The morning times., 1896-02-23

london, Feb. 22.-The representative Of
he United Press spent three hours I'm the
obby of the House OF Commons yesterday
afternoon, sounding members OF the House
regarding thc plan for the settlement Of the
Venezuelan dispute, which MIR. George W
Smaley, the American correspondent Of the
Times. claimshas emanated from the United
States government. The concensus OF
opinion among the Unionist members was
hat the proposal 10 appoint joint Anglo
American commission is hardly necessary,
IA face OF the present position of affairs. .
Among those interviewed was the Hon.
Evelyn Hubbard, who was recently elected
90 represent the Lambeth division of
Brixton. Mr. Hubbard is a typical rep
Tcscntative of the Conservatives. He is
the youngest son or the first naron Adding
ton. He is a member Of the firm of Messrs.
John Husband * Company. Russia mer-
chants, OF ST. Helen's Place, ana Of Eyer
ton; Hubbard x Company, of st. Peters
burg; director OF the Bank Of England, a
commissioner OF public works, loans, 4
deputy lieutenant for the city Of London,
Rnd since March last an alderman OF the
county council.
NO NEED OF A COMMISSION.
Mr. Hubbard remarked mat there was
not much need OF such a commission as that
mentioned by Mr.. Smalley. for tic reason
that there was little doubt that the mat
ter would be amicably adjusted by direct
negotiations between Great Britain and
Venezuela. The commission appointed by
President Cleveland further diminished the
necessity for a Joint commission, as he
lMr Hubbard) anticipated that the find
ings OF the former body would be such as
TO satisfy the British claims. Moreover,
the friendly tone now prevailing on ali
sides would be certain TO lead 10 a result
that would be acceptable to British ideas.
SiF Ellis Ashmcad Bartlett, a coDserva-
tive, who is in favor CT strengthening and
extending the imperial power and com
merce Of the Uuited Kingdom, said he WIS
glad 10 see that both Sdes had adopted
more friendly tone, and that the spirit OF
Jingoism had disappeared. He added that
much of the general interest had gone out
of the ease, as there was not row even
possibility OF war. He expressed himself
as being skeptical in regard TO the appoint
menU OF a joint commission, because the
matter was sure TO be settled amlcably
without such body.
When asked if the findings of The Ameri
can high commission would be enough for
Great Britain he said he was not sure
adding q" OF course, any honorable settle
ment would be acceptable 10 Great Brita In
but Lord Salisbury could not leave lhe
settlement OF British affairs To- the Amer
can commission. Nevertheless, its find
ings might be satisfactory to Great Britain. -
OTHERS NoN-CoMMITTAL
The other members who were qucs-
TONED said that they preferred not to
make q formal statement, owing 10 the
appeal in the House OF Commons OF the
first lord of the treasury, Mr.. 4. J. Bal
four, that the members OF the House would
not discuss the policy which has been pur-
sued by the government anent the boundary
dispute. These members, however, in
dicated their confidence in the personncl
and the procedure Of the American high
commission, coupled with expressions OF
their firm belief that the fincings OF this
commission would Justify the British claims.
The Speaker lengthily discusses the plan
for the appointment OF joint cOmission,
aud says il cannot believe that the scheme
Gabled 10 the Times 10y Mr.. Smafey is the
best that Washington can arrange. There
would De difficulty regarding the settled
districts.
In the event OF their being found not TO
belong 10 Great Britain. it thinks that this
country should pay TO Venezuela for them
sum 10 he fixed by the arbitrators. II
says il does not think shat such purchase
would be contrary to the Monroe doctrine,
while il would secure the seal TO the British
point, that B-ilisE subjects must not be