the frontier question between british guiana and venezuela

The frontier question between British Guiana and Venezuela.Author(s): Mathews, Edward DavisSource: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Collection, (1891)Published by: The University of Manchester, The John Rylands University LibraryStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/60229642 .

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i

The FRONTIER QUESTION

BETWEEN

BRITISH GUIANA

AND

VENEZUELA.

EDWARD D. MATHEWS,

March, 1891.

Jfontott: Dunlop & Co., 3 & 4, Moi'LtY Avenue, Surutton Street,

Finsbury, E.C.

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VENEZUELA & BRITISH GUIANA,

BOUNDARY QUESTION.

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THE FRONTIER QUESTION BETWEEN

BRITISH GUIANA AND VENEZUELA.

Questions as to delineation of frontiers have recently cropped up in various parts of the world. The moving causes which have suddenly created new quarrels, or aroused into life disputes that have lain dormant for years, are varied with the locality ; but it may safely be assumed that, of all these causes, the gold fever of late years has undoubtedly to be held responsible for the majority of the difficulties of this nature, in which so many European nations are now involved.

It certainly has been the sole agent in bringing into activity the G-uayana frontier questions, between the French and Dutch nations on the South and the English and Venezuelans on the North. The former dispute has recently been submitted to the peaceful arbitration of the Czar of all the Russias, and therefore may be dismissed from further consideration. It is simply noted here in order to compare the sensible manner in which our European neighbours seem in recent years inclined to adjust their differences, with the illogical and inequitable attitude adopted by the English Government under similar circumstances.

The object of the writer of this paper is to direct public attention to the extremely unfortunate condition of the frontier question between G-reat Britain, on behalf of its Colony of Demerara or British Guiana, and the Republic of "Venezuela adjoining thereto.

That the gold fever of the present day is mainly responsible for the acute stage now prevailing with regard to this question is proveable by the fact that the dispute has existed since the early part of the century, whilst it is only within the last few years, say from 1886 to date, that any violence or ill feeling has been visible in the relations between the two claimants to the disputed territory, Avhich, roughly speaking, extends from the river Essequibo on the East to a distance of about 150 miles Westward thereof.

The subject will be better understood if treated chronologically, and therefore it may shortly be said that the question dates back to the year 1814, when, by the treaty of Paris, Holland, as the necessary result of isi-i the capitulations of 1803, finally ceded to England her possessions of Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice. It is thus made clear that England's



rights in Guiana, the only footing that she has on the South American

Continent, must be those which she derived from Holland, and it

becomes, therefore, necessary to ascertain the manner in which the Dutch obtained their part of G-uiana, and determine how much of that

country they succeeded in wresting from the Spaniards, who were

undoubtedly the discoverers of, and first settlers in, the part of South America in question.

The position of matters at this early stage of the history of these territories is well stated by Dr. M. V. Montenegro, Consul G-eneral for Venezuela in England, in some articles published in a newspaper (El Radical) in Caracas, September, 1890.

Dr. Montenegro wrote as follows :— " Guiana by itself, if well colonized, would, with the march of time, have

formed a powerful nation of the Spanish-American race; but Spain troubled itself very little towards populating the country, notwithstanding its suitability for colonization on the fertile banks of the mighty Orinoco, as well as those of the Amazon, which forms one of the extreme limits. It was at last, owing to the inertness of the Spaniards, divided into five parts, which now are, proceeding from the greatest to the smallest, the Brazilian, the Venezuelan, the French, the Dutch and the English.

" To the maritime preponderance enjoyed in those times by Portugal and Holland are those nations indebted for their American colonies; and, consequently, it is to that circumstance that Portugal was able to establish itself in the larger part of those territories. The Dutch also invaded the possessions of Spain, and it was in vain that the Spaniards drove them out, for they fled as dogs do when driven from a slaughter-house, they fly but only to return.

" The English as well desired to take part in the feast of repartition of the country, but the Dutch were already in possession of so much as they had been permitted to take, and they opposed the coming of the English-speaking people.

"The English retired, but the fortune of war enabled them in 1814 to return to the Golden land of Guiana, not as adventurers, but by virtue of a formal treaty of cession, by which Holland ceded her possessions of Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbiee.

" What was the country owned by Holland, then These possessions, together with Surinam.

' By the said treaty Holland ceded then to the English her dominion over certain lands on. which they had planted sugar canes, the plantations being found in the near vicinity of the river Essequibo, and did not amount to many hectares of cultivated land, but they were sufficient to join up to the Spanish territory. " Holland reserved, as we have seen, the actual Dutch Guiana.

"From these plantations the Dutch had in former years made incursions into Spanish territory, but they were always driven back again. In these raids, however, thanks to the deserted condition of the country, they succeeded in founding a fort on the Moroco, in Spanish territory; but, when this became known to the colonial authorities, the Dutch were forced to dis-occupy the land,



and the fort which they had constructed with so much audacity was abandoned. " It is clear, then, that Spain was owner of all that territory, and that she

absolutely owned the Orinoco no one can doubt. Sufficient to cite the treaty between Holland and His Catholic Majesty in Aranjuez in the year 1691, by which was arranged the extradition of runaway slaves between the Spanish possessions of the Orinoco and the Dutch colonies, whose frontier lines are fixed in the treaty as being the Essequibo, Demerara, Berbiee, and Surinam.

" Another proof of irrefutable nature is found in the missions founded by Spain between the Orinoco and the Essequibo. " These missions it is well known were Spanish, and therefore in Spanish territory, not in Dutch."

To Dr. Montenegro's lucid exposition should be added a word as to the Treaty of Munster in 1648, by which Spain recognised certain con¬ quests made by the Dutch, who had not then advanced beyond the Essequibo. By the terms of this treaty the Dutch were forbidden to advance against the Spanish possessions, or even to trade with them. The Dutch, however, constantly disregarded these prohibitions and frequent struggles took place.

The foregoing gives a fair idea of the probable position of affairs in the now disputed territory, at the time of the cession by Holland to England of certain possessions somewhat vaguely described as Demarara, Essequibo, and Berbice. Demerara and Berbice are towns and therefore do not admit of question, but the Essequibo is a river, and the treaty does not seem to say whether the lands to be ceded, were on both sides of

j the river or on one only. It is, however, extremely probable, that if the Dutch at the time of the cession had possessed colonies westward and northward of the mouth of the river Essequibo, the treaty would have made mention of such possessions, under the names of the Orinoco, Barima, Moroco, or other places. The absence of any such mention of Dutch settlements on these rivers is perhaps "

prima facie " evidence of their non-existence in 1814.

The absence in that treaty of any notice of settlements to the west of the river Essequibo, is all the more remarkable, because, as Dr. Monte¬ negro remarks in the paper before referred to, it is known that in 1621 a company of Dutch merchants obtained from the States General a monopoly of commerce with America, and the right of governing any colonies they might establish. If this company had succeeded in estab¬ lishing any settlements to the west and north of the river Essequibo, it is certain that the treaty would have made mention thereof, and the inference therefore is that the company was merely a trading one.

The expeditions of Sir "Walter Raleigh in 1595 and early in the seventeenth century, afford further proof of the possession by Spain of the districts in question, the traditional enemies of this great adventurer



having always been Spaniards and not Dutchmen. Dr. Montenegro quotes the following passage as having been written by Sir Walter

Raleigh. : —

"The Spaniards possessed at that time the Orinoco and all its immediate dependencies, they occupied the rivers Barima, Moroco, and Pomaron, their power extended up to the Essequibo, and according to documents which he saw in the possession of the Governor Antonio Berrio, they had again taken solemn possession of those lands in the name of the King of Spain on the 23rd of April 1593."

Dr. Montenegro also makes the following pertinent remarks on the

point of the partial occupation by the Dutchmen of outlying portions of the country to the west of the Essequibo :—

" When the Dutchmen began to introduce themselves into the Orinoco, they found it occupied and peopled by Spaniards, the first city, which was called St. Thomas, having been founded in the year 1540.

" On the other hand all that can be said in support of the theory that the Dutchmen arrived at the Orinoco, and which took place after the treaty of Munster (164S) is nothing more than the recital of acts of filibustering, which ought not to be availed of by those who honourably defend a just cause.

" Up till 1669 the Dutch had doubts as to whether they might fish in the mouths of the Orinoco, and with that motive they made a representation to the govern¬ ment of Spain, who did not even reply to the absurd proposal. Several years then passed, until the treaty of Aranjuez (1691) settled the question by recognizing Spain as the owner and mistress of the settlements of the Orinoco, and Holland as the owner of those of the Essequibo."

In considering the early stages of the question, it must be borne in mind, that from 1810 to 1821 Venezuela, together with the other Spanish States of South America, was occupied in shaking off the yoke of Spain, and therefore could not keep up a proper check upon the inroads of the

1822 Dutch and their English successors. But in 1822 Colombia, of which

Republic Venezuela then formed part, having seemed her independence, was able to direct her attention to the encroachments made on her

territory, and protested against the English advance then made up to the river Pomaron.

The United States of Colombia were broken up after the death of the Liberator, Simon Bolivar, and the Republic of Venezuela thus came into full possession of all the rights formerly owned by Spain over the

territory up to the river Essequibo. The matter of actual occupation of the lands covered by these rights

seems to have remained in abeyance for some fifteen years or so, until in 1836 1836 the British Government is found requesting the Venezuelan author¬

ities to erect a lighthouse at Punta Barima, at the mouth of the river Orinoco, in order to assist the navigation of that part of the coast b'ne of Guiana. This request seems to afford evidence that the British



Government, at that date, had no pretensions whatever to the ownership of territory in the vicinity of the mouth of the river Orinoco.

