p. 7 | Note and Comment

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 30, 1902

Note and Comment

THE outcome of the Venezuelan controversy is that President Roosevelt has tacitly consented to act as arbitrator between Venezuela and the foreign powers who have undertaken to collect indemnity claims from that republic. It was first suggested by the president that the controversy be submitted to The Hague tribunal; but to this President Castro of Venezuela objected, and it was represented by England and Germany that on Venezuela’s part there had been certain offenses against the dignity of nations which could not properly be considered by The Hague court. All parties to the controversy are united in asking President Roosevelt to act as arbitrator, and the probability that he will be drawn into this position is a source of great anxiety to public men in Washington. It is believed at the capital that if the president proceeds to act as arbitrator, he will be forced to execute his decree in the matter, which cannot fail to be in favor of the European powers. It is asserted that this nation will be put in the position of a collection agent for Europe, which would destroy its influence in Latin America; and that to seize the Venezuelan customs, the revenues from which are the financial mainstay of Venezuela, will lead to a protectorate over that country, either temporary or permanent, on the part of the United States.