The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1903-01-01

and harmful to their commerce, and
which if continued may lead to unpleas-
ant complications with neutral powers.
The British and German governments
can afford to surrender prizes already
taken and to give back to Venezuela the
war vessels which have been seized. The
vessels. which never could have done
harm to the allies, are useful to Presi-
dent Castro in putting down the revOlu-
ton. 1t will have to be put down if
Venezuela is to pay an award. The gov
ernments whose subjects have claims
against Venezuela are directly interested
in the establishment of peace in that I'M
happy country. 1t is understood that
some money must pass. but it also is
known that the amount of cash to be re-
Quired of Venezuela before arbitration is
not nearly so large as has been stated.
The tribunal will have to do with moth
ing but matters of fact-tO determine
whether the Venezuelan government has
defaulted in its obligations to certain
foreign creditors and whether other for
eigners. domiciled in Venezuela, have suf-
fered wrongfully in person or property,
and, if so, what damages should be
awarded them.
1t is a great relief to the President,
a Washington correspondent says, as it
assuredly is to Americans generally, that
troublesome question has been disposed
of in the manner in which he and they
wished it should be. The request of the
three European governments that the
President he arbitrator was an embar-
RAISING one. 1t could be considered only
in the event that there was no other way
Of restoring peace in the Caribbean sea.
His acceptance of the office of arbitrator
would have given immediate relief, with
possibility of future complications. The
reference to The Hague tribunal brings
with it no dangers.
Whatever opinions may be as to some
of the rough and ready methods adopted
by Germany and Great Britain in deal
ing with Venezuela it must be admitted
that their course towards the United
States has been all that could be desired.
Pains have been taken to avoid wound
ing American sensibilities and respect
has been shown for the wishes of the
American government. Both powers in
tend to cultivate the friendliest relations
with the United States.
Disappointment in London.
Except by the opponents of the gov
ernment, who view it as a virtual defeat
and as discrediting the ministry, tke lat
est phase of the Venezuelan trouble, ac-
cOrding to Il dispatch, has been welcOm-
ed very lukewarmly in London. Arbi-
tration by President Roosevelt had been
anticipated as so desirable an issue from
q difficult business that his refusal, which
is regarded as final, has caused keen dis
appointment. 1t is foreseen that even
if satisfactory conditions to the submits
sion of the disputes to The Hague court
can be arranged this method will entail
endless and wearisome details. with no
assurance that at the end President Cas-
tro still will be in power or Venezuela
in the mood to abide by the decision Of
The Hague.
The only paper which really welcomes
the decision to refer the Venezuelan mat
ter 10 The Hague is the radical Daily
News. which sees a chance of making ar
hitration once more reputable theory
Paying a tribute to the coolness of Presi-
dent Roosevelt and the correct attitude
of the United States during this sorry
business" the Daily News says:
''The Venezuelan crisis has doTe much
to enhance Mr.. ROOsevelt's reputation
and to bring home to Englishmen the es-
sential friendliness of the American peo-
pie"
The Daily Mail in a Violent attack sp-
on the government says: This ends per-
haps the most inglorious episode i'll which
Great Britain has engaged in recent
years"