The next event of note, is the arrival on the scene of Sir Robert Schomburg, the eminent explorer who in 1841 visited the region in 1841 question. The object with which the expedition was undertaken does not appear to be clearly known. Some writers aver that Sir Robert was

V sent by the English Government, whilst others say that the mission was undertaken at the request of the Geographical Society, with a view to the suppression of slavery. Although the moving causes of Sir Robert Schomburg's exploration are not publicly known, all accounts agree in stating that he travelled from Demerara as far north as the junction of the river Amacuro with the river Orinoco, about half a degree westward from Punta Barima, where five years previously the Venezuelans had been requested by the English Government to set up a lighthouse. Sir R. Schomburg ignoring this fact, started Ms explorations some 35 miles on the Venezuelan side of the Barima lighthouse or ship, and continued his journey in a southerly direction for some 300 miles, until he arrived at a range of mountains, known as the " Sierra de Pacaraima," which on most maps is shown as -being part of the northern boundary of Brazil. Information is not available as to the data, if any, which governed the route taken by the explorer, for although the line deviates considerably from any attempt to set out a boundary, having for its " raison d'etre,"

| either a parallel of longitude, a watershed, or a river or range of

J mountains, none of the maps extant show any Dutch stations or settle¬ ments as having been situated at the various points touched by the explorer in the 300 miles of boundary line travelled over by him, and whereon he set up certain marks such as cairns, posts, and other tokens of ownership.

As soon as the Venezuelan Government heard of this exploration and the proceedings connected therewith, it caused representations to be made in proper diplomatic form to the British Government, and in 1842 1842 Venezuela officially informed Great Britain that the Republic did not

recognize the line set out by Sir Robert Schomburg as the proper boundary between the two countries, and protested against its adoption as such by England. To this protest, Lord Aberdeen, then -Prime Minister, replied (vide The South American Journal of 27th December, 1890) "that the line laid down by Schomburg had no official character, and that it should be regarded as merely a record of exploration, the

question remaining open to be settled by mutual agreement between the two countries. At the same time he instructed the Colonial authorities to remove the posts and marks which had been set up to indicate the line."



With further reference to the line set out by Sir R. Schomberg, the following remarks are found in a pamphlet published by the Venezuelan Government in Caracas, 27th May, 1890 :—

" In 1842, in consequence of the representations of Dr. Fortique, the removal of the marks set up by Sehomburg was obtained.

"A Commission, composed of Sefiores Jos6 S. Rodriguez and Juan Jos6 Romero, was sent to Demerara, to inquire into the results of the exploration, and sustain the rights of Venezuela. To investigate the origin and motives of the occurrence at Amacuro. To give the English authorities full information as to the true boundaries of the Venezuelan and English Guianas. To protest against the violence which had been employed, not only in placing marks in the territory, without participating the object, but also making an entry therein in defiance of the jurisdiction of the Republic; and also to ask that the flags and marks set up in the mouths of the Amacuro and Barima rivers and m any other place should be removed. To protest, in the event of the reclamation not being attended to, against acts which wound the property of Venezuela, depriving her of a large part of her territory, without other form than that of force. In the event of meeting with a readiness on the part of the Governor of Demerara, the Commission was authorised to agree on a boundary They were well received by the Governor, who, being acquainted with the object of their mission, replied that he had no authority to enter into a negotiation as to a frontier; a matter which he thought should be treated of directly between the two Governments. Respecting the marks, he said that they had been fixed by Sir Robert Schomburg on account of a communication from Lord John Russell, recommending the Governor, conformably to the wishes of Lord Palmerston, to place himself in accord with that engineer for the demarcation, but that it was not an act of appropriation, being only an indication of the supposed limits.

"The removal of the marks referred to was officially notified by the Governor of Demerara, to the Agent of the Venezuelan Government, on the 8th of April, 1842."

Negotiations were subsequently carried on by the then Venezuelan Minister at the Court of St. James, Senor Dr. Fortique, and in the articles from the pen of Dr. M. V. Montenegro, hereinbefore referred to, the following remarks are found with reference to the negotiations earned on in the year 1842:—

" The Venezuelan Government, represented in London by Senor Fortique, did all that it could to effect a friendly settlement, and was disposed to make any sacrifice, so that England should not remain dissatisfied. In proof of what I affirm, I copy herewith some paragraphs of a letter, the original of which is in my possession, and was written by the Minister Fortique from London, on the 1st of February, 1842, to Dr. Jose Santiago Rodriguez, of Caracas. It says as follows:—

" ' We are going on well, and if Schomburg had hopes of not having to drop the prize, they are now frustrated. Go to the Secretariate, and, after having told Toro that I cannot write to him as I had offered, ask him for the diplomatic correspondence, and, with that before you, discuss with Toro, and then write me what you think should be done and sought for. For hopes and boastings the matter must not sleep. The Republic satisfied and the Orinoco free, the treaty



may come when it pleases, although for my part I believe that it will not be more than three months before it is commenced, and the discussion will not last long. If by giving up from Nassau straight up the Moroco to the point of the Periquiza mountains, and from there to the other range of Maeapa, then to the river Casacura, and from thence continuing range by range up to Pacaraima I obtain my settlement, I sign the business at once ; and if you think that still more might be given up in exchange for saving the Orinoco, tell me so, in order not to lose the opportunity. In short, tell me how much can be given up, and I will find means to recover something, do not doubt it.—Adieu, &c,

/ " ' Alejo Fortique.' "

Unfortunately for Venezuela, its Minister, Senor Fortique, died in

Europe shortly after having written the foregoing letter, but the

negotiations were continued, though slowly, and in 1844 a new boundary 1344 line was proposed by Lord Aberdeen, which apparently was very similar to the frontier which Senor Fortique, in his letter to his friend in Venezuela, declared his willingness to accept. This proposal started from the same point of Nassau, and took the river Moroco as part of the northern frontier. Thus the great desire of Venezuela to preserve the full control of the river Orinoco was gained, but Senor Fortique's wise and prudent counsels were not accepted by his countrymen, and the offer of settlement was rejected.

After this imprudent step taken by the Republic, matters remained in "statu-quo" until the year 1850, when rumours having arisen that 1850

Great Britain reclaimed the whole of the Guianas from Venezuela, representations were again made and an agreement is said to have been

presented to Venezuela by England, according to which both parties were to engage not to occupy or usurp the contested territory. General Guzman Blanco writing in Paris on the Boundary Question to a friend in 1888, says the following with regard to this treaty of 1850 :—

" In the note (dated 18th November, 1850) proposing the terms for the acceptation of the Republic of Venezuela, it was said that the Republic could not doubt, from the sincerity of the formal declaration which was made in the name and by order of her Majesty, of the non-intention of Great Britain to occupy the contested territory; that an apparent occupation or usurpation should not be ordered, that it cannot be sanctioned by the British authorities, and that if at any time any error should occur in what determined the agreement, the above orders should be renewed."

As the foregoing quotation has been translated from the Spanish language in which General Guzman Blanco wrote to his friend, it is

probable that the communication from the English Government may differ somewhat in phraseology, but there is no doubt that in or about the year 1850, England through the proper channel of her Foreign Office, voluntarily bound herself not to encroach upon the disputed territory. Nevertheless, the colonists of British Guiana (or Demerara,



8

as it is frequently called) taking advantage of the disturbed state of the Republic, owing to the frequent revolutions that occurred therein during the next 25 years, continually advanced into the debateable land. These usurpations were, however, confined principally to the South Eastern districts, such as the river Mazaruni, on which British Police and Convict Stations were established by the authorities of Demerara. As the Venezuelans had not advanced on their side and had their hands so full of home troubles, these encroachments escaped the notice of the

1876 different parties in power from 1850 to 1876, when the Government of General Guzman Blanco had its attention drawn thereto, and made proper diplomatic representations on the subject.

Negotiations were continued spasmodically, the next fact of moment 1881 on recorcl being that in 1881 Lord Granville, whilst rejecting a frontier

line offered by Dr. Jose Maria Rojas, then Venezuelan Minister in London, made a counter proposition of a boundary which, starting at a place called Morajuana, about three-quarters of a degree, or say 50 miles to the East of the lightship at point Barima, ran in a south-westerly direction until it joined the Schomburg line, which it followed in a southern course until the river Cuyuni was reached. From this point the line took a bold sweep to the West, apparently with the view of embracing all the southern watershed of the last named river.

It will be seen that this proposal, whilst recognizing Venezuela's sovereignty at Point Barima, on the mouth of the river Orinoco, sought to absorb not only almost the whole of the debateable territory, but also a very large tract of country, some 100 miles square, all of which was clearly to the West of the Schomburg boundary and, therefore, the undisputed property of the Republic, which naturally rejected such an unjust and one-sided proposition.

In this state of circumstances it is said that Lord Granville agreed, in writing, to an arbitration on the dispute, but this was, unfortunately, never carried into effect, as Ms successor, Lord Salisbury, is stated to have retracted the official promise so made to Venezuela by his predecessor in the Foreign Office.

1883 In 1883 the English Government proposed to mix up the frontier question with other matters relating to certain monetary claims put forward by British subjects, presumably for losses suffered during the revolutions, and also certain points which had reference to differential duties placed by the Republic on British importations. In reply to

1884 this General Guzman Blanco was sent to London in 1884 as Minister Plenipotentiary, obtaining from the British Government a renewal of

1886 the promise of arbitration, and in 1886 Lord Rosebery, then at the head of the Foreign Office, made another proposition of a frontier line, which



was certainly more favourable to Venezuela than the one proposed by Lord Granville, inasmuch as, though it started from the same point of Morajuana to the east of Barima and consequently of the mouth of the river Orinoco, it took a southerly course at once and did not embrace so large a part of the Southern Watershed of the river Cuyuni.

