Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1895-12-27
THE WAR CLOUD.


The war cloud is still lowering on, the
horizon. 1t is bigger than mans hand.
1t is big enough, apparently, to contain a
terrific storm; but it does not seem to be
growing either in size or blackness. All
the world is watching it, however, with
an indescribable feeling of uncertainty
that would hardly be surprised at any
thing.
AS already stated, the presidents spropo-
sition for the appointment of commission
to investigate the Venezuela boundry, and
the appropriation of 100000 to pay ex-
penses, passed the house without dis
senting voice. There was no less unani-
mity in the senate. That body was rath-
er more dignifed and deliberate. 1t sent
the proposition to committee, more than
anything else in order to avoid the ap-
pearance Of indecent haste; but when 1t
came to vote, it passed without delay.
The tone Of the British newspapers does
not seem to indicate that the British pub
lie is very much excited over the threat
ened crisis. II has teen asserted, and
with a considerable appearance OF truth,
that a vast majority of the British COM
mon people do not even know where Ven
ezuela is located, or whether or not the
country is an island. The leading politi-
cal organs of London seem to recognize
that if a war should break out, the United
States would be no mean antagonist; but,
at the same time, they affect to believe
that this country could not afford to 60 to
war over matter SO Insignificant as the
gobbling up by Great Britain, OF slice OF
South American territory. They refuse
to recognize the Monroe doctrine al all.
The most marked effect of Mr.. Cleve-
lands message has been on the value
of American securities. European hold
ers were panic stricken, and were dispos-
ed to unload securities of every kind.
The price of United States bonds dropped
seriously. Railroad bonds and stocks
went down, and, as the result, on last
Friday, Wall street witnessed crisis that
was in many respects worse than the
darkest days of 1893. During the past
few days, there have been enormous
shipments of gold to Europe, and the
banks of the New York clearing house
have found it expedient to provide for
the issuance of an unlimited amount of
certificates, similar to those issued in
1893.
Down in South America, all is rejoic-
ing. The South Americans have been
congregating at their respective capitals
and passing resolutions laudatory to the
United States. There has been talk of
the formation of an American Federation
for the enforcement of the Monroe doc
trine, and also for general protection.
So far as has been heard from, Chill is the
only country that has failed to show a
certain amount of enthusiasm. Chill
has grudge against the United States
on account of certain occurrences during
her recent revolution, and is naturally
more favorably inclined toward Great
Britain.
Most Of the American newspapers have
given the president their enthusiastic sup
port. The most notable exceptions are
those papers which have heretofore en-
dorsed the presidents various financial
utterances. There is reason to believe
that the message on the Monroe doctrine
has made practically impossible the
adoption of the financial schemes that
the administration has all along been
advocating, and the opposition of the
papers referred to seems to be based
more on this than any other consider
alton. There is prevalent idea that
Great Britain is the banker of the world.
No other nation can 60 to war without
her consent, and the idea of another
nation, even the United States, engaging
in war with her is preposterous. There
fore, Great Britain must be allowed to
do what she pleases, and the United
States must not say word.
AS to whether or not the commission
that has been provided for has been ap-
pointed, has not yet developed. Some of
the news dispatches claim that the person.
ell of the commission, which is to consist
of three members, has practically been
agreed upon; but this is not settled. The
commission will have to go to Venezuela,
and maybe also to Madrid and to the
Hague for the purpose of investigating
ancient official records Of the Spanish and
Dutch State departments. 1t is the pre-
sumption that the report of the commits
sion will be against Great Britain; but, at