New-York tribune., 1908-12-24
RELATIONS REOPENED
AMERICAN ENVOY ON WAY
Mr.. Buchanan Mission to Settle
Venezuelan Questions.
From The Tribune Bureau-I


administration to discuss with a representative
Of the United States the questions the nesiec'
OF which caused the severance OF dipIotnal'
relations President Gomez has requested the
presence OF an American naval vessel ana 'iio
cruiser North Carolina is now on her way -
Venezuela carrying W. I. Buchanan WIN 0i
dentiaIs as special commissioner to set'e queS
tons at issue
There have been 10 diplomatic relations be-
tween the United States and Venezuela for many
months. and this government is. officially IN
,o,r,-,1a+a ienorance OF the events which have
+aLen nlace in Caracas and elsewhere IN the
interim and knows only that President Gomez
will fill out the two years remaining Oh ioi me-
President Castro's term. Unofnclaly' the olih-
ion is strongly entertained that Cipriano castro
will not deem II wise to return TO the coul-
try. and it is deemed possible that Gomez
NAV succeed himself at the next election. IL
will be recalled that when Castro was re-elected'
two years ago, there was no opposing candidate
in the field
The following statement was given OUT a 'i'0
Department Of State to-day:
The Tinted States has received official
communication from the government or Neilez-
uela through the Brazilian Minister at caracas .
expressing the wish of President Gomez 10 SCI
tie satisfactorily all international questions ana
expressing desire for the presence Of an Amer
lean warship at La Guayra.
The United States government has TeSp"I'ueu
promptly to these overtuTes toward the resump
ton Of good understanding between the Two
countries. and Mr.. William L buchanan mas Ieit
for Venezuela as special commissioner WIN III
structions of the most friendly character AS
Stunning that the expressed desire Tor lHe e Gn pie
ence Of an American warship at La GuaSLa
indicates the possibility OF disorder, the Presl-
dent has considered that 1t was desirable TO
send an officer Of large experience and discre,
ton and therefore, has sent Admiral Arnold
with suitable command
Mr.. Buchanan was selected for the task Of re
opening diplomatic relations with Venezuela pc
cause of the general esteem in which he Is helo
IN Latin America He was American Minister 10
the Argentine Republic in President Cleveiands
last administration. and succeeded IN accom-
ulishins what was regarded as an almost lnpoS-
sibIe undertaking in bringing about q reclpIooi'S
treaty. between the United States and Argentina.
although this convention was never OF pracu-
cal effect He was Minister to Panama at
critical time and a member Of a number OF COM
missions which have adjusted issues Of great I'M
portance and of most delicate nature between
Central and South American nations his last
mission was to Colombia to obtain settlement
oF the questions between that country, panama
and America connected with the Colombian deot
as affected by the separation of Panama
Recent events in Venezuela cause little sur
rrfse TO the administration, especially 10 the
President and the Secretary OF State The con-
,,iction has long been entertained that only ruin
could result from the methods of President Cas-
tro and that TO visit summary justice upon
Venezuela because OF the irresponsible and lTrl-
tating conduct of her President would be a
waste Of powder. especially as he ac-
lively precipitating his own political downfall
Comparatively little is known of President
Gomez but his first advances have made a
pleasing impression on the administration ana
il is earnestly hoped that the negotiations OF
will elimlndt
ing all cause of friction, that regular diplomatic
relations may be restored at early date and
that thereafter the friendship of the two coun-
tries may enjoy an extended period of tran
quillity.
The general opinion IS that the new order of
things will open the way for the pacific settle
1nent Of the issues not alone between this coun-
try and Venezuela but between the latter coun-
try also and Holland and France 1t is expected
that the Dutch warshps viii be promptly with
drawn and that either diplomatic relations be-
tween Holland and Venezuela will be at once
resumed or that special mission will be dis
patched from Holland to Caracas
The dispatch boat Dolphin, which recently has
been doing duty in Haytian waters, will arrive
at La Guayra to-day or tomorrow. The cruiser
Des Mones also recently duty in Haytian
waters. will stop at CURACAO, as a station ship,
10 maintain communication with the Venezuelan
coast through the Dolphin, both vessels being
equipped with wireless telegraph. The North
Carolina will come home as soon as she transfers
MI Buchanan to the Maine or the Dolphin. The
Maine Will reach La Guayra Saturday.
The initial movement by Venezuela for the
resumption of friendly relations made last
week. While no official statement is obtainabIe
as to what attitude the State Department will
take regarding the claims the natural assump-
&c that Mill 70 oil haC
Gomez offers 20 reopen them FOR further
sideration their merits.
The refusal in March last by the Castro ad-
ministration 20 consider separately the ques-
tions Of controversy between the two countries
made II plain that diplomacy could accomplish
nothing further toward their settlement This
deadlock was made clear to the United States
Senate but Congress adjourned without taking
anv action in the matter. The five claims which
form the basis Of the last negotiations were
those Of A. F. Jaurett, who was expelled from
the country; the Orinoco Corporation, the ORR
noco Steamship Company. the New York and
Bermudez Asphalt Company and the United
States and Venezuelan Company. the amounts
involved running nominally into millions Of dol
lars These claims among those which
President Gomez in general terms has expressed
wish 10 settle satisfactorily. Castros refusal
10 arbitrate them led to the breaking off Of dip
loTnatic relations with Venezuela.
The Venezuelan government having failed 10
satisfy claims against It by various powers
Great Britain, Germany and italy blockaded the
ports of that country In 1903. with the view 10
the forceful collection Of the debts Venezuela
appointed Herbert ". Bowen, then American
Minister to Venezuela. as g commissioner. to
take up the question with the various govern
ments. and he signed protocols with them
e