But, notwithstanding that these negotiations were being carried on in a friendly manner, the colonists and goldseekers from Demerara, backed up by the Colonial Authorities, and apparently by the Home Govern¬ ment also, still advanced into the coveted land, and the position thus created, together with its effects, is well described by General Guzman Blanco in the letter hereinbefore referred to, and from which the following quotation is taken :—

The General says:—" Since then the state of affairs has been aggravated, and has now ai'rived at a point of exasperation. Since October, 1884, the British Government invaded the north and west of the territory of Guiana, passing the Pomaron, and advancing as far as the eastern bank of the Amacuro, sending coast guards, placing authorities, establishing bureaux wherever the British tents were, arresting and carrying away a Venezuelan commissioner, and affixing to the trees notices declaring that the region is under the dominion of the English, and menacing intruders.

" The Legation from Venezuela to London, having explained the events which had happened, demanded satisfaction in the month of July, 1886, for the grave offences done to the Republic, and asked for the re-establishment of the situation as it was before 1850, the date of the treaty between the two countries. The English Government kept silence, but in the month of October, 1886, ordered the Governor of Demerara to proclaim, by decree, that the territory in litigation constituted an English possession; basing on this that there existed a dispute between the Government of Her Majesty and that of Venezuela for fixing the boundary for the purpose of separating the territory of the republic from that of the colony. In the month of December, 1886, the Venezuelan Government learning that fresh usurpations were being committed, sent commissioners to examine the facts for themselves, and make representations and useful protesta¬ tions before the Governor of Demerara. This functionary confirmed them as to the sincerity of the declaration mentioned (i.e., that of 1850). Then the Executive demanded the evacuation of the usurped territory, with the understanding that, if justice had not been done to its demand by the 20th of February, 1887, the time when the next Congress should meet, the relations between the two countries would be suspended. This demand remained without effect, and, in consequence, the relations were broken at the period named.

" At Demerara the claim to put back the boundary of the colony has continued to be sustained. By a decree of the Governor the districts under his jurisdiction, which formerly did not pass the Pomaron, have been augmented to the region extending to the Amacuro. Companies have been formed for exploring the mines of Venezuela and creating centres of population for hindering the return of the republic to the points occupied. The Venezuelan Government has concluded a contract for the construction of a railway from the Orinoco to Ouacipati, and now the Governor of Demerara claims that the line will pass



10

through British territory, and on the 31st of December, 1887, he decreed that he did not recognise the validity of the concession, and that it be in consequence proceeded against according to the law against trespassers on the lands of the colony. At the same time the Court of Policy of the Colony has ordered the opening of a railway to Guacipati. They speak equally of sending a force to the same place. " It is already claimed, then, in a menacing tone that the territory of Yuruari belongs to Great Britain, and it is attempted to take possession and expel the Venezuelans who are established for the purpose of working mines, since they reside on lands which not only are the property of Venezuela, but of which this Republic has always had tranquil and peaceable possession, without the least British claim pointing towards them. The Republic has done all in its power to put an end to the difficulties raised by the question, but its efforts ha^e come to nought against the resistance of the British Government, which will accept nothing. It takes as a pretext that Venezuela has suspended the relations between the two countries, as if the Republic ought to treat amicably with a State which wounds it in the most tender part of its territorial domain. It is, at least, very easy to understand the feeling of very just indignation of Venezuela in seeing itself despoiled of its rights.

" In iaee of the successive aggressions of the Colony of Demerara, the Republic vail find itself under the necessity of defending itself, cost what it may, m this struggle against the abuse of power. It may count, without doubt, on the sympathy of all men and all illustrious nations, who can only be scandalised by seeing at the end of the nineteenth century, to settle a question of boundary between great and powerful England and the feeble Republic of Venezuela, that the former, regardless of right, has recourse to force.

"I send jou a publication of the Government of Venezuela, in which the question is treated at length, particularly in the official protestation of February 20th, 1887. The British Cabinet has not replied to the arguments which it contains, so that to-day, it must appear to be strange, one cannot know its defence, still less what title it can have to the possession of the territories invaded. Excuse the length of this letter upon a subject which, as you say, becomes as much a continental question—I may add also universal—as a Venezuelan one."

The history of this frontier question is now brought down to the year 1887 1887, in which the diplomatic relations between England and Venezuela

were broken off by the latter country in the manner described in the letter just quoted, and also in the official pamphlet before referred to, as recently published by the Venezuelan Government, which says as follows: —

" In a note of the 21st of January, 1887, the Government of Venezuela demanded from Her Britannic Majesty's Government, through the channel of its representative in Caracas, the evacuation by the 20th February next following, the day on which the Congress should meet, of all the territory occupied and detained by Great Britain from the Amacuro to Pomaron. To this note the Legation replied that the British Government could not accede to the demands of the Government of Venezuela, although it was still disposed to treat the question in a friendly manner, and, in consequence, the Goverment of the



\

11

Republic, on the 20th of the same month, declared the friendly relations between itself and England to be suspended, protesting at the same time against the acts of spoliation effected by the British, and declaring that Venezuela would never recognise the efficacy of such acts as altering in the least the rights inherited by Venezuela from Spain, and as to which it was always disposed to submit itself to the decision of a third power. " On the 12th of May, 1887, the Chamber of Deputies passed an Act approving the conduct ef General Antonio Guzman Blanco as President, in the question with Great Britain on the Guiana frontier, and stating at the same time its desire that the Government of Venezuela should not treat with that of Her Britannic Majesty whilst Great Britain might be in occupation of any part of the territory from the Pomaron up to the Orinoco, and until the latter had accepted arbitration for the settlement of the frontier up to the Essequibo."

Quoting from the same pamphlet, it is stated that:— " On the 9th of August, 1887, that is to say, three months after the Act of the

Chamber of Deputies, General Guzman Blanco was invested with powers, as Confidential Agent of the Venezuelan Government in London, to re-establish the relations which he himself had declared suspended six months previously. During this time he was titular President of the Republic. " Returning to Europe with the mission as stated, he continued the business up to the obtaining of the following result, as set out in a report sent to his Government on the 14th November, 1889, which says :—' After many discussions 1889 and changes of projects for arrangement we arrived at settling the matter in one point, namely, the celebration of a new treaty which should establish :—

" ' 1st. Duration of the treat}', limited at the most to 10 years. "' 2nd Arbitration on all questions pending or future, with which would result that of the boundary, and

" ' 3rd. Payment of all pending indemnities in bonds of the diplomatic debt as to the other creditors.'

" These bases being settled, I was informed that nothing definitive could be done until I presented my credentials.

" I replied that I could not do this because the Congress of the Republic had ordained that no treaty should be entered into so long as England was in occupation of the part of the territory recently usurped, but that if the authorities of Demerara would disoeeupy immediately the territory comprised between the Pomaron, Amaeuro, and the Orinoco, I could present myself and discuss the pending treaty, in order to raise into a solemn fact what had been agreed upon confidentially. " The Foreign Office refused this and I did not insist.

" Finally, in this state of things, the renunciation of General Guzman Blanco was accepted on the 29th October, 1889, and on the 7th of November, Dr. Modesto TJrbancja was nominated to substitute him in France, and on the 12th of same month, to replace him in London as Confidential Agent. " Since then the situation has gone backwards, for the English Government receded from the propositions made to General Guzman Blanco by the persons who served as intermediaries, and at the same time protested against a concession recently given by the Government of Venezuela to Senor Arthur Lemye."

In 1890 the Republic commissioned Dr. Lucio Pulido to London to 1890

reopen the negotiations, and it is stated that he has returned to



12

Venezuela with certain proposals from the Foreign Office, but the public- is not in possession, either here or in Venezuela, of the details, and the matter can, therefore, only be incidentally referred to. It is, however, rumoured that her Majesty's Government still decline to accept arbitra¬ tion as the means for settling the long debated frontier question, whilst claiming for British Guiana considerably more territory than that marked off by the Schomburg line.

In the meantime, the situation in the disputed territory will be best understood from the translation of the correspondence between the Venezuelan Government and their local officials, as set forth in the

pamphlet hereinbefore quoted :— " Consulate of the United States of Venezuela in Demerara; " Georgetown, 15*7/ March, 1890.

" To the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Caracas,—I have to-day the honour to inform you as follows :—

" 1st. That the Governor of this Colony, accompanied by his Private Secretary, the Inspector of Police, the Civil Engineer of the Colony, Dr. Wallbridge, and others, left this day in the English steamer Horatia for the River Pomaron, from whence they will proceed to Barima and Amacuro on a special official visit. Their return is expected in about 10 or 15 days, when I will communicate to you the result of their journey.

" 2nd. That a private expedition, composed of Mr. Hargreaves and others, has started from this port bound to the Essequibo, from whence to continue the journey up to the Mazaruni and the Cuyuni, continuing by the Yurufhi up to the mines of our territory of Yuruari

" This gentleman came to me to ask if he would require a passport to go to the Republic by that route, and I advised him to go by way of Cuidad Bolivar, giving him information as to the journey into the interior. I also told him that the journey by the route he proposed was not a prudent one, and refused him the required passport. He replied that he did not want it, and that he knew what he had to do; not returning to this Consulate from that day.

" They left this port on the 3rd instant, and according to the information I have been able to obtain, they go by order and for account of the English Government, and will return by way of the Orinoco.

"I send you this information for the purposes that may be considered convenient, and remain, &c,

"G. Kkogh, Consul." " Ministry of the Interior, Caracas.

"29/!// March, 1890. "Resolved—Seeing the report which the Minister of Foreign Affairs has

presented in the Cabinet this day, relative to the information given by the Consul of Venezuela in the Island of Trinidad, that, on the 13th of this month, an Official Commission of the Colony of Demerara, headed by its Governor, and composed of various civil and police agents, set out for Barima, Pomaron and Amacuro; the President of the Republic has thought well to resolve; the dispatch of a political, administrative and scientific Commission for the explora¬ tion of the territory in dispute with British Guiana, putting the war steamer ' Revindicador' at its disposal. The said Commission comprises: its chief



13

Rafael F. Seijas, second in command, Rafael TJrdaneta, two engineers to be named by the Ministry of Public Works, Doctor Luis Mario Montero, one officer and ten members of the police, to all of whom will be given the necessary orders.

