The record-union., 1896-01-22

LONDON, Jan. 21.-The Right Hon.
Geo. J. Goschen, First Lord of the Ad-
mjralty, made a speech at Crinstead to-
Gay, in the course OF which he said he
wished to dissipate the alarming ru-
mors that were in circulation. Refer
ring to the flying squadron, he said it
was intended for use in any emergency
1n any direction. It would go to Bere.
haven without taking sealed or other orr
ders, except to proceed to that place and
await instructions. The squadron was
rot intended as a menace to any coun-
try, nor was it destined for any particu-
lar quarter of the world. 1t would be
used as other squadrons are used.
Mr.. Goschen appealed to the public if
they heard that the squadron has been
ordered anywhere not to imagine that
1t had been sent to menace anybody.
The disposal of the squadron could not
be guided by political considerations
while the situation remained as it is
now.
He denied the rumor that the Govern
ment meditated placing another squad
ron in commission. Nevertheless, it
could not afford to rest on its oars. 1t
did not propose to adopt sensational
measures, but would continue as hither-
to, to steadily augment the number of
ships, guns and men in order to main
tain supremacy on the sea and to secure
the nation from panic whenever there
were clouds on the political horizon.
The 'sTimes" tomorrow will give un-
usual prominence to a Washington dis
patch sent by its correspondent, Mr..
Smalley, asserting that he has personal
knowledge of the existence in the
White House and the State Depart
ment of a strong and cordial wish
for an early and complete settlement
of the dispute with Great Britain on
terms that will devolve no discredit
to either Government, and also the ex-
istence of the belief that such a settle
ment may be speedily reached. Mr..
Smalley adds that good advice has al
ready been given to Venezuela
The Times, commenting on the
foregoing and Mr. Smalley's assertion
that there has been a sudden change
in the spirit of the Senate, will express
its pleasure at the cheering news. The
absence of desire to hasten Senator
Davis resolution, it says, will allow
time for the forces that are working
for peace to operate. The paper notes
the conciliatory and modest language
OF Justice Brewers letter to Secretary
Clney, but says it thinks it must be
obvious to the Americans themselves
that the origin of the Venezuelan Com
mission and the manner in which its
creation is regarded in the United
States make it impossible for Great
Britain to recognize its doings either di-
rectly or indirectly.
Lord Salisburys original objection to
arbitrate concerning districts settled
years ago by British subjects and under
British law still holds good, but the
American Government must be well
aware of the perfect willingness on
this side to discard the Schomburgk
line and arbitrate on all the disputed
territory, excluding only the districts
the British or Venezuelans have per-
manently settled. This basis for nego-
tiations is open for Venezuela to seek
at any time. It certainly would not be
rejected here, but it is impossible for
Great Britain to resume diplomatic re-
lations with Venezuela until the latter
shall have made the first advance.
The s'Daily News" will tomorrow say
in connection with the letter of the
Venezuelan Commission requesting
Secretary Olney to ask Great Britain
and Venezuela to lay before them
their sides of the boundary dispute,
that Justice Brewer displayed genuine
craftsmanship in drafting the letter.
1t adds that the request furnishes Lord
Salisbury an opportunity that ought
not to be lost The Prime Minister
would act with wisdom and dignity if he
complied with the request.
The Chronicle viii tomorrow say
it hopes that Great Britain will COM
ply with Justice Brewers reasonable
and fair request. The commission, it
will add, has done its best to set aside
the peremptory character that Presi-
dent Cleveland's message seemed TO as
sign to it. That is a point of which a
sensible Government will take note.
The eGlobe" this afternoon comments
angrily on the letter of the United
States Venezuelan Commission, sug-
gesting that Great Britain and Vene-
zuela be invited to submit to the COM
mission all of the evidence in their pos
session. The "Globe" says:
Great Britain will never allow this
monstrous claim to determine the terri
tory of a British colony within its juris-
diction. No Power could admit it ex-
cept at the close of a long and disas-
trous war. Were such a demand made
by any other Power, our only reply
would be to hand its ambassador his
passports. VIII these pernicious COM
missioners undertake to answer for the
effect on their own countrymen of fore
ing the Premier to snub the American
Secretary of State?