Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1895-12-20
NUMBER 80.

Monroe Doctrine is applicable to pres
ent conditions, states:
SIN declaring that the United States
would resist any such enterprise if it
was contemplated, President Monroe
adopted a policy which received the
entire sympathy of the English govern
ment of that date" He further de-
clared :"Though the language of Presi-
dent Monroe is directed to the attain
ment of objects which most Englishmen
would agree to be salutory, it is impos-
sible to admit that they have been
inscribed by inadequate authority in
the code of international law" Again
he says "They Cher majesty's govern
ment) fully concur with the view which
President Monroe apparently enter
tanned that any disturbance of the ex-
isting territorial distribution in that
hemisphere by any fresh acquisition on
the part of any European state would
be highly inexpedient change"
In the belief that the doctrine for
which we contend was clear and def
mite, that it was founded upon SUBJ
stantial consideration, and involved
our safety and welfare, that it was
fully applicable to our present condi-
tions and to the state of the worlds
progress, and that it was directly
related to the pending controversy,
and without any convictions as to the
final merits of the dispute; but anxious
to learn in a satisfactory and conclu-
sive manner whether Great Britain
sought her possessions on this conti-
nent without right, or whether she
merely sought, under claim of boun-
Diary, to extend possession of territory
fairly included with her lines of owner
ship, this government proposed to its
government of Great Britain resort
to arbitation as the proper means of
settling the question, to the end that a
vexatious boundary dispute between
the two contestants might be deter
mined, and our exact standing and
relation in respect to the controversy
might be made clear.
1t will be seen from the correspon-
dence herewith submitted, that this
proposition has been declined by the
British government, upon grounds
which, in the circumstances, seems
to me to be far from satisfactory. 1t
is deeply disappointing that such an
appeal, actuated by the most friend
ly feelings towards both nations di-
rectly concerned, addressed to the
sense of fjustice and to the magnanimi-
ty of one of the great powers of the
world, and touching its relations to
one comparatively weak and small,
should have produced no better re-
suits.
The course to be pursued by this
government in view of the present con-
dition does not appear to admit of Sc
rious doubt. Having labored faithful
ly for many years to induce Great Brit
ain to submit this dispute to impartial
arbitration, and having been now final
ly apprised of her refusal to do so,
nothing remains but to accept the sit
uation, to recognize its plain require
ments and deal with it accordingly.
Great Britain's present proposition
has never thus far been regarded as
admissible by Venezuela, though any
adjustment of the boundaries which
that country may deem for her advan-
tage and may enter into of her own
free will, cannot, of course, be object
ed to by the United States.
Assuming, however, that the attitude
of Venezuela will remain unchanged,
the dispute has reached such stage
as to make it now incum bent upon the
United States to take measures to de-
termine with sufficient certainty for
its justification, what is the true divis-
ional line between the Republic Of
Venezuela and British Guiana. The
inquiry to that end of course. ought
to be conducted carefully and judicial
ly, and due weight should be given to
evidence, records and facts
in support of the claims of both parties.
In order that such an examination
should be prosecuted in thorough
and satisfactory manner, I suggest
that the congress make an adequate
appropriation for the expenses of a
commission to be appointed by the
executive, who shall make the neces-
sary investigation and report upon the
matter with the least possible 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 it's power as a willful agres-
sion upon it's rights and interests the
appropriation by Great Britain of any
lands. or the exercise Of governmental
jurisdiction over any territory, which,
after investigation, we have determin-
ed of right belongs to Venezuela.
In making these recommendations,
an fully alive to the responsibility
incurred, and keenly realize all the
that may follow.
am nevertheless firm in my convic-
tion that while it is a grievous thing
to contemplate the two great English
speaking peoples of the world as being
otherwise than friendly competitors in
the onward march of civilization and
and worthy rivals in all the
arts of peace, there is no calamity
which a great nation can invite which
equals that which follows a supine