The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-03-01
DIDN'T FIX THE LINE
VENEZUELA BOUNDARY COMMITS
SION MAKES REPORT OF IT'S
WORK.
LEFT THAT TO ARBITRATION.
ENOUGH FACTS DISCOVERED TO
MAKE A FAIR CLAIM ON EACH
SIDE.
GOOD RESULTS FROM ITS WORK.
Commission COmplacentIy ReVievs
the History of the Difficulty
With Britain.

WASHINGTON. Feb. 2S.-The re-
port Of the commission appointed
by the president to determine
the true divisional line between Ven
eZuela and British Guiana, though
voluminous document, lacks the inter
est which might have been attached to
it, owing to the fact that the commits
sion will make no report on the bound
airy question, leaving that to be de-
termined by the arbitration decided
upon between the two governments
most interested-Great Britain and
Venezuela. The report speaks of the
difficulty it encountered at the outset
on account of the novelty Of the work
undertaken, because the commission
had no precedent to guide it, and as
its results were matter of the deep
est Importance. Especial reference Is
made to the evident desire on the part
of the two governments directly con-
cerned TO aid the commission in its
investigation. Every call for informa-
ton or documents was promptly re-
sponded to. Eulogistic words are
spoken of individual citizens Of this
country for proffering and furnishing
documents in their possession which
might seem to have aided in reaching
an ultimate determination of the prob
lem. Particular reference is made.
among others, to Prof James c. Han
som, Of the Wisconsin state university.
and Mr.. Marcus Baker, Of the geology
cal survey.
The report in detail states the vari-
GUS documents, papers, maps, ETC.,
which the commission or it's agents
examined. Before closing, the report
speaks In the highest praise of the as
sistance given them by the secretary
OF the commission. Mr.. MaIet-Prevost.
In conclusion, the report says:
May We not properly advert to the fact that
while in consequence Of the recent treaty
the two nations specially interested, which
OF this government, our own work has been
terminated, the commission has been a factor
OF no inconsiderable Importance in the sou
ton or the problem. 1t may be inappropriate
for US to enter into any defense of the action
of congress in authorizing its creation and
yet 1t may not be am.ss to notice that at that
time there had been developed and was ex-
listing no little bitterness Of feeling between
the people of Great Britain and of the United
States; talk OF war was abundant, and the
business interests of both nations were affect
ed prejudiciously by the possibilities of con-
fict. The appointment of the commission
though 1t had no absolute power of determin-
ing the question at issue, was adopted as
affording means for a full investigation OF
the question in dispute, and for an ascertain
ment by gentlemen impartial and dislnter-
ested. of the facts respecting the controverted
boundry. The general belief that a full dis
closure OF the facts in respect to this trouble
some question would open the way TO some
peaceful solution Of the dispute promptly al
layed the approximations of war, and all
waited until this commission should have
completed its examination. Not only was this
apprehension Of conflict allayed. but each ma
ton seemed to feel that the creation OF the
commission was equivalent tc an invitation to
the two contest1ng nations to appear before
the bar of public opinion and make each It's
showing az to the merits Of It's claim. II Is