Page:Anglo-American relations during the Spanish-American war (IA abz5883.0001.001.umich.edu).pdf/52

 The boundary line between the Republic of Venezuela and British Guiana had never been accurately determined. About 1840 settlers began to enter the disputed region and the two Powers concerned became determined to secure possession of as much territory as possible. The controversy which resulted was not an important one. There were no great theories of international law nor any delicate international agreements previously arranged to be disturbed, whatever might be the result of the boundary controversy. Considered from this latter standpoint, the Anglo-German affair in South Africa, or the protection of the Armenians was of far greater significance. A number of events, however, had recently occurred which stimulated both American and Venezuelan interest in the disputed area. European trade rivals, particularly Great Britain and Germany, had begun to encourage their trade in Venezuela. This fact led a few American merchants and consuls to investigate means of furthering American trade. In December, 1886, the United States, for the first time, officially offered arbitration in the boundary controversy if acceptable to both countries concerned. By 1891 the United States had definitely begun to abandon her attitude of disinterestedness and to urge upon Great Britain the need of arbitration. American concern in the boundary controversy seemed to develop in proportion to the efforts of American traders to encourage