The Portland daily press., 1896-11-12

says Vno 0aZoGte, the American claim
that the agreement is square back
down on the part of Great Britain will
be difaoulJ to disprove.
NEW PAGE IN AMERICAN HISTORY.
Venezuelan Controversy Imposes Grave
Responsibilities on United States.
Washington, November 11.-Consider-
able surprise Is manifest In diplomatic
and official orioles that the United States
and not Venezuela is the party of the
first part to the arbitration arrangement
with Great Britain. 1t has been supposed
that the sole function of this country
was that of mediator and that notwith-
standing the foIoible tone of President
Cleveland's message to Congress last
Christmas, Venezuela was not to be sue
oeeded as principal by this country. The
attitude in which the United States Is
now placed, it is claimed, partakes large
ly of the position of protector of the
weaker sister Republics of the continent.
This, in the opinion of many skilful dip
lomats, imposes grave responsibility on
this country. somewhat similar to that
which the English statesmen hsve re-
psatedly endeavored to fasten upon the
United States government since the days
Of Canning.
1t is apparent that under the terms of
agreement, Venezuela cannot resist the
decree Of arbitration. however adverse to
her extreme contentious it may be, and
the United States is bound to see that
the award il enforced. By this proposed
Venezuelan treaty 1t Is conceded that q
new page Of American history has been
turned. With regard to arbitration 1t is
anticipated that some time must elapse
before its consummation.
Justice Brewer, the president of the
American commission, will probably be
the Americ can member of the tribunal.
As explained by the American COIN
missioners today. their efforts are not by
any means suspended. and will be
redoubled to complete the evidence as
soon as possible, 80 as to be in position
TO reach and announce decision at any
time, should the project for arbitration
from any cause fall through. The United
States having taken the matter entirely
into its own hands, will undoubtedly
spare no effort to gain a decisive victory.
The most eminent counsel obtainable
will necessarily be retained. Fortunately
the executive force of the com mmission.
which under Secretary Malet- Provost had
developed so much evidence hitherto
overlooked by either contestant, will be
available as we'll as s1ch experts as Prof.
Burr. Among the counsel likely oil
selection will be James J. Storrow OF
Boston, now leading counsel for
Venezuela.
Bunce's Squadron Going to Venezuela.
Washington, November I1.-Admiral
Bunce's squadron will GO Venezuela In
few Waeka npIoas radical dapartrrre
is made in the planssperfeoted today at
the navy department.. The OBJECT OF
Admiral Bunce's new orders is declared
to be without any significance in the for
eign affairs uf the United States, but re-
lates altogether to the necessities of effec-
tive naval administration. When it was
finally conceded that the feet must be
held together and evolutions must be
had, only waters where the ships could
be always In ready call for hurried re-
turn to this coast If needed were found
in that pa1t of the Atlantic near the
mouth of the Orinoco and at the entrance
of the Caribbean sea we'll away from
Havana. The feet will start South be.
fore Christmas.
Venezuela Doesn't Figure.
London, Novemb Der 1.-THE officials OF
the foreign office take exception to the
statements which have been made that
Venezuela will not be represented direct.
ly in tho arbitration tribunal. The
foreign office authorities suggest that
| there is still doubt whether Venezuela
will have her own member of the trihu-
nal at any rate Great Britain regards
the United States representatives as act.
ing for Venezuela.
The United States Recognized.
London, November l2.-The West.
minister Gazette in an editorial ON the
Venezuelan settlement, says: "The locus
! standi of the United States In the Vene
zuelan controversy, which we were al
nrsb lnollned to deny, is now undis
| put ed"