Show AN IMPORTANT DECISION A new stage has been reached in a matter which has already been ahe occasion of a pronounced modification in american public opinion and bilda far to constitute a potential danger to peaceful conditions until such time as 1 is finally disposed of the recent decision of the venezuelan court confirming an earlier verdict against the new york and s asphalt company leaves that body in an awkward impasse with less hope of helpful intervention by tho united states government than appeared possible when the former adverse award was given for in the meantime a special commissioner has been appointed by president roosevelt to report on he whole situation and it can hardly be expected even in clew of the threats at one almo indulged in that anything in the nature of interference with or protest against this latest decision wilt be thought of until the commissioners report baa been received in interests of international comity it Is fortunate that athla id so but it creates none the less a difficult situation for the asphalt company which sees in it a confirmation of the decree annulling its concession and calling upon it for payment of the costs in the suit meanwhile president castro in whose favor a revulsion of public sentiment cannot fail to be observed will continue to work the sequestrated rated deposits using the company plant for athla purpose As the output ia being sold to all and sundry irrespective of personality this proceeding can scarcely fall to exercise an influence upon the supply and price of what ii yearly becoming a more important material for american road making if as is possible president castro should tako the logical step of declaring the concession forfeited the effect would be to make these conditions permanent instead of temporary he has already made it plain that arbitration wilt not be accepted in a matter over which his internal courts have full jurisdiction is and it is equally clear that the next step rests not with him but with the united states government and after all that has happened there will probably be a laudable disposition to hasten slowly in that quarter |