The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-07-11
SIR R1oHAnD TOO CRITICAL.
Venezuelan Counsel Objects to His Attacks
on That Country'E Documents.


PARIS July 10.-The argument Of the Brit
ish case by Sir Richard Webster was continued
before the Venezuelan tribunal to-day. Sir
Richard surveyed the position OF affairs in
1870 showing that the English and the Dutch
could point out their occupation OF the whole
country. eIceut the Spanish mission area on
the Savannah aud an unoccupied belt between
the Spanish mission area and tho Dutch ter
ritory. Between 1910 and 1850. Sir Richard
said, Venezuela had made no advance whereas
the whole unoccupied territory had been
brought under English control. as on tho right
bank OF the Amalculu, embracing the rivers
Pomeroon. Wazaruni. Cuyuni. Waiina and
Barima. the natives werc treated as British by
the soldiers, the judicial administration de-
veloped into regular circuit system. educa-
ton spread and the natives received protec-
ton against Venezuelan cruelty Sir Richard
proceeded to strengthen his statement 10y the
production OF documents. sarcasticaly remark
ing that Venezuela had produced no docu-
ments because she did not possess any bearing
upon this period.
subsequently Sir Richard criticised the pas
sage in the Venezuelan argument wherein It
was stated that the British Colonial Governors
had extended the boundaries by correspond
ence. Gov Durham in 1927 being the first to
write to Niscount Goderich, the British Co.
lonial Secretary, to suggest territorial from
tier along the Ornoco
The Venezuelan counsel appeared to resent
Sir Richard Webster's structures and the latter
backed down. explaining that he did not wish
to unduly critcse his opponents. but left that
point to the appreciation of the court.
Sir Richard continued his argument regard
ing the evidence OF British control. citing q
treaty OF peace between two Indian nations
which had been arranged in 1926 by the British
protectors OF the Indians.
Sir Richard dealt with Gov. Lights sugges-
ton to the Venezuelan authorities that beacon
be erected at Barima Point. Explaining Gov.
Lights request. he said that 1t was made with
out the knowledge OF the home Government
and purely for trade purposes. However. the
Nenezuelans might draw what advantage thev
could from the fact that in 1893 there came the
appointment Of Superintendent of rivers and
creeks, replacing the protectors Of Indians.
Among the first Of these was Crichton. whose
diary he largely quoted for the purpose Of
showing the extent OF the British jurisdiction
on the Barima and up to the Amacura These
papers showed that there was no inland water
communication between the POmeroon.
Bar!ma and Amacura rivers. whereas such
communication existed between the Amacura
and the Orinoco.
Sir Richard next dealt with schomburgks re-
ports. explaining his idea how the territories
should be divided. England being entitled to
all territories whose rivers communicated with
the Essequibo including the Barima Sir
Richard explained Schomburgks maps. point
ing out that he claimed more to the north than
he did subsequently after visiting the district.
Schomburgk in 1S4l declared that his views
and Crichtons cOincided. though they had been
reached independently. Sir Richard explained
har thn -,
Schomburgk's successive maps.
The tribunal will continue its sitting to-mor-
row. sitting also on Wednesday and Thursday,
when Prof. Martens will return to The Hague.