The Forrest City times., 1896-11-13
OFFICIAL CIRCLES
AZ the National Capital Are Some
what Surprised
nyEH THE PRESENT TURN IN AFFAIRS
Connected with the Venezuelan Ques-
ton-A Grave Responsibility APP
pears to Have Been Fastened
Upon the United States.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12.-Considerab BILE
.,,rprise is manifested in diplomatic
~ official circles that the United
states and not Venezuela is the party
~ the first part to the arbitration
AGREEMENT with Great Britain. Il had
haa, supposed that the sole function
- this country was that of mediator,
md that, Notwithstanding the forcible
.one of President Cleveland's message
20 congress last Christmas, Vene-
.rala was not to be succeeded as
principal by this country. The atti-
tnde In which the United States is now
nlaced. it is claimed, partakes largely
Of the position of a protector of the
weaker sister republics of the CONT
nent This, in the opinion of many
skillful diplomats, imposes grave re-
sponsibility on this country, somewhat
similar to that which English states
men have repeatedly endeavored to
fasten upon the United States govern
ment since the days of Canning
II is apparent that under the terms
of the agreement Lord Salisbury and
Secretary Olney have made, Venezuela
can not resist the decree of arbitra-
ton. however adverse to her extreme
contention it may be, and the United
States is bound to see that the award
is enforced.
By the proposed Venezuelan treaty
II is conceded that a new page of
American history has been turned.
With regard to the arbitration it is
expected that some time must elapse
before its consummation, and in any
event before it's decision. Nothing is
thought more likely than that Justice
Brewer, the president of the commits
sion to draw the true division line will
be an American member of the tribunal.
and that one OF his colleagues in that
body will be associated with him.
Either Justice Alvey, President Gill
man, DR.. White or Me-. Coudert, all of
whom are thoroughly familiar with
the established historical, geograph-
ical and political parts of the boundary
controversy, is exceptionally qualified
to represent this country. The idea
that the continued la bors of the Vene-
zuelan commission will be permanently
interrupted ny INC uuucrSudnulng
reached, is erroneous. Immense
masses of evidence have been col
lected by the commission. The
work of the commission up to
this time has been confined exclu-
sively to the reception and arrange
ment of facts. No effort has yet been
made to reach a decision. Their eff
forts have been directed altogether to
classifying and arranging the data for
the final consideration. These labors
are to continue uninterruptedly unless
the president directs its cessation. Not
word of the negotiations or their ac-
complishment has yet reached the
commission. Their statement of Tues
day was based on what appeared in
the press regarding Lord Salisburv's
speech and the cir-umstan tial details
following 1T. AS explained by the
commissioners, their efforts are not by
any means suspended, but will be re-
doubled in order to complete the evil
dence as soon as possible, so as to be
IN position to reach and announce a
decision at any time should the pro-
1ect Tor arbitration from any cause fall
through.
Inc United States having taken the
matter entirely into its own hands,
ana mindful of the responsibilities in
vowed, will undoubtedly spare no
eHort to gain decisive victory. The
most eminent counsel obtainable will
necessarily be retained.