The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-11-19
TO BE ARBITRATED.

y
hence, which will decide their fate.
| ----o---------
TO BE ARBITRATED.
Venezuelan Question Soon to be Completely
Settled.
The King of Sweden and Norway, Oscar IT..
has been chosen by treaty between the United
States and Great Britain as the fifth or final
arbitrator of the Venezuelan boundary question.
| The other arbitrator, four in number, are to
be designated-twO by the Lord Chief Justice
of England, and two by the Chief Justice of
the United States.
This is the final and the most important feat
ure of the treaty for the complete adjustment
of the long pending Venezuelan controversy.
The treaty was concluded in Washington at
the British Embassy, Sir Julien Pauncefote
representing Her Britannia Majesty and Secre-
tary Olney the United States. Since the re-
turn of Sir Julien from London three weeks
ago negotiations toward final settlement
have been proceeding.
| When Mr.. Olney and Sir Julien reached
their final conclusions cablegram was at once
dispatched to Lord Salisbury notifying him OF
the result 1t reached him within one hour of
the time when he went Oh the platform at
Gnildhal, and it was the basis for his an
nouncement to England and to the entire world
| that the Venezuelan controversy was settled
1t was general announcement. without detail
| and without any reference to the personnel OF
the Court of Arbitration.
The main point, as already stated. is that
| King Oscar H., whose full title is King OF
Sweden and Norway, the Goths and Vandals."
| is the fifth or decisive arbitrator. The other
essential feature of the treaty is that SO years
actual possession is to constitute title. With
| this limitation as to the settled district, the
entire sweep of Venezuelan 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 Sow
ereigns. it is not expected that King Oscar IL.
will go outside Sweden for the meeting of the
arbitrators and the court is likely to sit at
Stock holm, the Capital of Sweden, where King
Oscars palace and the halls of the Swedish
| Reksdag are located.
The choice of King Oscar appears to have
been a most fortunate one, as he is universally
regarded as of great attainments, of
judicial temperament, and of eminent fairness.
King Oscar has long shown most cordial
sentiment toward the United States, and this
doubtless had part in his selection.
The Venezuelan Commission gave out the
following statement:
1.-The statements of Lord Salisbury make it
probable that the boundary dispute now pend
ing between Great Britain and Venezuela will
be settled by arbitration at an early day.
| THESE u,
while continuing its del Iberations III the prepa-
ration and orderly arrangement of many val
liable MAPS reports and documents which have
| been procured and used In the course OF its la
bors, does not propose to formulate any decis-
ion for the present of the matters subject to its
examination. 1t will continue its sessions
from time to time, but with the hope and ex-
pectation that friendly and just settlement
of all pending differences between the Nations
interested will make any final decision its
part unnecessary"
Frederick r. Coudert, member of the Com
mission, said that it would be much better for
the boundary to be determined by arbitration
than by decision of the Com mission. The re-
port of the Commission, however, if one should
be made, would be Of much value in determii-
ing the matter in dispute
Mr.. Coudcrt ex pressed the opinion that moral
as well as legal claims would be recognized in
any arbitration. When asked if the Commits
sion had been apprised beforehand concerning
the announcement that would be made in the
Guild Hall speech, Mr. Condert said he had no
prior information that Lord Salisbury was to
make the announcement of the near approach
to settlement of the dispute.
The understanding here is that the entire
Venezuelan Guiana boundary will be thrown
open to arbitration it remaining for Great
Britain to show that certain portions have
been occupied by her subjects SO long, peace
fully, uninterruptedly, and publicly as to make
q conclusive territorial presumption.
The country which it is understood this will
open to arbitration embraces all Of the coast
tract west Of the Esquibo River. including the
Orinoco River, on both banks and at the mouth
and the stretch of land on either side; also the
Barima country, in which are located the gold
| fields, the most valuable resources of the cOun.
try. East Of the Esquibo River lies the British
| colony of Demerara, with its capital, George
! town. and lesser settlements radiating west
ward.
This portion east of the Esquibo is, from the
Venezuelan standpoint about the only terri.
tory to which the doctrine of prescription. or
long-continued possession. applies. There are
scattered English settlements in the interior,
| and to them, it is said. it will be question of
fact before arbitrator to determine whether
the British occupancy has been open and noto-
rious for long term of years.
The following semi-official statement on the
Venezuelan question was issued from London !:
| "Misapprehensions appear to exist to the
| nature of the agreements reached between the
United States. Great Britain and Venezuela.
Having preferred to leave the negotiations in
the hands Of the United States, Great Britain
agreed with the United States conditions of the
arbitration. An actual treaty for this purpose
will be concluded between Great Britain and
Venezuela. But the previous agreement outlin.
ing the treaty's main provisOs has already been
made between Great Britain and the United
states ana removes the prospect OF any DILL
Guilty between Venezuela and Great Britain in
regard to the terms of tho treaty. The decision
of the Arbitration Court is not expected under
~ months. Anent the term of years men tioned
in the agreement. it is admitted here that there
are practically no settlers either side of the
disputed line who have been there for over a
decade"
Senior Andrade, Minister to the United States
from Venezuela. has gone home He has taken
with him copy of the treaty between Vene-
zuea and Great Britain for the arbitration of
the boundary dispute. together with q copy of
the agreement signed by Secretary Olney and
Sir Julian Pauncefote, which was preliminary
to the treaty between the countries actually in
interest. Senior Andrade will urge his Govern
ment to accept the treaty at once. He will
carry letter from Secretary Olney, which will
show the position of this country aud will point
out to the Venezuelan Government the advan-
} tage of accepting the treaty and adjusting the
boundary on the lines secured through the in-
terventiOn of the United States.
Probable Extra Session.
J Chairman Mark A. Hanna last week gave out
! . statement to the effect that Maj. Mckinley
will endesvor to see collected great National
! party that will give prosperity to the country.
"He expects and hopes that men of all shades
of former political belief will be united to this
end" said Mr.. Hanna. ~ have talked with
some of the most influential of the old Demo-