The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1902-12-18
ENGLAND CALLS A HAL?
Fleet in Venezuelan Waters to
Cease Hostilities.
ARBITRATION BEING CONSIDERED


ious to Maintain Monroe Doctrine.
But Had to Prevent Venezuela From
Breaking Law of Nations.
London. Dee Let is declared that
the foreign Office has notified the com
mauder OF the British feet in Venezue-
Ian waters TO cease hostilities pending
arbitration OF the claims against the
South American republic. An express
sion of desire for peaceful settlement
is known to have been received from
the Venezuelan government. This
came in the form of a proposal through
the United States government 70 sub
nit the claims of British and German
subjects to arbitration, which Lord
Lansdownc announced in the house of
lords is now under consideration by
the British government" Lord Lans-
downe added: we are greatly in
dehtcd to the good OSces OF the United
States minister az Caracas"
In the house of commons yesterday
Niscount Cranborne. parliamentary
secretary for foreign affairs. made a
statement relative to the sinking OF
captured Venezuelan warships He de-
MED that the British admiral was re-
sponeiblc for the sinking OF the ships
The under secretary said his males
tvs government had been informed
that the German commodore found it
necessary 20 sink two ships. but Great
Britain was not responsible for this.
Tho house was crowded last even.
ing when the Venezuelan matter came
up for debate. Henry White. the
American charge d'anaires. had a seat
in the diplomatic gallery Mr.. Schwann.
after having expressed surprise that
the government was anxious for an
other war after South Africa. com
planned of tie paucity Of the informa-
ton concerning the Venezuelan stu
alton. which has been given to- parlia-
mont he said he hoped arbitration
would hc accepted, because. although
President Roosevelt is anxious to act
correctly. the situation is full of dan
gcn. and the Presidents hands might
be iorod by politicians.
Lord Cranborne spoke after Mr..
Schwann. He reproached this mcm-
Der with desire to discredit the gov
eminent. and explained that the pa
pers in the Venezuelan matter we're
very voluminous. and that those is
sued were only a summary He said
that Great Britain had 70 perform po-
lice duty among the nations and had
TO prevent Venezuela from breaking
the law of nations. The United States
took the sensible view that Great Brit
aims insistence that Venezuela should
meet hcr engagements was no infrac-
ton of tho Monroe doctrie. No coun-
try has been more anxious than Great
Britain. said Lord Cranborne. TO as
fist the American government in main
flaming the doctrine.
This remark was greeted with
cheering. Continuing. the foreign sec
rotary said the British government had
displayed great forebearance. and that
it was only after Venezuela han been
thrice summoned to do right that the
government had been driven TO strong
measures TO secure the safety. liberty
and property of British subject in
Venezuela. and that in the execution
of these measures the government de-
sired to pursue the same course of
of moderation.
Lord Cranborne said also that the
blockade would be carried ont with
every regard for the interests of neu-
trails
Premier Balfour declared that. in so
far as the financial claims were con
cerned. the government was prepared
to agree 80 an arbitration tribunal to
assess them equitably. He added also
that the United States government
had not suggested arbitration. Anglo
German interests in Venezuela had
been entrusted to the American minis
ter at Caracas. Mr.. Bowen, VINO. with
admirable energy had protected the
lives of British and Germans. The
premier said he understood that il was
for Venezuela. through the United
States. that the suggestion for arbitra-
ton had come
Italy to Participate
Berlin. Dec. 1.-THE foreign office
announced yesterday that Italy will
participate in the blockade by agree
ment with the allies. and that a Dor
ton of the coast will be assigned to
the Italian ships The proceedings
against Venezuela thus become in ev-