The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1895-12-20
As Viewed by the Diplomats.
WHAT THE PRESIDENT SAID.
Means That John Bull Must Climb Down
or Fight.

Means That John Bull Must Climb Down
or Fight.
The presidents message in brief declares
the Monroe doctrine to be whatever the
United States holds it to be at any time,
and that any one who infringes thereon
will have to answer to the United States.
After referring to the character of the two
communications from Lord Salisbury the
president says Salisbury claims that in the
present instance new and strange extern
sion and development of the doctrine is
insisted upon by the United States, and
presents an argument to prove the same.
The president says in regard to this:
"Without attempting extended argu-
ments in reply to these positions 1t may
not be amiss to suggest that the doctrine
upon which we stand Is strong and sound
because its enforcement is important to
our peace and safety as a nation, and Is
essential to the integrity Of our free in
situations and the tranquil maintenance
of our distinctive form OF government. 1t
was intended to apply to every stage of
our national life and cannot become obso-
lete while our republic endures.
If a European power, by an extension Of
its boundaries takes possession of the ter
ritory Of one of our neighboring republics
against its will and in derogation of its
rights, it is difficult to see why, to that
extent, such European power does not
thereby attempt to extend its system of
government to that portion of this conti-
nent which is thus taken"
Further along the president says in re-
ply to Salisbury's contention that the
Monroe doctrine Is not international law:
practically the principle for which we
contend has peculiar, If not exclusive, rela-
ton to the United States. 1t may not
have been admitted in so many words to
the code of international law, but since,
in international councils, every nation is
entitled to the rights belonging to it, If the
enforcement of the Monroe doctrine is
something we may justly claim, it has its
place in the code Of international law as
certainly and as surely as IL 1t were spe-
cially mentioned"
He then states the demand made upon
Great Britain that she arbitrate the whole
question, and continues: 1T will be seen
from the correspondence herewith sub
mitted that this proposition has been de-
clined by the British government upon
grounds which under the circumstances
seem to me to be far from satisfactory.
The course to DO pursued by this govern
ment in view of the present condition
does not appear to admit of serious doubt"
Venezuela. he says, has never admitted
the claim of Great Britain, and it Is ''now
incumbent upon the United States to take
measures to determine with sufficient GER
tainty for its justification what Is
the true divisional line between the
Republic of Venezuela and Brit
ish Guiana. In order that
such an examination should be prosecuted
In a thorough and satisfactory manner 1
suggest that the congress make an ade-
quate appropriation for the expenses of
commission to be appointed by the execu-
tive, who shall make the necessary inves-
tigation and report upon the matter with
the least possible delay"
Then he comes TO the nub of the matter:
"When such report Is made and accepted,
1t will, in my opninion, be tho duty of the
United States TO resist by every means in
it's power, as a willful aggression upon its
rights and interests, the appropriation by
Great Britain Of any lands, or the exercise
Of governmental jurisdiction over any ter
ritory which, after investigation, we have
determined of right belong to Venezuela.
In making these Recommendations / am
fully alive to the responsibility incurred
and keenly realize all the consequences
that may follow"