" Let this be communicated. "For the National Executive,

"S. Casanas." " Telegram—Caracas, 31st March, 1890.

To the Governor of the Federal Territory of Yuruari, Guasipati. It having come to the knowledge of the National Government that the

Governor of Demerara, accompanied by certain civil and police agents, has undertaken an excursion into the lands disputed with the English in our Guiana, it named a political and administrative commission, composed of its chief, Senor Rafael F. Seijas, &c, &c, with private instructions from the Executive, and this was communicated to you in the official note taken by the said Commissioner, with the object that you should lend him all the support and assistance that he may solicit from you. The Commission started last night from the port of La Guaira, and will soon be in the waters of the Orinoco.

" But the President, in view of what might happen, has ordered me to put you on the alert by this means in order that you may, with the greatest discretion and prudence, but with energetic dignity, sustain the rights of Venezuela in the territory confided to your charge, not permitting any English authority or commissioner to exercise any act of jurisdiction in the confines of the Republic.

" To that effect you will advance to our frontier one or more parties of observation, under the direction of competent, prudent and patriotic men, who will oppose, in any manner that may be possible, every attempt at usurpation, and will protest energetically on the same spot that the attempt may be made.

" This order is also transmitted to the President of the State of Bolivar and the Commandant of Arms, that they may, in case of necessity, assist you properly.

" Advise me frequently of the measures adopted and the results obtained, observing in all the greatest reserve.

" God and Federation.—S. Casanas, Minister of the Interior.''

Then follow other communications, showing that a force of observa¬

tion, composed of twenty mounted carabineers, under the orders of Generals Jose M. Hernandez and D. Sifontes, was sent from Guasipati to the territory in dispute.

The commission, headed by Dr. Rafael Seijas, which left La Guaira on the 30th of March, proceeded to Demeiara, and the following communications are inserted in the pamphlet under notice :—

" United States of Venezuela, National Commission to Guayana, " Georgetown, 2nth April, 1890.

" To Senor G. A. Krogh, Consul for Venezuela. " Sent by the Government of Venezuela to fulfil certain • functions in the

disputed territory of Guayana, I have come here to inform myself as to the true progress of the invasion, this being the Colony from whence, sometimes by public acts, sometimes by concessions for lands and mines, set out official and private expeditions to establish themselves within the limits of Venezuelan Guayana, even to places never before pretended to by the Government of Her



14

Britannic Majesty. And, as by reasoning logically it would seem to me that his Excellency the Governor, being so well acquainted with the wishes of the Imperial Government, must have authorization to treat upon the question of frontier, or to propose a "modus vivendi" until both nations arrive at a final arrangement of the dispute, I spoke to him in this sense during the private visit which I had the honour to pay him yesterday with you.

" He answered me, that he had no instructions to that effect, and at the same time he expressed to me his desire to know in writing the object and views of my commission.

" I hasten to satisfy him, with the frankness, loyalty, and good faith, that the actual Government of the Republic imprints on all its acts, manifesting that the said object is to see, examine, and ascertain positively on the spot itself, the true state of the question, the exactness of the plans and maps that have been made, and the points at which the English may have fixed posts, to the end that my Government may be able, having a full knowledge of these facts, to guide its conduct securely.

"I beg you to transmit a copy of this communication to His Excellency the Governor of Demerara, and believe me, &c,

"R. F. Seijas."

The following is the official English reply to Dr. Seijas's request to be allowed to carry out peaceably the mission he was charged with:—

" British Guiana.—Office of the Government Secretary, " No. 2929.—26*7/ April, 1890. " Sir,—I have the Governor's order to acknowledge receipt of your letter of

the 25th instant, with which you transmit copy of that addressed to you by Dr. Seijas, participating that he has been commissioned by the Government of Venezuela to fulfil certain functions in the disputed territory of Guiana, and that he has come here with the object of seeing, examining, and ascertaining positively on the spot itself the true state of the question, the exactness of the plans and maps that have been made, and the points at which the English may have fixed posts, to the end that the Government of Venezuela may be able, having a full knowledge of those facts, to guide its conduct securely.

" I am to inform you in reply, that the Governor has no power to accede to the petition of Dr. Seijas without especial sanction from Her Majesty's Government; that His Excellency has sent Dr. Seijas's solicitude to Her Majesty's Government by the mail that has just left, asking for information as to its wishes in the matter; and that until the reply arrives, His Excellency is incapacitated from receiving the said solicitude.—I have the honour to be, &c,

" Francis Villiers, Interim Secretary of the Government." " To Senor G. A. Krogh."

Note.—As the above communication has been translated from the original English into Spanish, and then again into English, the wording will not be accurate.

The next communication is one from Dr. Seijas to his Government, setting out the result of his interview with the Governor of Demerara. It is noteworthy as giving the first indication of an intention on the



15

part of the Colonial authorities to push their demands even beyond, or to the west of, the Schomburg line:—

" United States of Venezuela, National Commission to Guayana. " Georgetown, 2677/ April, 1890.

" To the Minister of the Interior, Caracas,—Since the night of the 24th I have * been here taking the necessary information for the objects of the expedition

confided to me by the Government, and am now able to inform you that the usurpation of our territory appears to be a matter resolved upon by the English Government, according to the steps taken by the Governor of this Colony, in that direction. He personally assured me yesterday, showing me on the map of Demerara the territory comprised between the Essequibo and the Pomaron and between that and the Amacuro, declaring that, although Venezuela might reclaim it as its own, it would never be given up. He bpoke to me of Schomburg's line as a limit which did not admit of discussion, assuring me that the true division between the two Guianas should be sought for in territory to the west of that line, this being the only point as to which an arrangement might be arrived at.

" I asked him, if seeing that he was authorised to decree from time to time the extension of the colonial boundary, was he also authorised to propose an arrangement of the question, or possibly a " modus vivendi," until the two nations interested should arrive at a final settlement of the dispute. He replied no ; but that he could ask instructions by cable, above all if I would declare what was the object of my commission I answered that it was simply to visit the disputed territory, examine and ascertain positively on the spot itself the true state of the question, the exactness of the plans and maps that have been made, and the points at which the English may have fixed posts, to the end that my Government may be able, having a full knowledge of these facts, to guide its conduct securely. He then proposed that I should tell him this in writing, and I have done so to-day in a communication directed to the Consul.

" From all this, it is clear that the English policy, whilst at the same time that in London excuses and pretexts are sought for refusing to accept arbitration or a reasonable solution of the dispute, seeks to gain time in order that the Governor of Demerara may advance as much as possible into our land, and occupy a great part of it.

" A new visit has just been made to Barima, and I know of a Commission sent by way of the river Cuyuni with the object of settling in the Yuruari district, and, perhaps, even of taking the Port of San Felix, with the object of occupying the right bank of the Orinoco. Such is, without doubt, the plan already traced out of the usurpation, which will not be hindered by anything, if the Government of Venezuela does not meet it with counter measures of efficacy, energy, and rapidity as is demanded by the gravity of the case.

" The quickest measures with which to control the usurpation appear to mo at the first glance, to be :—

" 1st. Extend the telegraph from Guasipati to fifteen or twenty leagues from Tumeremo, in order that the Government may have daily notice of the progress of the usurpation. '• 2nd. Establish a prefecture on the Cuyuni and Essequibo. " 3rd. Construct sheds alongside of the English places and establish flying camps to constantly watch and drive back the intruders.

" 4th. Establish a Venezuelan establishment on the right bank of the Amacuro,



16

with another prefecture, to be caEed that of Amaeuro and Barima, with a steamer which should communicate to Ciudad Bolivar the advances of the English. " 5th. Nominate a Consul in Berbice, and also in Surinam and Cayenne, who could watch the progress of the usurpation towards the eastern part of Guiana.

" I cannot and ought not to conceal the fact that the usurpation is organized. It has ships, disposes of men, of money, and of the necessary materials. The Governor could not hide from me the anxiety with which it is carried forward and the resolution already taken to prosecute it up to the end. He is also desirous of compensating, by the conquest of our country, the bad effect caused in London by his conduct at the time of the rising of the blacks against the Portuguese, which occurred some time ago, and will certainly, in carrying out the instructions that he may have, go much further than he is ordered.

'• He said to me that he was simply Governor of a British province, and as such could do nothing with Venezuela, any more than could the President of the State of Bolivar.

" This means that the usurpation is considered locally to be a fact Let us, therefore, beat it back in the same manner by means of the Governor of Yuruari.

" Until the ' Reivindieador' arrives with the engineers who remained in Trinidad, I occupy myself in preparing the solemn protest which I must make against the usurpation, and which I will deliver to the Governor of this Colony, Meanwhile I have the honour, &c

"R. F. Seijas." Then follows the Protest drawn up Dr. Seijas, and forwarded to the

Governor of Demerara by the Venezuelan Consul, together with the Government Secretary's acknowledgement of its receipt. These documents are as follows :—

" United States of Venezuela, National Commission to Guayana. " Georgetown, 3027/ April, 1890. " Senor Consul,—In the instructions that I received from the Government of

Venezuela, according to the official documents that I showed you on the day of my arrival in this Colony, there is one that imposes on me the duty of protesting against the British usurpation of our territory, in the event of the acts denounced many times to the Government of the Republic being verified. And as these acts are here so notorious that they cannot be placed in doubt, I believe that the moment for complying with the instructions received has arrived; in consequence, and in the name of the United States of Venezuela; and in the most formal manner I protest solemnly :—

" 1st. Against all the official acts authorised by the Government of Demerara, with or without the consent of the Government of her Britannic Majesty, and which in any manner tend to usurp the territory of Venezuela.

" 2nd. Against the intrusions of authorities and colonists of Dememara, or of other persons who with the tolerance, permission, excitation, or insinuation of the said authorities, may enter into the territory of Venezuela by the river Essequibo, or by any other river within the territorial limits of the Republic, by the which no exterior commerce of any nature whatever has been authorised or permitted, or is authorised or allowed.

