The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-02-18
MENICO's OFFER TO TENEzCELA.
President Diaz Tenders His FriedIy Onices
In saitIc ~. A-..r.,...., L ..cI.I...t

President Diaz Tenders His Friedly Onices
tn settle the Yurusn Incident.
WASHINGTON. Feb .1G.-Presdent Diaz,
of Mexico has rendered the friendly
offices OF his Government TO bring about
renewal OF diplomatic relations between
Great Britain and Venezuela. and partic-
ularly to settle what is known as the
yursean incident. IN which Great
Britain claims an indemnity as
reparation for he arrest and
detention OF members OF the colonial
police Of British Guiana by Venezuelan
soldiers on the disputed frontier With
these ends in view, ii IL proposed that Mr..
Romero. the Mexican Minister here shall
visit London for the purpose Of effecting
a reconciliation between the two Govern
ments. Upon receiving the offer. Mr.
Andrade the Venezuelan Minister. by
instructions from his Government laid
tho matter before Secretary Olncy on
Thursday last, in the presence OF MI
Romero. and the three gentlemen have
since discussed II at other interviews
When there appears to be no objection
on the part OF this Government 10 the
intervention Of Mexico. the Secretary Of
State is inclined TO think that no good can
be accomplished just at present, when
everything seems 10 be tending smoothly
and directly toward a peaceabie Sc mant
of the controversy. While Secretary Oh
ney appreciates the friendly disposition Of
President Daz. and he has the greatest
confidence in Mr. Romero. he fears that
the Intervention OF a third party. even
though ever 30 friendly may possibly
complicate The situation.
The Government OF the United States
~ VIZ In
cident should be regarded as entirely sep
arate and dsstinct from the boundary dis
pute. although II naturally involves the
entire question. becausesthe Venezuelan
soldiers arrested the Guiana police Oh the
charge that they were trespasslng on
Venezuelan territory whereas the Guiana
police claim that the magistrate under
whose orders they were acting had Juris-
diction there. Therefore the question OF
jurisdiction must be settled before. the
question of damages can be considered,
and Secretary Olney hopes 10 have this
minor difference postponed until the larger
point at issue is determined. Ii Is not
thought necessary, therefore. for Mr..
Romero 10 undertake negotiations
The renewal OF diplomatic relations.
which were broken OF by Venezuela in
1887. is also attended by serious compli-
cations. Tho Venezuelan Congress has
passed law forbidding the executive
department OF the Government 10 ha,"
any relations whatever with Great Bril-
tain until the latter shall agree TO submit
the boundary dispute to arbitration
Notwithstanding this fact. however. three
confidential agents from the Venezuelan
Government have visited London since
the law was passed for the purpose Of
giving Great Britain an opportunity 10
submit the controversy to arbitration. The
last was Mr. Michelena. who held an eS-
tensive correspondence on the subject
with Lord Rosebery as late as 1893 YER
ezuela has before not only shown a will
lingness. but anxiety to renew diplomatic
relations. but has received 4 cold shoulder
from Great Britain. President Cleveland.