The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-12-18


I ting the question TO the end that a
Nexatious boundary dispute between the
two contestants might be determined,
and our exact standing and relation In
respect TO the controversy might be made
/ clear. II VIII be seen from the correspon-
dencc herewith submitted that this pro-
position has been declined by the British
/ Government, upon grounds. which. in the
/ circumstances seem TO me TO be far from
satisfactory. II is deeply disappointing
| that such an appeal. actuated by the
most friendly feelings toward both ma
/ tions dir city concerned. addressed to the
/ sense Of Justice and 10 the magnanimity
} of one OF the great powers OF the world
ana touching its relations 10 one COM
paratively weak and small should have
produced no better results.
TINE FOR ACTION.
"The course 20 be pursued by this Gov
eminent IN view Of the present condition,
does not appear TO admit OF serious doubt
Having labored faithfully FOR many years
10 induce Great Britain TO submit this
dispute to impartial arbitration. and hav-
ing been now finally apprised Of her
refusal. 10 do so. nothing remains but
to accept the situation 10 recognize its
plain requirements. and deal With IL &C.
cordingly. Great Britains present pro-
position has never thus far been regarded
as admissible by Venezuela. though any
adjustment OF the boundaries which that
country may deem for her advantage and
may enter into Of her own free VIII, 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 a stage as 10
make n now incumbent upon the United
States TO take measures TO determine
with sufficient certainty for its jusiifica-
ton what Is the true divisional line be-
tween the republic OF Venezuela and
British Guiana. The inquiry to that end
should. Of course be conducted carefully
ana judicially. and due weight should be
given 10 all available evidence. records.
and facts in support of The claims OF
both parties.
In order that such examination shor.--
be prosecuted In a thorough and salts
factory manner, J suggest that the Con-
gress make an adequate appropriation
for expenses Of a commission 10 be APP
pointed by the Executive. who shall make
the necessary investigation and report
upon the matter with the least pOssi-
ble delay When such report is made and
accepted. il will, IN my opinion. be the
duty Of the United States to resist, by
every means in its power AS wilful
aggression upon its rights and interests, b
the Appropriation by Great Britain OF
any lands. or the exercis> Of government
tai jurisdiction over any territory. which.
after investigation we have determined
of right belong TO Venezuela.
CONSEQUENCES REALIZED.
in making these recommendations.
am fully alive to the responsibility incur
.tn he -
quencss that may follow | am, never
theless, firm in my conviction that while
II is grievous thing to contemplate
the great Englsh-speaking peoples of the
world, as being otherwise than friendly
competitors in the onward march of
civilizatiot, and strenuous and worthy
rivals in lall arts of peace there Is no
calamity (which great nation can in
vte whkh equals that which follows a
supne 81 omission to wrong and injustice
and the Rnsequent loss of national self
respect and honor beneath which is
shielded and defended a peoples safety
and greatness
(Signe0 GROVER CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion. December Il. 1885,
Although the matter submitted TO Con-
gress In connection with the foregoing
message consists of three diplomatic notes
only, they are very voluminous
MR.. OLNEY'S NOTE.
Mr.. Olney's note to Mr.. Bayard con-
cernng the threatening aspect of affairs
between Great Britain and Venezuela IS
iirst in the correspondence. II is dated
July goth last, and deals with the boun-
iary question at great length.
beginning at the very inception of the
iispute which has now assumed so serious
an aspect, Mr. Olney carries his argument
of the American claim for arbitration.
,ased on the Monroe doctrine. down TO the
present time. and gives emphasis 10 his
statements by quoting the sentiments of
President Monroe in full, and notes that
Is pronouncement by the Monroe admin
stration at that particular time was un-
luestionaby due TO the inspiration of
Great Britain. who at once gave TO il an |
,pen and unqualified adhesion. which has |
never been Withdrawn"
Mr.. Olney gives in his note "A firm en- |
lorsemeni to the principle enunciated by |
donroe. and defines Great Britain's posi- |
ion in this frank and umambiguous man. |
Ter:
she Great Britain) says to Venezuela: /
\ on can get none OF the debatable land |
" force. because you are not strong |
nough; you can get none by treaty. be-
ause ! will not agree. and you can take
cur chance of getting portion by arbi-
ration. only If YOU first agree TO abandon
D me such portions as / may designate '"
INDEFENsIBLE ATTITUDE.
Continuing. Mr.. Olney says il is not per-
eIved how such an attitude can be de-
ended. nor how IL is rcc0nciiiabie with |
hat love of justice and fair play so emil
entity characteristic Of the English race.
nd holds that If such position be ad-
cred TO II should be regarded as amount
lg IN substance 10 an invasion and con-
uest of Venezuelan territory
In conclusion, Mr. Olney SAYS that in
hese circumstaficos the duty Of the Pres
lont appears to him unmistakable and
Imperative.
TO ignore Great 3ritdn's assertion #
tile, and her refusal % have that title
Investigated and not protest ana give
farming against the substantial appro-
r'atiCn by Great Britain OF the territory
)r her own use, would be 10 ignore an
established policy with which the honor
nd welfare Of this country is closely iden-.
hed
lie therefore instructed Mr.. Bayard TO
y the views given lefore Lorl Sails
ury, and said:
"rhey (the views call for definite de-
sion upon the point whether Great Rrit-
IN will consent OF will decline 20 sub
~ the Venezuelan boundary question in
5 entirety TO impartial arbitration"
Expressing the Presidents hope. that
ie conclusion will be OF the side of ar
Il alton, MIR. oney concludes with the
plated statement, that If the President ,
t. be disappointed In that hope. how ,
'er, result not 10 be anticipated. and ;