-' 3rd. Against every act of the Government of Demerara tending to extend



17

the limits of the Colony and usurp the lands of Venezuela, which lands commence on the north of the mouth of the river Essequibo, and to the west and south¬ west thereof.

" 4th. Against all concessions of lands, forests, mines, &c, found beyond the Essequibo, which is the limit of the Colony, because the Government of Venezuela alone has the right of granting such concessions.

" 5th. Against the establishment of English Posts in the Cuyuni, the Pomaron, the Barima, the Amaeuro, or any other river or part of the Territory of Venezuela.

" 6th. Against the establishment of the British jurisdiction, and that of civil authorities, police, or any other kind on ground or land of the Republic.

" 7th. Against the exploitation of the natural products of the Venezuelan territory and their export from places not open to foreign commerce, and which are exploited or taken away without the permission or authorization of the Government of Venezuela.

" 8th. Against the frequent invasions of the territory of the Republic, whether for the purpose of exploiting it, raising plans or maps, or for fixing posts or marks of British dominion, or for any other purpose.

" 9th. Against the establishment of ships in places included within the jurisdiction of the Government of Venezuela; against the establishment of lines of ships, either steam or sailing on the coasts, seas and rivers of the territory of the Republic.

" 10th. Against every English expedition, official or private, whether composed of British subjects, or subjects or citizens of other powers ; the which, starting from • Demerara, may penetrate into Venezuelan territory, or which, coming from the exterior, may enter on lands belonging to Venezuela, with the consent, tacit or expressed, of the Colonial Government.

" 11th. Against the establishment of police or military or naval stations or of any other nature, buoys, lights, or barges, and the opening of tracks or roads, whether for carts or of any other kind on ground or land of Venezuela.

" 12th. Against the destruction of the cataracts which impede the navigation of rivers situated in Venezuelan territory; against the eatechization of the Indians living in the jurisdiction of the Republic, and against the establishment of missions or religious orders of any kind whatever.

" I declare also, that the Government of the United States of Venezuela has protested against all the acts of the Government of Demerara, that have come to their knowledge, specified in the twelve foregoing clauses ; that it denies the validity that might be attributed to them; that it holds and will hold them always as null and void, and of no value; and, finally, thus safeguarding its rights, which it will make good in opportune time and place. And now I ratify and confirm the protests of the Republic. " You will be good enough to transmit this protest and declaration to His Excellency the Governor of Demerara, advising me of its receipt,—I have, &c, " R. F. Seijas."

" British Guiana.—No. 3,055, Office of the Secretary of Government, " May 6th, 1890.

" Senor G. A. Krogh,—By the Governor's order, I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 1st inst., with which you enclose copy



18

and translation of the one addressed to you by Senor Seijas, and which you send to his Excellency at the request of the said Senor Seijas.—I have, &c,

" Francis Villiers, Interim Secretary of Government." Then follows a series of memoranda on the progress of the usurpation,

which will be interesting as showing the thoroughness with which the encroachments have been carried on ; they are, therefore, given at full length:— " United States of Venezuela, National Commission to Guiana.

Georgetown, Demerara, 30th April, 1890. " To the Minister of the Interior.

" Senor,—As the result of the Commission confided to me by the Government, I have the honour to place in your hands the following report, divided into chapters for greater clearness and better exposition of the grave subjects treated therein:—

" Limits of the Colony. " In the Directory of Demerara for this year, the limits of the Colony, as taken from the official Blue Books, are given in the following manner :—

" 1st. The Venezuelan Guiana, which occupies both margins of the Orinoco, and extends on the south and south-west up to the river Negro and the Brazilian establishments, has its north-western limit at a point near the mouth of the river Amacuro, which river falls into the confluence of the Barima with the Orinoco.

2nd. The British Guiana, which extends from the dividing line with Venezuela up to the river Corentin.

•"This same limit is inserted in the maps and geographical plans published for some years past. " In one of the annual encyclopedias published in London, that of Hazell for 1890, ;t is said that the boundary of British Guiana extends for 300 miles, from the Orinoco to the Corentin, and 400 miles into the interior; and adds that the dividing line with Venezuela is not yet determined, but that, without prejudice to the reclamation of a boundary beyond Schomburg's line, the Government exercises full political and civil jurisdiction in the north-western territory, and takes every means to retain it.

" This is in accord with that said to me personally by the Governor, to the effect ' that, although you reclaim this territory as yours, me shall never return it to yon' " The occupation of the territory indicated is a formal fact, fully consummated, as will be seen ia the course of this report. The plan most convenient for our Government to observe is to paralyze it where it is; if, unfortunately, a decision should not be come to, to drive out the intruders energetically. " Comparing the limits published in the directory before referred to with those contained in that for 1880, also taken from the Blue Book of the Colony, it is clear that up to that time they had not thought of the Amacuro, for it says as follows:—

" The Venezuelan Guiana, which occupies both margins of the Orinoco, and extends on the south and south-west up to the river Negro and the Brazilian establishments, has its north-western limit at a point near the outlet of the river Barima, which flows into the confluence of the Orinoco.

" Populating the Barima and the Amacuro. In the Catholic Calendar, number



19

39 of last March (1890), page 289, the following official information is pub¬ lished : - " Father Mesini and his Works.

" Father Mesini sends us a short account of his work in the district recently acquired. His first visit was made in the middle of July, 1888. He said Mass in the Bauridi, a light and manageable boat lent to him for the purpose by Mr. Im Thurn, a gentleman to whom Father Mesini owes great gratitude for the kindness and efficiency with which he assisted him on every occasion. The boat was quickly prepared for the service, the service of the Mass was celebrated and a sermon preached, und nine persons were baptized, five in Barima and four in Amacuro. He visited Barima a second time on the 13th February, 1889, and then babtized 58 faithful, and two days afterwards ten more in Amacuro. In the next month of May he baptized five others in Amacuro.

" In his fourth visit he was accompanied by the Bishop, when, on the ISth of August, ii faithful in Barima and 59 in Amacuro were baptized. His last visit was in January of this year, 1890, when two were baptized in Barima and seven in Amacuro.

" From the foregoing it will be seen that, from July, 1888, to January, 1890, Father Mesini baptized 164 persons, children and their elders. He also opened a small school in Barima, a district whose future is full of hope. What has been said refers to the Catholic population and not to the Protestant, nor to the Methodist and others, which also abound there.

" English Establishments. " In 1883, according to Mr. Im Thurn, special Magistrate of the Pomaron

District, there was no sign of human habitation in Barima, but now there are more than 50 English buildings in a most flourishing state, with the prospect of the number increasing, in consequence of the daily demands for permission to settle there. At 120 miles from the lower part of that river, nothing existed at the date mentioned. From this it is seen that the occupation is a recent one.

" The change effected is said by that functionary to be owing to the discovery of an extraordinary rich area of land suitable for cultivation on a small scale : but that the favourable change observed occurred principally in 1889, thanks to the discovery of a very rich auriferous area of easy access in Barima. He adds that in December, 1888, the probability of discovering gold in the district could only be described as problematical, but that only two or three months afterwards it was found in considerable quantities. Up to to-day the English have 300 positions in the usurped territory. At the rate they are proceeding how many will they not have at the end of the year

" Barima and the Amacuro are being peopled in such rapid manner that there are no means of estimating it. The newspapers of the Colony publish the petitions for auriferous placers in both places and the Potaro ; the speculators form expedi¬ tions, the Banks of this city, two in number, lend money and advances on account of the remittances of gold; the Government facilitate the transport, and day by day news arrive of the discovery of the richest deposits of gold.

" The people from our ruined mines come, with their practical experience, to lend valuable aid in the exploitation of the gold; the Indians assist in discovering the deposits, and many Venezuelans, experts in the business, seek positions in the north western district of the Colony.

" With all these things we are threatened with the loss of the right* bank of the Amacuro also, and with seeing the English occupying a great part of the banks

* See note at end.



20

of the Orinoco ; because upon the discovery of a single grain of gold on the said river they will not hesitate an instant in taking the land, fomenting immigration and rectifying maps. " Visits to Barima.

" The day before yesterday, 27th of April, I was in the house of Messrs. Sproston and Co. to inquire the cost of a small steamer to Barima, in order to go there and personally see what was passing. After having agreed the price, and being dis¬ posed to close the business, I had to give it up, as the same Mr. Sproston told me that he required to know the object of my visit to Barima, in order to communi¬ cate it to the Governor, because without this requisition he could not dispose of the vessel, which was only at the disposal of the local Government.

" This shows clearly the surveillance over persons and things exercised by the usurpers. " The official visits made by the Governor of this Colony to Venezuelan territory, of which the Venezuelan Government has received information, are not the only ones, because they have gone there many times to widen out the colonial boundary, stimulate the establishment of families, nominate authorities, and; facilitate the means of exploiting the country. So much is this so, that the same Governor informed Senor Krogh and myself that he had been in Ciudad Bolivar some few years since, and that he perfectly well knew the Yuruari territory. This will explain to the Government the activity with which the usurpation has been carried out, and consummated without any obstacle.

" Exploration of the Usurped, Territory. "The usurpation of our lands has not been carried out lightly—no —before¬

hand our land, rivers, and forests were carefully explored, and a rich collection was brought to Georgetown of all the products that are found there, and with which the Museum of British Guiana has been formed. There are to be seen precious woods, birds' feathers, samples of gold and silver quartz, of rock crystal, views of the interior and of places visited, taken by Mr. Hawkins, one of the Geological Inspectors of the Colony, animals of all kinds, a complete collection of everything used by the Indians, of their manufactures, medicinal plants and textile fabrics, caoutchouc, dyes, vanillas, and everything that could contribute to the obtaining of a perfect knowledge of the incomparable riches of our country. " Then the course of the rivers was examined, and some even pretended to explore their sources, not a few perishing in the attempt, whilst the others desisted. The said rivers were sounded, and their length measured up to the points that can be navigated without danger from the cataracts.

