The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-10-05
AWARD OF THE ARBITERS
COMMENT ON THE FINDING OF THE
ANGLO-vENEZUELAN TRIBUNAL.
Justice Brew err Says Even n COmpro-
mise Verdfct Was Difficult to
Agree on-Views of Senior Rojas.

PARIS, Oct. A reporter of the As
ISOLATED Press this evening had a CONVERSE
ton with Justice Brewer, of the United
states Supreme Court, regarding the award
of the Anglo-Venezuelan arbitration tri-
bunal, from which 1T appears that the de-
alterations of the court did not proceed as
smoothly and with the spontaneous unan-
unity which a perusal of the award would
lead one to believe.
Justice Brewer, in reply to a question,
said: Until the last moment 1 believed a
decision would be quite impossible. and it
was by the greatest Cancellation and mutual
| concessions that a compromise was arrived
at. If any of us had been asked to have
| given an award, each would have given one
different in extent and character. The con-
| sequence of this was that We had to adj
just our different views and to draw a line
| running between what each thought right"
Being asked whether political considera-
tions influenced the award, the justice said
he could not admit that. as such an admis-
sion would reflect on the judges. but there
was no doubt the present instruction in
Venezuela and the consequent feeling of in
stability weighed, to a certain extent, in
the balance.
In reply to an inquiry as to what qdes-
| lions separated the judges. Justice Brewer
replied: Nearly every point. In the first
place, European lawyers do not look upon
the question of prior rights. resulting from
| rights of discovery, in the same way as we
do. Then the question Of nature of control
and the extent of influence and relationship
with the native races and many such mat
tiers are not viewed in the same manner on
either side of the Atlantic. In fact, the
whole situation is not so keenly appreciated
by Europeans as it is by Americans"
Replying to a query regarding the DELHI
e~rations within the court, Mr.. Brewer said
that there was. properly speaking, no cast
ing of votes. Each judge conceded spme-
thing in turn. With regard to the proceed
ings in open court. he said the hearing OF
arguments might have been considerably
curtailed had the case been heard exclu-
sively by either an English or an American
court, but the judges thought IL prudent 20
allow counsel full liberty In order to make
matters clearer to the president, who, after
all, was not a lawyer.
Asked whether. according to his own
opinion, Venezuela was entitled to more
than she actually received, Justice Brewer,
after some hesitation, shrugged his Shout
derS and said he would rather say nothing
on that subject, and concluded by remark
ing that. whatever the two parties might
think of the award, Venezuela received
Barima Point, which gives her full control
of the interior of her territory, and Eng
land is confirmed in the possession of ter
ritory, in the development of which she has
spent considerable money and energy, but
1.-THE principal blessing is that the two ma
lions. can at last develop peacefully, side
by side, large tracts of territory, which,
owing to previous antagonism. have re-
manned unproductive."
Senior Rojas, the Venezuelan agent here
In the course of an interview, said: THE
award was not what / hoped, but we must
make the best of ii. What can you expect
In a contest between an elephant and ar
ant? One thing will result from it-Amer
lea will accept no more arbitrations with
Europe. You will see America lay down 9
fresh international code, which she will ap'
ply TO the old world whether the latter like:
1t or not. The South American states, in
Guiding Brazil, will rally around the United
States for the purpose of affecting an eco
nomic union. We shall try to establish &
monetary union or the basis of a GOLD
standard. These projects need not imply
hostile attitude toward Europe, but 1t mus
be borne in mind that Europe stands IL
much greater need of us than We of her."