The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-12-06
THE QUESTION STATED.

The cable brings US the statement from
London that Lord Salisbury's reply to
Secretary Olney's dispatch of last June
in respect to the Venezuelan boundary
is on its way across the ocean, and
that IT is a Hat refusal TO arbitrate with
Venezuela the territory in dispute be-
tween England and Venezuela that is
inside the Schomburk line This is a very
simple announcement, but it may be one
of gigantic import. In his message 10
Congress last Monday, President CleVe-
land used the following language:
Ii being apparent that the boundary
dispute between Great Britain and the
republic of Venezuela, concerning the
limits of British Guiana, was approach
ing an acute stage, dennNe statement
OF the interest ana pOllcy OF the thtcu
States, as regards the controversy SEEM
cd to be required. both on It's own ac-
count aud in view OF its relations TO the
friendly Powers directly concerned. In
July last, Therefore, a dispatch was al
dressed TO our Ambassador al London,
for communication 10 the British Gov
eminent, in which the attitude OF me
United States was fully and distinctly
set forth. The general conclusions there
In reached and formulated are IN sub
stance. that the traditional ana establish
ed policy of this government Is hTlnly
opposed 10 forclble increase ny any
European Power of its territorial posses
SlOns on this continent, that THIS pOlcy
IS as well-founded in principle as II Is
strongly supported by numerous prece-
dents. that as consequence. the tmteu
States r. bound 10 protest against Inc
enhancement OF the area OF British Guiana
in derogation of the rights and against
the Will OF Venezuela. that. considering
the disparity in strength OF Great brl-
tain and Venezuela, the territorial us
putc between them can be reasonably
settled only by friendly and impartial
arbitration. and that the resort 10 such
arbitration should include the whole con-.
troVersy. and Will not be satisfactory
N one of the Powers concerned Is per
mitted to draw an arbitrary line though
the territory In debate. and 20 declare
that 80 will submit 10 arbitration Only
the portion lyins on one side OF j. a.,
In view Of these conclusions the AIS
patch IN question called upon the British
Government for a DEFINITE answer 10 the
question whether II would or would not
submit the territorial controversy between
itself and Venezuela in its entirety 10
impartial arbitration
The answer of the British Government
has not yet been received, but II Is eN-
pec.cd shortly. when further commNm-
cation on the subject will probably he
made to the Congress.
The President has called for dem
mite statement Of whether Great Britain
viii submit the entire controversy be-
tween Venezuela and herself TO aroi,ra-
ton, and. II the cable dispatch is TO be
trusted. her answer is. what every man OF
common sense knew beforehand that II
would be, tina, she will not. Mr. Cleve-
. land tells us that Secretary Ofney's dis
patch OF last June protested" against
t;rea, Britain being permitted 10 draw
an arbitrary line through the territory in
debate" and cocrcing Venezuela. tho
weaker power. 10 accept that as The true
line. Nations are not IN the habit OF
using such language as this towards each
other. unless the nation using It is pre-
pared 10 back up the position taken with
force. and II seems TO Us case In which
Mr.. Cleveland 10 use the language OF
the London Standard. Lord Salisbury's
organ. IN commenting upon the message,
should have FIRST counted the cost.
The situation that has been produced Is
q very serious one. and we therefore
>e&a1D ~ question 81 iasus ~ ~. - $50