The Mena weekly star., 1896-12-23

tlon between ltSelf ana the Unlteu States. Venezuela. although most vitally interested in the question, has no direct representation in the arbitra- tion board, which will consist of two British and two American commis- sioners, with King Oscar of Sweden and Norway as referee. Venezuela will be represented by an attorney who, how ever, will have no vote or voice in the proceedings or decision of the com mission. It will occupy the place of d little boy whose quarrels are adjusted by its father and mother. Right or wrong, it must submit to their judg- ment. And so must the South Ameri- can republic abide by the findings of the tribunal for whose creation it is wholly responsible.
 Lord Salisbury is clever diplomat. H. knew as we'll as anyone that Great Britain's boundary claims in the Guiana territory were altogether fictitious; and when, after his first bluff, congress authorized the appointment of an American commission to investigate the boundary dispute, he decided to meet the United States more than half way. Having positively refused to ar bitrate with Venezuela direct, he could not make any overtures to that repub- lie. It's very existence had to be ig- nored; and President Cleveland, by assuming to speak for the rights of America in the name of the Monroe doctrine, gave him an opportunity to back down gracefully.
 The selection of King Oscar as final arbitrator of the pending dispute is happy one. He has always been friend ly to our government, and will decide tine points at issue ii accordance .gith the testimony submitted, without fear or favor. He will, of colfrse, not attend the sessions of the court of arbitration, hut will appoint personal representa- tive who will submit reports from time to time. King Oscar is immensely pop ular in Sweden. but in Norway he has thousands of opponents. His reign has been a beDeficent one. Trade, art, and industry have fourished and the po- litical importance of the dual kingdom has been augmented in every direction. Although now almost 65 years of age, he devotes much of his time to routine affairs of state, but his leisure moments are given to association with scientific men, artists and authors. Physically, he is almost perfection, being six feet three inches in height and of very at tractive and pleasing appearance.
 Our own great diplomatic victory is scarcely more far reaching than that scored by Menelik l.. negus of Abyssinia. In 18S9 this monarch. who was then engaged ;n war with the mahdi and his dervish hordes and in conflict with rebellious subjects, was compelled by Italy to place himself and his coun- try under it's protectorate. Italian troops occupied Massowah. and large part of the adjacent coast district. Italian traders and burcaucrats formed a combination to control the business of Abyssinia, and Italian diplomats it. tempted to dictate the internal and for eign policy of the kingdom. Great Britain. Russia and France resented the aggressive policy of Italy, and last year encouraged Menelik to throw of the yoke of foreign domination. The plucky Abyssinian monarch defeated the italians in scores of sISirmishes. and ended the war of liberation by de- stroying huge Italian army at Adowa, in the beginning of the present year. This disaster caused the downfall of Sig. Crispi, the famous Italian prime minister and author of the Abyssinian policy. and i-d to the appointment Of Marquis de Rudini, who hus always been a strenuous opponent of colonial az grandizement The people of Italy had never favored the governments African