New-York tribune., 1896-01-03

ru.y HAD HOPED THAT MEN LIKE EDMUNDs.
PHELPS AND rLNCoLN WOULD BE SELECTED
THEY BELIEVE. HOWEVER. THAT THE
COMMISSION WILL. DO IT'S WORK WE'LL
Washington Jan. 2-The few members OF the
House who were about the Capitol to-day showed
only langud interest in the Presidents Venezuela an
Commission. The principal regret expressed was
that the President had not selected men OF inter-
national reputation such as ex-Minlsters Phelps
and Lincoln 1t was felt that such names would
carry greater weight In Great Britain ana on 'he
Continent than those OF other men who might be
more renowned jurIsts. but whose reputations
are local II was learned to-day that strong inhu-
ence brought to bear on the President TO
create a Commission of five persons two or whom
should be distinguished foreigners and the re-
mander Americans OF equal prominence. one oi
the names suggested that of Professor james
Bryce whose American Commonwealth Is
standard work among English speaking people on
both sides OF the Atlantic. II was represented that
II Mr. Bryce and some woll-Snown German. for
example. could be induced TO accept places on the
Commission its conclusions would be accepted WIN
much more favor by Europeans than II al the
members were Americans Some OF the members
were disposed crl,ic'sc the Presidents selection
Of two college professors. since. Il was conttnded.
mon holding such Offices are never conspicuous
either as lawyers gcogra piers. II Is felt. too.
that Mess-s White and Gilman are not favorable
to the Monroe Doctrine. although It Is believed
that their attitude this question VIII not influ-
encc their work in determining the divisional line
between British Guiana and Venezuela Members.
however. generally believe that the Commission VIII
perform its duties we'll as an. which might he
formed. Among Democratic Representatives. the
opinion was general thai the President had made no
mistake
Il must say that an rather disappont ID in the
Commission named bv the President 10 consiieT the
Venezuelan matter" said Senator Cullom. of Hi
nois "The President has failed 10 dcsignate men
who arc in my mind OF suici"n; international r"ph-
,ation to give the body which they compose that
standing among foreign Powers that would max"
their findings OF grca; weight and value. hdi
expected THAI Justice Brewer would hc part of
the Commission and his selection Is IN every way
most excc.len' one. NJ. White Is also thoroughly
equipped for the responsibilities of the task n" wlli
assume The other men named may Ice lusi a.
good IA any others that might y" N"GseSt"o, nu'
they do not possess reputation aS men OF ,N--
tincton In international affairs Had the President
seen ut 70 have s'lectrI TWO "ut "i thr "lo 'cil-
posed OF cx senator Edmunds. Mr. Phelps and NJ
ar'er ear ne s5aty sill am sure AL the ncn
named are hon,si. capahic ana pairiotc. ana VIII
spirit that Will result IN exact Justice to "a" parties
Il woud have liked It better had there been a
couple Of names there 'ha do not App"ar D9i
wui DO their duiv wc ana thoroughiy.' saiI sen
ator Frye. OF Maine. They VIII command th"
senator Iiale Of Malne Thought It was falr,
good Commission. but Disappointing In Tho omis-
ion OF some OF the nance mentioned IN connection
with H. lie thought the Commission would have
been stronger had such men a Edmumds. Phelps
or Lincoln been named
The members of ihr Commissol have not
ynt informed The Prcslen, o; heir accepilncc
but MIR Cleveland hal received ASSURANCE b"fof~
the appointments were announced ihat tac' OF
the men selected We willing to serve. /: is
learned tha, formal tcnio.s ~ place on 'ho
/ Commission We're made bui Jusi,e- Brewer ana
Alvey and Mc.srs. Corlrrt. White ana Gilman
pere sounded as % their sentiments with regard
to serving. and the Piesident was fully cos' 'z,nt
Of their views. This possibly accounts fpr 'h"
technical deniais made bv TWO members az tn"
/ Commission TO tho ylac" having been ten
/ 1ered 10 them. 49,
1'hiar Justice Fuller IS largely responsible for
the eeecfio. Of Justice Brewer. The fhi'f jus
lice had several talks with the President AMI
secretary Olney this subject. and ~ is hot
F unlikely that his opinion also hid weigh ~ 'h"
/ appointment Of chief justice Alvey.