Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-04-19
THE VENEZUELA QUESTION.
No Doubt of an Early Agreement By
Arbitration.
Baron Courceil, the French Am.
bassador to Great Britain, Will
Probably be the Fifth Arbitrator
On This Important International
Matter.

WASHINGTON. April 1S.-The name OF
Baron Courceil. the eminent French jurist
and diplomat. at present French ambassa-
dor to Great Britain, probably will be sug-
gtsted as the fifth or final arbitrator on
the court of arbitration between Great
Britain and Venezuela. The treaty of ar
Irritation recently ratified by these two
governments provides that the fifth arbi-
traitor shall be chosen by the four desig-
mated TO represent the two countries. and
in the event of their inability to agree
upon fifth, then King Oscar of Norway
and Sweden is to name the final arbitra-
tor There appears to be little doubt, how
ever, that the four arbltrators will
REACH AN AGREEMENT.
and with this end in view semi-oficial in
quiries have been made as to the available
ity Of Baron Courcen. His choice would
add another notable name to a court
which promises TO be memorable for the
personnel of its members, who, thus far,
are Chief Justice Brewer and Justice
Brewer in behalf of Venezuela, and Baron
Herschel and Sir Richard Penn Collins in
behalf Of Great Britain. The court will
meet in Paris in the summer of 1898. the
preceding time being required for the ex-
change of pleadings. In the meantime
and within three months of the exchange
of ratifications, the final arbitrator must
be chosen. As the treaty IS ratified by
both governments. the formal exchange CT
ratiications will follow
AT AN EARLY DAY,
either in Washington or London. and ne
gotiations toward naming the fifth arbi-
n, f.TTl
that an agreement may be reached within
the three months prescribed by the treaty.
Up to the time of his sudden death few
days ago Mr.. James j. Storrow. chief
counsel for Venezuela, had made careful
inquiry as to the availability of Baron
Courccil as the fifth arbitrator. The abil-
titles of the French diplomat were regard
ed as eminently fitting him for the place.
1t was felt, however, that as France had
a boundary dispute with Brazil. involving
the same points as the Venezuela British
case. Baron Courceil might have fixed con-
victions concerning the issues involved
Mr.. Storrow conferred with the French
embassy in Washington, and
THE GENERAL CONCLUSION
reached was that Baron Courcei could
have no prejudice by reason of the Franco
Brazilian boundary contest, which, also
has been submitted to arbitration by "A
treaty just signed. The inquiries left lit
tie doubt that the French diplomat would
be suggested as the NTH arbitrator. The
final choice, of course. lies with the four
arbtrators. but IN view of the manner in
which Mr.. Storrow was identified with the
Venezuela case. the American arbitrators
doubtless would be guided by his sug-
gestion.
Baron Courceil is one of the foremost
jurists of Europe. and as such was chosen
as president Of the court Of arbitration
between the United States and Great Brit
ain on
THE BERING SEA QUESTION.
He comes from one of the old royalist
families Of the empire. but is a sturdy re-
publican and has taken front rank among
French leaders. 1t was during the strain
cd condition Of European affairs a year
ago, requiring skill and diplomacy, that
France availed herself of his services as
ambassador to Great Britain. He speaks
English nuenty. which would materially
aid in court made up entirely of English
speaking arbitratOrs