the entire world that the
Venezuela controversy was settled.
Was General Agreement.
1t was general announcement, without
detail and without any reference to the
personnel of the court of arbitration.
Thus Washington and London partici-
patcd in this eventful scene by which the
two leading English speaking nations
reach an amicable means of adjusting the
most troublesome international question
of recent years. Although Lord Sails
bury's statement was without details, it
is possible to give all Of the essential fca-
lures of the treaty concluded in Washing
ton.
The main point, as is already stated,
is that King Oscar ii, whose full title is
king of Sweden and Norway the Goths
and Vandals, " is the fifth or decisive arbi-
traitor. 1t was deemed best to make this
choice rather than to leave it to the selcc-
tion of the other four arbitraturs The
latter are assured Of being men Of eminent
judicial attainment, as their choice is left
entirely to the judiciary of the respective
countries
The other essential feature of the treaty
is that 90 years actual possession is to con
stitute title With this limitation as to
the settled districts, the entire sweep of
Venezuela boundary is placed in the hands
of the court of arbitration The treaty
covers only Venezuela, and the question
of general arbitration between the United
states and Great Britain is left to future
negotiations. As king seldom leaves his
country, except on state visits to other
sovereigns, it is not expected that King
Oscar ii will go outside of Sweden for
the meeting Of the arbitrators, and the
court is likely to sit at Stockholm. the
capital of Sweden, where King Oscar
palace and the halls Of the Swedish par
lament are located,
Regarded as a Wise Choice.
The choice of King Oscar appears TO
have been most fortunate one. as he is
universally regarded as man of great at
tainments, of judicial temperament and of
eminent fairness. Among the monarchs
of Europe he is probably the most popular,
Hz hp Il
thoroughly democratic in his ways The
feeling entertained for him is shown by the
fact that the scandinavian residents of
the United States are at present raising
large sums with which to buy him pres
ent on the celebration of his sixty-nfth
birthday.
He is known also as The Giant King, as
he stands feet 3 inches in height. tower
ing above most men and a central figure
in all assemblages. He comes from noble
stock, being the grandson of the French
marshal, Bernadottc, who is considered
first among the marshals of France, and,
save Napoleon himself, undoubtedly the
greatest character upheaved by the French
revolution.
King Oscar has long shown a most cor
dial sentiment toward the United States,
and this doubtless had part in his sclcc-
ti'l PtlltIul i IlllilldS, Z. =. a, ana MS
brother, Hon. W. W. Thomas, late United
States minister to Sweden, gave interest
ing accounts of the kings cordialty to-
ward America. At an audience in Stock
holm, King Oscar asked with especial in
terest of General Thomas concerning
American affairs, particularly inquiring as
to the Greeley relief expedition, the status
of the Mormon question, dynamite plots,
Ericsson monitors as an implement in
future warfare the condition Of the negro
and of the south and their future and the
character and bent of the American people.
General Thomas Pen Picture.
General Thomas gives the following pen
picture of the king: A middle aged gen
tlcman, dressed in a double breasted frock
coat of black diagonal and pearl gray
trousers, with full beard and dark hair,