THE VENEZUELAN ARBITRATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11187, 8 February 1897, Page 4

THE VENEZUELAN ARBITRATION.

The three-cornered treaty that has just been signed, providing for the settlement of the Anglo-Venezuelan boundary dispute by arbitration, is a document of very great importance, as the people of Venezuela appear suddenly to have discovered. On the face of it the treaty does not give evidence of containing anything else than an agreement to arbitrate. It consists of four articles, the first o£ which affirms that a tribunal o£ arbitration, shall be created to determine the boundary between Venezuela and British Guiana; while the others fix the constitution of the Court and define its duties, which include an application of the principles of equity to any private rights that may be affected by the determination of the boundary line. The extraordinary feature about the treaty, however, is that it admits, by implication, the right of the United States

to a voice in matters affecting the relations of lesser Republics and outside Powers. The mere fact of the United States Government being a party to- the treaty is a tacit recognition of the “ Monroe doctrine” as international law. There was no necessity otherwise for the Government at Washington signing the treaty and taking an active part in the arbitration proceedings. But the intervention of the United States, in the matter was based upon the “doctrine” referred to, and ali through the negotiations that fact has been kept in view, both at London and Washington, though it seems only now to have dawned upon the Venezuelans. The effect of this recognition of the Monroe doctrine is that the minor Republics. on the American Continent are relegated to a position of inferiority. They are placed under a species of suzerainty to the United States—not, it is true, to render homage or tribute, but in a real and tangible sense to be answerable to the great Republic for their good behaviour and for the fulfilment of their obligations to Powers outside the American Continent. This aspect of the matter has displeased a section of the Venezuelans; but the malcontents will by and by see that the arrangement has its compensating advantage. It places these weak and' unsettled Republics under the protection of a powerful one, which is able to command respect and to negotiate on equal terms with the proudest arid most ancient monarchy on earth. Instead of restricting liberty, it really enlarges it, by making for good and stable government. The people of the United States are really those who have most reason to object to the new situation that has been created. They have been saddled with enormous; responsibilities, for their Government has, on their behalf, undertaken to interfere in all possible quarrels that may arise between the small Republics and other Powers. We must hope, however, that the net result will be on the side of peace and security.