The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-12-18
BRITONs WANT PEACE.
Comments of the Press on BaIfour's
Speech and the Situation.

LONDON, Dec. 1s.-The developments in
the Venezuelan imbroglio, as revealed by
Premier Balfour's statements in Parlia-
ment yesterday, have resulted in bringing
out in the press this morning stronger ex-
pressions than ever of the desire to reach
some pacific settlement of the difficulty.
IF the seizure of Venezuelan gunboats
does not result as we all hope, 1t will be
necessary to proceed to blockade" said
Mr.. Balfour. thus conveying the impression
of possible, though as yet unnecessary,
further hostilities. but also that arbitration
on the same basis might be accepted. I'm
mediately after having spoken these words
the premier said that in the event of a
blockade no difference would be made be-
tween the ships of neutral powers, who
would not be consulted. He then ridiculed
the idea OF peaceful blockade. When
he said, II think ii quite likely that the
United states government would not think
there is such a thing as a pacific blockade,
and / personally take the same view that
evidently blockade does involve a state
of war;" the house expressed it's approba-
ton. Throughout the discussion the tenor
of questions and answers showed regard
for the views of the United States. Mr..
Balfour assured the house that the papers
in the Venezuelan matters were in course of
being prepared as rapidly as possible. and,
answering a question by Sir William YER
non Harcourt, he said they would include
the communications with reference to Ven
ezuela that had passed between his Maj
esty's government and the United States.
Sir William Vernon Harcourt asked this
question:: 80 we may know how we stand
with reference TO the government OF the
United StateS?"
1t is said on behalf of the government
that even in last July. when German Coop
GRAFTON was first mooted, the British gov
eminent fully recognized the possibility OF
war with Venezuela and only postponed ac-
ton until the winter at the suggestion OF
the Admiralty in order TO avoid the I'M
healthy season. On the other hand, those
who declared that the government OF the
United States forced the government of
Great Britain into a virtual declaration OF
war are not lacking. Certainly consider
able portion of the British public was
rather disagreeably surprised TO find that
Great Britain actually was at war, and
that this war might for many months to
come require the presence OF large naval
force in the Venezuelan waters and put a
stop to all British trade with Venezuela.
Added to this is the apprehension as 10
whether or not Germany would be willing
TO accept the status of a belligerent block
ade which would entail the stoppage of her
trade also.
Heely Norman, NJ. P. in a newspaper ar
tice published this morning, in which he
emphasizes the dangers of the position into
which Germany is dragging Great Britain,
contends that the only safe and dignified
course for Great Britain is TO seek satisfac-
ton through cooperation with the United
States. Mr.. Norman asserts that "seriouf,
and urgent warnings, private in their orr
gin, but virtually official in their destina-
ton. have been cabled from the United
States during the last few days"
MP
widespread feeling with regard to the
Anglo-German agreement and concerning
the question of how the United States
warfare between the powers and Vene-
zuela. The newspapers this morning ask:
What would happen should Germany
choose to seize Margarita island as a base
for the blockade?"
The Daily News, in an editorial article.
roundly declares that the new European
concert 'is not to coerce a bankrupt re-
public, bat is revolt against the Monroe
doctrine"
The education bill having passed all its
stages yesterday, Parliament will be pro-
rogued to-day. consequently no Information
concerning Venezuela will be gathered from
the ministers except as parliamentary pa
pers are occasionally issued.
The Hague says that all rumors that Hol-
land is acting against Venezuela are at
least premature. The Dutch government in.
tends to remain strictly neutral in the mat.
ter.
A dispatch to the Daily Mail from VIII.
lemstad Curacao, dated Dec. IL. says the
Venezuelan rebels are approaching Valen-
cia. The population of Caracas is urging
President Castro to resign. 1t is rumored
in Willemstad, says the correspondent. that
that British marines have landed at Ciudad.
Bolivar, on the Orinoco.