" Custom Souse of Barima. " As the Governor of this Colony declared Barima a British port, and established

a Custom House there, it happens that this measure augments the contraband trade in rum, sugar, and other things on the Venezuelan river Orinoco, because the smugglers allege that they have set out for Barima, if they are caught, which does not often happen. It occurs also that schooners come that are dispatched for Trinidad or Barbadoes, but which really go to our eastern coasts, and there discharge their contraband goods. The English, who get profit out of everything, will not delay in opening large stores in Barima, where our smugglers will buy their goods and manufactures, as cheap or cheaper than in Trinidad and Curaeoa, with the security of being able to set out to sea or for the river without being seen or molested by Consular Agents.



I 21

" It is, then, necessary that two coastguard establishments should be placed, the one in the lightship and another in Amacuro.

" Ne?v Company for exploring Venezuelan Territory. " James Thomson, Editor of the Argosy, a Colonial newspaper hostile to

Venezuela, works incessantly to form a syndicate, with the object of making a general exploration of the territory, denouncing mines or lands, and exploiting any that may be found. In this he is assisted by the authorities and many persons of influence. So that this project may be considered a fact, the results of which will soon be seen. " The Granary of Demerara.

" As has already been stated, there are many boats, canoes, schooners, &c, which, besides the Government steamers, &c, traffic between this Port and the rivers Pomaron, Guaima, Barima, and Amacuro, on whose banks are many plantations, from whence are brought every day plantains, bananas, fruits of all kinds, fowls, eggs, live animals, and fish. These embarcations come up to this market, and are licensed. These rivers are to-day the Granary of Demerara, because, as the emigration to the mining districts grows daily, the cultivation of these fruits is being given up in the estates, and thus, in an indirect manner, the prosperity of the cultivators of the Pomaron, &c, is increased.

" The traffic with the Indians who come and go daily in these boats is also important. So also is that of the expeditions which leave in search of gold, having previously contracted with the speculative houses, and obtained an authorization from the Colonial Governor, who does not omit any means of fomenting the gold industry. " Protection to the Immigration.

" At the same time as the rapid colonization of the usurped territory is fomented, a project is on foot for bringing people from the West Indian Islands, and even from Europe, to work in the Sugar Estates of the Colony, for which purpose a projected law has been submitted to the Court of Policy, which is the Legislative Council of British Guiana, for authorizing the expenditure of 300,000 dollars for immigration. " This is another danger for our Mines of the Yurary, which will be depopulated if we do not find means to avoid it.

" Lilies of Steamers, &x. " There is here a fleet of steamers, at least twelve, employed in trafficking on

the coasts and rivers, which augment and facilitate communication between all parts, and are amply subventioned by the Government, according to contract with the owners, Messrs. Sproston and Co.

"Besides these steamers there are many sailing vessels which go to the Pomaron daily, and proceed to the Barima, Amacuro, Guaima, and other rivers, from whence they bring all kinds of fruit, &c, to this market.

" Influence of the Gold Discoveries. "The English, who are colonizers of great experience, are drawing great

advantages from these discoveries, and have in them found the means of rapidly populating the usurped lands. These, which were formerly insignificant, are now important centres, with large numbers of workmen, police agents, fiscal employes, schools, missionaries and catechizers

"If in the past year there were 4,145 workmen in one of the mining districts, how many will there not be now, that gold has been found in great quantity in



22

Barima, with the addition that the lands on the great mouth of the Orinoco, have splendid vegetation, rich in all kinds of natural products? In the few days that 1 have remained here, I have seen expeditions set out, dispatched by the house of Crosby Forbes and Co., speculators in gold. In the meantime, the estates of sugar and cocoa are abandoned, as they begin to feel the want of labourers, who are to be brought from the West Indian Islands, as has been stated in a former paragraph. " The Gold Exported. " During the past year the existence of gold in the North Western districts was confirmed, and the exportation from the 1st January to the 23rd of October amounted to 21,932 ounces, the number of authorized gold seekers being 4,145. " In the Blue Book of the Colony it is stated, that the search for gold has been vigorously prosecuted in the district traversed by the Cuyuni, Mazaruni, and Paruni rivers, tributaries of the Essequibo, that numerous companies have been formed for working the gold, and many expeditions sent into the interior.

"It is added that in 1880 a decree relating to the exploitation of gold and silver was given, adjucating at once, permission for working mines, not already conceded, in lots up to 500 acres, and imposing a duty of 2 per cent, on the value of gold or silver found. That in 1886 another decree was approved on the same subject; but that in 1887, by reason of the Legislature having recognized the growing importance of the gold industry, the ordinance, No. 4, was approved, derogatory of the foregoing ones, and by which the duty payable on each ounce of gold was fixed at 90 cents, and on silver at 40 cents.

" In the same Blue Book it is stated that the gold exports have been as follows:— Ounces. Value.

250 £1,020 In 1884 „ 1885 „ 1886 „ 1887 „ 18S8 „ 1889 (7 months only) „ 1890 (4 months only)

939 3,249 6,518 23,342

11,906 44,427 14,510 64,403 14,624 56,773 14,815 55,315 " The gold is not yet worked by machinery, and the Government offers to the

mining speculators the greatest facilities, the imposts being almost nil and in the reach of everyone, the means of transport are extremely economical and the guarantees incalculable.

" The Gazettes are always full of solicitations for permissions to go to the mining districts, so that the expeditions organized are both numerous and frequent.

Roads. " The local Government occupies itself in opening roads in all directions, and in

seeking means of destroying the cataracts that impede the navigation of the rivers.

" Since November of last year, important measures, tending to facilitate the accessibility of the territory and the acquisition of new lands towards the interior, have been presented to the Court of Policy.

" 'The Remedy for the Evil. "In consequence of the deplorable neglect with which the Republic has

contemplated the well meditated and realized spoil of which it has been victim, for up to the time at which I write this report, a complete and just idea of the usurpation already formally consummated has not been given ; we are incurring



23

the danger of losing still more land, if the Government does not hasten to take active and serious measures to avoid it.

" Little or no penetration is required to forsee that the increase of population in the Pomaron. Barima, and the Amacuro, caused by the gold discoveries, will lead the miners to examine the right bank of the Amacuro for the same metal, and if it is found, the English will extend their progress to that bank and continue the usurpation indefinitely.

" For this reason, I ventured to indicate in my official communication of the 26th, the necessity of creating a Prefecture in Amacuro, to be called that of Amacuro and Barima, and that it should be provided with a small steamer for relations with Ciudad Bolivar; but now, having considered all points, I believe that a formal establishment should be made, with a garrison of cavalry and infantry, a coastguard on land and another on the light-ship. For this last the ' Justicia' could be destined, because it would serve as a residence for the pilots, the light-keeper, the floating coastguard, a coal deposit, and for provisions and other things for the colony to be founded ; whilst its boats could navigate the Amacuro, the Barima and other places which should be observed daily. All this in addition to the small steamer already mentioned.

" For the Cuyuni the extension of the telegraph is required and another Prefecture with a cavalry force at its orders.

"A measure which in my judgment would be transcendental, is the formation here of two colonies of Irishmen, who might be contracted in Europe and brought here quickly. It would be also convenient to bring Venezuelan miners and honest cultivators, who would contribute to the prosperity and stability of our establish¬ ments, treating them in the manner employed by the English. If this were done, our mines of Yuruari should enjoy equal favours and advantages, in order to stop their depopulation and ruin.

" Whilst writing this report I feel a movement of enthusiasm, because I know that the actual President is a man of glorious aspirations and that he is surrounded by a Cabinet both intelligent and patriotic.

"Duiingthe installation of the establishment indicated for the Amacuro the Justicia would serve as a residence for the authorities, labourers, carpenters, masons, &c, to be sent there.

" Lastly, in the reports annexed, written and signed by Messrs. Im Thurn and McTurk, the special British magistrates in the usurped territory, the progress of the English colonization will be seen, the number of prisons, penal and police stations, schools, churches and missions now existing, and everything that can enlighten the Government in this important matter.

" With all respect, I am, the Minister's most humble servant, " R. F. Seijas."

Then follows a communication from Dr. Seijas to the Minister of the

Interior, dated from Trinidad :— " Port of Spain, Trinidad, 1th Mag, 1890.

i "Senor Minister,—On the 30th of April, and in the city of Georgetown, I raised " the protest which "was presented on the day following in Spanish and in English

against the usurpation of our territory, to Viscount Gormanston, Governor of British Guiana.

" In that protest all the acts and deeds that constitute the usurpation of the Venezuelan lands were summed up, together with those which might be carried



24

out in future. The former protests of the Government of Venezuela were also •confirmed in it.

" I know privately that, on the 2nd, notice of the contents of the protest was sent by cable to Lord Salisbury; and the effect produced in the minds of the Colonial Authorities may be gathered from the measures that were immediately taken, namely:—

"Extension of the telegraph fromBartica Grove to a point at the confluence of the Cuyuni with the Essequibo. ' The dispatch of two more officials to Barima, with 50 men of the police force.

" Momentary paralization of the usurpation, in expectation of the ulterior conduct of Venezuela; and greater vigilance at the more important posts and those most easy of occupation by the authorities of the Republic.

"As soon as the public knew something of the protest, the ultra-English party, composed of all those who desire that the British Government should possess itself of the whole of the Guianas, commenced to conspire against me, without even admitting discussion of the subject. This party began by putting me before the public as an enemy of the local authority, raising the rumour that I was occupied in examining the fortress of the city, sounding rivers, and making maps, &c, and this was done with the view of exciting the people against me. On Saturday, the 3rd instant, and at eleven o'clock at night, whilst sleeping in my room at the hotel, an individual of Demerara, holding a high official position called me in order to tell me of the rumours current in the city, augmented by an article published on the same day in the Argosy, which is the echo of the party I have referred to. I answered to this gentleman that I was there under the guarantees of the British Flag, and of universal right; that I had brought a pacific mission with me, and that I had not in anyway given, nor could give, motive for public clamour against me. He said, that in order to dispel the alarming rumours, he thought that I should publish what I had told him, and 1 replied that I had not gone there to treat of any matter through the press, but simply to fulfil a commission for the Government of Venezuela.

