Birmingham state herald., 1895-12-18
CLEVELAND'S MESSAGE. He Gives the British Lions Tail Good
 Twist TT IS A REAL WAR DOCUMENT. Lord Salisbury Refuses to Arbitrate
 the Venezuelan Matter. SAYS IT IS NONE OFOUR BUSINESS Congress Asked to Provide Commission to Decide What Is the True Boundary Line and to Back
 It's Verdict Up With Force.

which we contend was clear and definite, that it was founded upon substantial considerations and involved our safety and welfare-that it was fully applicable to our present conditions and to the state of the worlds progress, and that 1t was directly related to the pending contro- versy, and without any convictions as to the final merits of the dispute, but anx- ious to learn in satisfactory and conclu- Sive manner whether Great Britain sought under a claim of boundary 10 extend her possessions on this continent, without right, or whether she merely sought possession of territory fairly in cluded within her lines of ownership this government proposed to the govern nent of Great Britain a resort to arbltra- tion as the proper means Of Settllng the question, to the end that a VeXatlous boundary dispute between the two con- testants might be determined and our exact standing and relation in respect to the controversy might be made clear.
 It will be seen from the correspondence herewith submitted that this proposition has been declined by the British govern ment upon grounds which, under the cir cumstances, seem to me to be far from satisfactory. It is deeply disappointing that such an appeal. actuated by the most friendly feelings toward both na- tions exactly concerned, addressed to tho sense of justice and to the magnanimity of one of the great powers of the world and touching it's relations to one com- paratively weak and small, should have produced no better results.
 The course to be pursued by this gov ernment, in view of the present condi- tion, does not appear to admit of serious doubt: Having labored faithfully for many years to induce Great Britain to submit this dispute to impartial arbitra- tion, and having been now finally ap- prised of her refusal to do so, nothing re- mains but to accept the situation, to rec ognize its plain requirements and deal with 1t accordingly.
 Great Britain's present proposition has never thus far been regarded as admis sible by Venezuela, though any adjust ment of the boundaries which that coun- try may deem for her advantage and may enter into of her own free will can not of course, be objected to by the United States.
 Assuming, however, that the attitude of Venezuela will remain unchanged, the dispute has reached such stage as to make 1t now incumbent upon the United States to take measures to determine with sufficient certainty for it's justi1- cation what is the true divisional line be- tween the republic of Venezuela and the British government. Inquiry to that end should of course be conducted carefully and judicially, and due weight should be given to all available evidence, records and facts in support of the claims of both parties.
 In order that such examinations should be prosecuted in thorough and satisfactory manner, l suggest that the congress make an adequate appropra- tion for the expenses of a commission to be appointed by the executive, who shall make the necessary investigation and re- port upon the matter with the least pos sible delay.
 When such report is made and accept ed, it will in my opinion be the duty of the United States to resist by every means in its power, as willfui aggres- sion upon it's rights and interests the ap- propriation by Great Britain of any lands or the exercise of governmental Jurisdiction over any territory which, after investigation, we have determined of right as belonging to Venezuela.
 In making these recommends tions I am fully alive to the responsibility incur red and keenly realize all the conse- quences that may follow. I am neverthe- less firm in my conviction that while it is grievous thing to contemplate the two great English-speaking people of the world as being otherwise than friend ly competitors in the onward march of civilization and strenuous and worthy rivals in all arts of peace. there is no calamity which great nation can invite which equals that which follows a su- pine submission to wrong and injustice, and the consequent loss of national self respect and honor, beneath which Is shielded and defended peoples safety and greatness.
 GROVER CLEVELAND.
 Executive Mansion. Dec IF. 1895.
 Although the matter submitted to con gress in connection with the foregoing message consists of three diplomatic notes only, they are very volumnous. MT. Oiney's note to MT. Bayard concern ing the Threatening aspect of affairs be- tween Great Britain and Venezuela is first in the correspondence. It is dated July 20 last and deals with the boundary question at geat length. Beginning at the very inception of the dispute which has now assumed so serious an as- spect, MT. Olney carries his argument of the American claim for arbitration. based on the Monroe doctrine, down to the pres- eent time, and gives emphasis to his statements by quoting the sentiments of President Monroe in full and notes that tits pronouncement by the Monroe ad ministration at that particular time was unquestionably due to the inspiration of Great Britain, who at once gave to it an open and unqualified adhesion, which has never been withdrawn"
 MT. Olney gives in his note firm in- dorsement to the principle indorsed by Monroe, and defines Great Britain's posi- ton in this frank and unambiguous man. ner: "She (Great Britain) says to vene- zuela: You can get none of the debata- ble land by force, because you are not strong enough; you can get none by treaty, because I will not agree. and you can take your chance of getting portion by arbitration. only if you first agree to abandon to me such portions as I may designate.'
 Continuing, MT. Olney says it is not perceived how such an attitude can be