Evening journal., 1896-04-22
OUR BRITISH RELATIONS
Gloomy View of the Venezuela
Situation.
NEGOTIATIONS AT A sTANDsT1LL.


President Cleveland writes a Significant
Letter 10 England on the Occasion OF
shakespeare's Birthday-L London Papers
Comment Favorabiy Upon IL.
LONDON, April ga dispatch from
Washington TO The Times says that the
Venezuela dispute Is still In a dangerous
ftate ind that no agreement as TO princi-
pies has been reached.
Negotiations between England and the
United States % says Tho Times corro-
spondent care at standstill, and nobody
knows whom or how the deadlock will be
removed. England rejected the plan / OK
planned IN Fcbruary-for the submission
OF the dispute to q joint commission OF
representatives of Great Britain and the
United States. IL is understood that
Lord Salisbury could not overcome his
repugnanoe to the possible reference Of the
dispute TO arbitration. Instead Of continu-
ing the negotiations, Lord Salisbury sub
mitted an unacceptable draft Of general
arbitration treaty, from which It Is under
stood the Venezuela dispute is excluded.
This delay Is most perilous. Tho
Washington executive still shows q strong
desire for an honorable and reasonable
agreement, but 1t takes two to make q
treaty"
The Times says In an editorial that 1t
cannot share TO the full extent the gloomy
anticipations Of It's correspondent IN Wash
ington regarding the Venezuela dispute
and thinks that Lord Salisbury's nonac-
ceptance of Americas overtures does not
amount to an absolute rejection.
In regard TO the draft OF the arbitra-
tion treaty" The Times continues, sit Is
gratifying to know that n counter pro.
posal, framed ON different lines, Is now
on It's way from Washington TO London.
Anyway, It should not be assumed that II
the treaty IL concluded II would be impos-
sible to bring Venezuela within its scope.
H|.t
Shakespeare Anniversary at Birmingham.
BIRAnNGHAM, England April 2e. The
celebrationto Shakcspoaro's birthday in
Warwiokshire, the poets county, was an
event of unusual interest. In this city
there was the annual commemoration by
the Dramatic and Literary club, OF which
Mr.. George +. Parker Of New York, the
United States consul, is president,
Tho United States ombassador, Mr.
Thomas +. Bayard, is tho guest OF tho
club and presided at the dinner. respond
ing to the principal toast Literature.
The following letter, written by Pros-
dent Cleveland to Consul Parker, was
read:
81 have received your letter informing
me that tho Birmingham Dramatic and
Literary club intend 10 celebrate the birth
day OF Shakespeare on the 2ist of April
and extending to me, on behalf OF tho
club, an invitation to be present upon
that occasion.
Everything that tends to keep alive
the memory OF Shakespeare and preserve
proper appreciation OF his work ohal
lengos my earnest interest and approval.
Though cannot be with you upon the oc-
oaslon you contemplate, ! am glad 70
know that our American people are prom
inently represented at the celebration.
"There Is much said and written In
these days concerning the relations which
should exist, bound close by the strongest
ties, between the English speaking peoples
and concerning the high destiny which
awaits them In concerted effort. hope
we may never know the time when these
ennobllng sentiments will bo less often
expressed or will In tho least loso their
potency and influence. Surely II tho Eng
lish speech supplies token for united
effort for the good Of mankind and the
impulse of exalted intormission, we do
well to honor flttingly the name and menu
ory OF William Shakespeare. Yours very
truly, GROVER CLEVELAND. F."
Our Mary Also Sends a Letter.
A letter from Mary Anderson (Mrs. Do
Navarro) was also read. II said:
II can appreciate the great pleasure my
countrynen feel I'm celebrating the bard's
birthday, for all Americans hold hallowed
the name Of Shakespeare with grateful
reverence and loving venoratlon"
The reading Of President Cloveland's
letter was received with great enthusiasm.
The United States ambassador, Mr.
Bayard, in responding TO the toast Lit
orature," said that Shakespeare, "the
myriad minded" man, was not Of a ma
tion, but Of the world.
The Americans viod with the English,
he said, in their appreciation Of the one
master mind Of literature, which was the
highest expression of civilization. BY it
we were enabled TO maintain the gains
won from barbarism. Literature made us
free, he said. There could be no oppres.
sion. with free and unfettered press.
Birmingham had breathed Shakespearo's
spirit, Mr.. Bayard went on to say. II was
in part the working of that spirit within
them which made Birmingham pioneer
Of education. Literature was art and
could do everything for the nation that
encouraged It's study. America and King
land had a language in common, and
they wero proud that It was the language
of Shakespeare.
Mr.. George +. PARKER the United
States consul and president Of tho club,
spoke TO the toast ''Tho Immortal Mem
ory of William Shakespeare" "
Editorial Comment.
InNnnN Anil % Commenting ,,nnr,