" On Sunday, the 4th, another article appeared in the Daily Chronicle, which began by asserting that I should embark on Monday, the 5th, that I had a conference with the Governor and had delivered him a protest, &c. The rest of the day passed over comfortably, because it is the custom in Protestant countries for everyone to remain in their houses on Sunday. On Monday, at half-past four in the afternoon, I embarked in the Orange Nassau for this port, and observed that a few moments before the ship left the Chief of Police was on board, probably -with the view of making sure of my departure. " Such is the situation of things that these people do not wish to be disturbed even with a visit, nor with another protest; and this is evident from the assurances given me by Colonial employes, that the present English Cabinet will not accept any arrangement of the question, and that the Schomburg line is indisputably colonial.

" The Government of Demerara has the following police stations in the usurped territory:—

" One on the left bank of the Amacuro. (See note at end), " One at the mouth of the river Barima. " One at the Pass of Mora, between the Guaima and the Barima. " One at Marlbone, on the Pomaron. " One at the mouth of the river Manicuren.



25

" One at the confluence of the Essequibo and the Mazaruni, this being a penitentiary, with more than a thousand prisoners.

" One at the mouth of the river Guaima. " One at the Guaima, which is also an inn. "One of similar class in Barama. " One in Suddie, on the bank of the Essequibo.

*' There is also a Customs' and Guardhouse in Barima, an Inspector of Mines in y each district. Mr. Im Thurn and Mr. McTurk are the special magistrates in the "" usurped territory.

" There are no troops in the Colony, only a corps of Volunteers, resident in the capital. So the force is only one of police.

" Subventioned steamers go from time to time from Georgetown t ̂ Amacuro Barima, Pomaron, and the Guaima, but the daily communication with all these places is made by sailing vessels, as I stated in my former report. There are also two coast-guard schooners sailing constantly to Barima and the Amacuro.

" At Fort Poland, on the Essequibo river, there is an old church and a Dutch fort.

" In the confluence of the Curumu and the Cuyuni there is an old Spanish fort. " Another fort is at Cape Nassau, at the mouth of the Pomaron. " Another old fort (Dutch) is at the mouth of the Amacuro ;* and towards the

south an old English fort between the Pirara and the Cuartata. " Trusting that the Minister will be good enough to transmit this report to the

President of the Republic, and communicate orders to me, " I have the honour to be, &c,

j " R. F. Seijas."

i Then certain Decrees of the Government are given, but it is doubtful * whether they were ever carried into effect, probably on account of the

Government's resolve to send yet another Commissioner to England, which was carried out by the mission confided to Dr. Lucio Pulido, as

previously stated. The Decrees are, however, interesting, as they afford proof of the

moderation with which the Government of Venezuela proceeded in this

urgent state of matters. They are as follows :— " United States of Venezuela, Ministry of the Interior,

" Caracas, VAtli May, 1890. " Resolved,—The President of the Republic, with the approval of the Federal

Council, has thought well to order :—There is created in the Federal Territory of Yuruari, in the point nearest to the confluence of the Cuyuni with the Essequibo, a jurisdiction in which ranchos will be constructed for the purpose of attracting the largest number possible of the indigenous Indians, and which will have a Prefect who may exercise the civil authority, and a corps of police subjected to him, with its respective chief in command, and it shall be called the Essequibo-

,.' Cuyuni District. " There shall also be founded in the most convenient spot on the Yuruan, a

civil parish that shall serve as intermediary in the relations between the newly- created jurisdiction and El Callao.

" The Governor of the territory will proceed immediately to make an Estimate of the expenses to be incurred in these matters, as also in the setting up of a line of

-* See note at end.



26

telegraph from El Callao to the said jurisdiction, and will forward it to this Ministry as soon as practicable for its approbation and other purposes. " Let it be communicated and published. " For the National Executive,

" S. Casanas." " United States of Venezuela, Ministry of the Interior.

" VSth May, 1890. " Resolved,—The President of the Republic, with the approval of the Federal

Council, has thought well to order: There is created in the Federal Delta '•- territory, in the most convenient spot between Barima Point and the river Pomaron, a jurisdiction in which ranchos will be constructed, for the purpose of attracting the largest number possible of the indigenous Indians, and which will have a Prefect, who may exercise the civil authority, and a corps of police subjected to him, with its respective chief, and it shall be called the " Barima- Pomaron District.

" The communication by land with Tucupita, the seat of the Government, will be made by means of the commissaries that the Governor may employ ; and that by water in the euard-coast skiffs of the Government of the territory. " The Governor of the territory will proceed to make an estimate of the expenses to be incurred in these matters, and will forward it to this Ministry as soon a,s possible for its approbation and other purposes. " Communicate and publish. " For the National Executive,

" S. Casanas" " United States of Venezuela, Ministry of the Interior.

" Caracas, 13th May, 1890. "Citizen Rafael F. Seijas, Chief of the Scientific and Exploring Commission in 1

Guiana. " " The citizen Jose Francisco Sanchez, commissioned to the effect by you, has

delivered in this office the following documents of which he was the bearer, relative to the question of limits with English Guiana. The report resulting from the Commission confided to you, is presented by you to the Government and •contains important data as to that grave question; and two communications addressed by you to this office, from port of Spain, dated 7th and 8th of this month, both relative to the same matter, as also a legalized copy in English with a translation in Spanish, of the protest made by you in Demerara against the English usurpation. " Of all these documents I have given due account to the Cabinet, and as a result it is satisfactory to me to acquaint you that the National Government not only approves the conduct observed by you, but applauds the assiduity, zeal, intelligence and patriotism exhibited by you in carrying out the delicate mission confided to you. " As measures of another kind have already been taken in the controversy on the boundaries, the Government believes that the time has come for your return to this capital, and I therefore recommend this to you at the first opportunity. " I leave your letters, to which I have referred to, thus replied to. >- -,-

" God and Federation.—S. Casanas."

Then a list is given of documents, maps, papers, &c, brought from Demerara by Dr. Seijas, amongst which the most important are certain



• 27

copies of " The Official Gazette of the Colony," with the following- decrees : —

No. 39 of 6th November, 188G, denying the authority of the Venezuelan Government to grant concessions of lands in Guiana.

No. 47 (date not given) containing a decree of the Governor of Demerara, extending the limits of the Colony.

-/ A copy of the Daily Chronicle (date not given, but probably July, "^ 1890), with a notice of the " Court of Policy

" of the establishment of a Police Station in Barima, and of a new mining district in the Pomaron.

No. 47 (date not given), with a decree of the Governor of Demerara, declaring Barima to be a British port.

To return now to the first assertion advanced in this paper, namely, that the advance of the Demerara colonists into the disputed territory, has been brought about solely by the recent gold fever and the discovery of the precious metal in the affluents of the Orinoco and Essequibo rivers ; it has been shown that this frontier question has been the subject of slow, though sometimes spasmodic, diplomatic treatment for nearly seventy years ; but since gold was found during the last decade within the disputed territory, the advance therein of the Demeraran goldseekers has brought the question to an acute stage, as shown in the

papers quoted. ft* A further proof is afforded by the proceedings of Mr. Hugh "Watt,

M.P. and Chairman of the Yuruari Company, Limited (formerly the Chile Gold Mining Company, Limited), a company owning certain gold mines and lands in the Caratal District, forming part of the federal territory of Venezuela and situated some 150 miles or so to the west of the Schomburg line. This company holds its mines under titles derived from the Venezuelan Government. In 1889 Mr. "Watt held a meeting at Exeter Hall, presided over by Sir R. Temple, when the proposal w as seriously advocated that England should advance its claims westward, from the Schomburg line up to the watershed of all the affluents of the river Cuyuni, and if possible still farther west up to the right bank of the river Caroni. This absurd proposition was combatted by the writer of the present paper in a pamphlet published in 1888, and to which no answer was given by Mr. Watt or any other advocate of the spoliation of Venezuela. It is now unnecessary to repeat the arguments then

employed, more especially as the Foreign Office has allowed it to be understood that it does not support Mr. "Watts' pretensions ; but the

publicity given to the proposal by means of the meeting at Exeter Hall has tended to seriously embitter the minds of the Venezuelans against England and English people.

W



28

It has been alleged that serious offence has been given to England by Venezuela, in the sending of exploration parties into the debateable ter¬ ritory, and the nomination therein of officials charged with the duty of restraining the advance of the colonists and maintaining the rights of the

Bepublic. But it must be borne in mind that Venezuela took the steps that are thus made the subject of grave complaints, long subsequently to the entry of British subjects into the lands, which by special treaty had been declared to be unoccupiable by either country. The corres¬ pondence from Dr. Seijas to his Government, quoted herein, sufficiently proves this fact, and the complaints are therefore entirely without justification.

The argument that the statements and information contained in this paper are derived mainly from Venezuelan sources, may safely be put forward. But though such be the fact, their importance is not thereby detracted from, providing that they are correct. They have necessarily been drawn from Venezuelan sources, because the case for England has never been given publicity. It is however believed that the facts given in this paper afford sufficient "prima facie" evidence of the justice which assists the Venezuelans when they ask for arbitration on the whole question, as they now do and have done for some time past.

A few arguments in support of the expediency of the acceptation by England of the principle of arbitration may not be out of place. '

The desirability of strengthening our commercial relations with A Venezuela is shown by the fact, that of all the Eepublics of South America, it has the advantage of being the nearest to England, and therefore more easily accessible. Its rich and varied territory embraces almost every kind of climate, from the temperate and cool altitudes of Merida in the extreme west, with frost as a frequent nightly visitor, to the hot and burning coast line where the temperature has very little variation ; but even there, on account of the fresh trade winds that prevail during the after part of the day, Europeans who are moderately temperate and regular in their habits of life enjoy excellent health.

The space allotted to this paper will not allow of a detailed statement of the numerous commercial products of the country, but it may safely be said that almost every rnineral known to the arts and sciences is found in some part or other of the Republic. Some are more plentiful than others, as is shown by the large returns of gold from the plains and Mils of the eastern territories, of copper from the mines of Aroa in the west, and to these will shortly be added the very necessary item of coal, now being brought to the coast near Barcelona from the mines of Neveri and Naricual.

In those valuable articles of commerce, cocoa and coffee, Venezuela as



X

29

a producer stands unrivalled, the former being widely known through the enterprise of a Bristol firm that has made the famous " Caracas •Cocoa" so well known to the British public.

That English enterprise has long been foremost in the work of

developing the resources of the Republic is established by the fact that almost all the railways and other principal public works are the result of the investment of English capital. The f ollowing are some of the works in English hands.

The Quebrada Land, Railway, and Mining Company, Limited, owning the railway from the seaport of Tucacas to their valuable copper mines at Aroa. This company and its predecessors possess an unbroken record of nearly fifty years' work, during the whole of which time they have never had occasion to complain of oppression from the Government, or

disregard of their rights. This company's capital, mostly held in

England, amounts to £1,450,000. The La Guayra and Caracas Railway, built by Englishmen, with

English money, aided by subvention from the State. This line, forming the means of communication between the Capital of the Republic and its chief seaport, has become a great success. It has paid off its debenture

debt, with a bonus of 15 per cent, to the fortunate holders, whilst the shares have received good dividends for some years. The capital account of this railway amounts to £720,000.

^ The Puerto Cabello and Valencia Railway, uniting the City of Valencia with its sea outlet, the natural harbour of Puerto Cabello. This line was constructed entirely with English capital, with the

.advantage of a guarantee from the Government. The capital involved in this enterprise is £820,000.

The Venezuela Central Railway was designed to open up the rich

valley of Aragua, and form the means of communication between the two chief cities of the Republic, Caracas and Valencia. The railway has been nearly completed from Caracas to Santa Lucia, but the remainder of the line from thence to Valencia has been ceded by the

English company to a German enterprise, formed for constructing a

competing project. The English capital to be involved in this under¬

taking was estimated at £1,985,000. The South-Western of Venezuela, being an extension of the Quebrada

Company's system from the town of La Luz, near the mines of Aroa, to the cities of San Felipe and Barquisimeto. The railway has recently been completed to the latter place. The capital embarked therein is

£625,000. The La Guayra Harbour Corporation, Limited, which has carried out

the extensive and difficult works required for the transformation of the



30

rough open roadstead of La Guayra into a tranquil and safe port, by the construction of an immense breakwater of solid concrete and masonry. This work is a noble example of the benefits derived by commerce in foreign countries from the skill and patience exhibited by English engineers, and it has cost in English capital about £700,000.

The Barcelona Railway and Coal Mines of Neveri, now the property of the Guanta Railway, Harbour and Coal Trust, Limited, were at first owned by a French company. The capital with which the railway is being constructed was raised principally in London, and the property has now passed into English hands. The sum involved therein amounts to about £440,000.

The Carenero Railway and Navigation Company, Limited, was formed in 1889 to take over from Belgian hands a railway from the port of Carenero to the town of Altagracia de Orituco, together with certain steamers trading between Carenero and La Guayra. The railway is now under construction, an issue of capital to the amount of £583,400 having been made on the London market.

In these enterprises there is a total of £7,323,400 involved, almost exclusively English capital, and the Republic still offers further induce¬ ments for capital and enterprise, its rich and varied interior being entirely destitute of good roads or other means of communication with its sea-board. It may be added that Venezuela stands in perhaps a unique position amongst her sister Republics of South America, in that she has no paper money whatever, whilst for many years past she has faithfully carried out her obligations to her public creditors, and generally has a surplus of revenue over expenditure.

Against the foregoing record of English work the French have nothing to show, all their enterprises having aborted during their inception, or failed shortly after their formation into " Societes Anonymes." The Germans have secured one of the finest enterprises in the Republic, namely, the direct route from Caracas to Valencia, by way of Antimano. This work, known as the Great Railway of Venezuela, is being carried out under the auspices of the world-known firm of Krnpp, of Essen. It must not, however, be gathered from the prominent position of English enterprise in Venezuela that speculators of other nationalities are indifferent to the attractions offered by the Republic, as it is well known that France, and possibly also the United States, are employing all available means at their command for supplanting their English rivals. The present disturbed and critical condition of the relations between England and Venezuela affords them an opportunity of which they are not backward in taking advantage. The recent proclamation at "Washington of reciprocity with Venezuela, in terms similar to the



treaty made with Brazil, affords startling evidence of the danger to which British commerce is now being exposed.

In addition to the public works just mentioned, the gold mines out¬ side the debateable territory should be mentioned : such as El Callao, Potosi, Panama, Venezuelan-Austin, Chile, and others, which have all been mainly worked with English capital.

The commercial relations between the two countries are, then, of - ~\ great importance, and it is evident that these legitimate interests are

seriously imperilled by the frontier dispute, as in the event of hostilities

occurring between the advancing English colonists and the Venezuelan

_ military parties the Republic would be driven to make reprisals, the first sufferers, in a pecuniary sense, being, probably, the share and bond¬ holders of the various English enterprises, together with the merchants

trading with England. On the other hand, what advantage is to be gained by a stern prose¬

cution of the supposed English rights over the debateable territory. Simply the aggrandisement of the Colony of British Guiana, which would, however, be effected at the expense of other British "West Indian

dependencies. It is certain that the Islands of Barbadoes and Trinidad would suffer greatly by the stoppage of their present very considerable trade with Venezuela. The latter Island depends largely upon this trade, having, from its position near to the mainland, the practical

j monopoly of trade with the towns on the coast from Barcelona eastward, -*k as well as with those of the river Orinoco, with its important city of

Cindad Bolivar. So active is this trade, that even the imposition by the Republic of an extra " ad valorem " customs' duty of 30 per cent, has not had great effect upon the exports of the Island to the mainland. It should be stated that this extra tax was imposed a few years since, during the tenure of power by General Guzman Blanco, the reason given being that revolutionary and filibustering plans were hatched in the Island, to the detriment of the public peace of his country. In order to punish the merchants of Trinidad, the surcharge on imports there¬ from was decreed. There can now be little room for doubt that this objectionable tax would be repealed if, by the acceptation of the proposed arbitration on the frontier question, all grievances between the Republic and England were put an end to.

Trinidad has also a further claim to be heard in this question, as she has been the home for many years of large numbers of Venezuelan

^-<i settlers, who from political causes in their own country, have sought the safety afforded them by British government. These settlers have peopled the south-eastern part of the island, and it is said that there are about •8,000 Venezuelans engaged there in the cultivation of cocoa. Entire



32

stoppage of trade and friendly relations' between Venezuela and Trinidad would probably cause more disaster in that British colony than could ever be compensated for by the coveted gain of territory by Demerara, which has plenty of room for expansion on the south, where there is a large tract of country that is practically a "no man's land." This terri¬

tory borders on Brazil, and was lately the spot chosen by adventurers for J;he establishment of an independent State to be called the Republic of

Couyouni. It is almost certain that arbitration on this Frontier question between

England and Venezuela, would result in the partition of the debateable territory, that is to say, the country lying between the Essequibo river on the east, and the Schomburg line on the west. The southern half would doubtless be allotted to England. A frontier line, based on what is known of the probable extent of the Dutch settlements prior to 1814, would commence at Cape Nassau at the mouth of the river Moroco. Following that river up to the Imataca range of mountains, it would be continued southward on that range to the mouth of the river Tapuru, where a Dutch fort is marked on several maps. It should then be carried along the northern bank of the river Cuyuni, until it arrives opposite to the confluence of the river Mazaruni, at which point another Dutch fort is shown. To the south of the river Cuyuni the boundary might give to England all the watershed of the rivers Mazaruni and Essequibo with their affluents, as far south as the Pacaraima range of /( mountains.

Venezuela has in some of her official maps claimed a considerable territory, still further south, with the evident intention of obtaining all the watershed of the left bank of the Essequibo ; but as the foregoing- boundary would isolate all that watershed lying to the south of the Pacaraima mountains, the result would be that England would have to settle with Brazil any claims that country might possess to the tract thus isolated.

By the partition indicated, the Colony of British Guiana would enter into undisputed possession of more than half the debateable land, being the half that may be considered to be more valuable than the upper portion, the discoveries of gold-bearing reefs being mainly situated on the affluents of the Mazaruni and Essequibo rivers.

Under these circumstances it would seem that the policy of usurpation as against arbitration is as unnecessary, as it may with safety be deemed to be, beneath the dignity of England.

P.S.—Since the foregoing remarks were written, the arguments in favour of Venezuela's demand for arbitration have been materially strengthened by the acceptation on the part of England of this sensible method of settling the dispute with the United States in the matter of the Behring Sea Fisheries, and with France in the Newfoundland difficulty.



NOTES.

Page 19—Dr. Seijas says, " we are threatened with the loss of the right bank of the Amacuro also "; and at

Page 24—He says, ' The Government of Demerara has a police station on the left bank of the Amacuro."

It is believed that the words right and left aie used from the point of view of looking up stream, instead of down stream, as is customary.

Page 25—The old Dutch fort mentioned as being at the mouth of the Amacuro, is not shown upon any available map, and it is probable that another river of the same name must exist in the southern pait of the disputed territory.

E. D M.

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the frontier question between british guiana and venezuela

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