Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-12-18


controversy might be made clear.
ENGLAND'S ANSWER UNsATIsFAC-
TORY.
IL viii be seen from the correspondence
herewith submitted that this proposition
has been declined by the British Gov
'rnment, upon grounds which. in the
circumstances. seem to me 10 be far
from satisfactory. II is deeply disap-
pointing that such an appeal. actuated
10y the most friendly feelings toward both
nations directly concerned. addressed 10
the sense Of justice and to the magnani-
nifty OF one OF the great powers Of the
world ana touching its relations TO one
comparatively weak and small. should
nave produced no better results.
Ihe course TO be pursued by the gov
eminent. In view Of the present condition,
does not appear 70 admit OF serious doubt.
Having labor q faithfully for many years
70 induce Great Britain 10 submit this
dispute 10 impartial arbitration, ana nav
ing been now finally apprised Of her
refusal 10 do so. nothing remains but
10 accept the situation. 10 recognize its
plain requirements. and deal with 10 ac-
cordingy. Great Brtain's pres mt 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 a1van-
tage. and may enter into of her own free
Will cannot. Of course. be objected to by
the United States.
OUR DUTY.
Assuming. however. that the attitude
OF Venezuela viii remain unchanged. the
dispute has reached such a stage as 10
make IL now incumbent upon the United
states 10 take measures 10 determine
with sufficient certainty for It's Justinca-
ton what is the true divisional line be-
tween the republic Of Venezuela ana
British Guiana. The inquiry TO that end
should. of course, be conuUcted carefully
and judicially. and due weight should be
given 10 all available evidence. records,
and facts in support OF the claims of Dolh
parties
In order that such examination should
be prosecuted in a thorough and satistac-
tory manner. / suggest mat the Congress
make an adequate appropriation for the
expenses Of commission 10 be appoint
ed 10y the Executive. who snail make the
necessary investigation and report upon
the matter with the least possible delay.
When such report is made ana accepted.
il will, in my opinion, be- the duty Of
the United states TO resist, by every
means in lis power as & ~liful aggres-
appropriation by Great Britain of any
lands. or the exercise of governm ntal
jurisdiction over any territory which,
after investigation, We have determined
Of right belong 10 NenezLcla.
In making these recommendations. ! am
Iully alive 70 the responsibility incurred
and keenly realize all the consequences
that may follow. 1 am. nevertheless. firm
In my conviction that while il is a
crievous thing 10 contemplate the great
E1glish-speakins peoples OF the worla az
being otherwise han friendly compeu-
tons in the onward march OF civilization.
ana strenuous and worthy rivals In an
arts Of peace. there is no calamity wnich
a great nation can invite which equals
that which follows "a supine submission
&c wrong and injustice, and the conse~
quent loss Of national self-respect and
honor. beneath which are shielded ana
defended a peoples safety and greatness.
tSieneO. GROVER CLEVELAND.
'LNecutiva Mansion. December II, ls'o.
THE CORRESPONDENCE.
Although the matter submitted 10 Con-
eress in connection with the foregolns
message consists OF three diplomatic
notes only. they are very v0iuminous.
Mr Oiney's note 20 Mr.. Bayard concern
ing the threatening aspect OF affairs be-
tween Great Britain and Venezuela ls
first In the correspondence. Ii is dated
July 10Th. last. and deals with the boun-
darv question "4f greet .onrfH
Beginning al the very Inception Of the
dispute which has now as94... -- --... -'
an ASPECT. Mr. Oiney carries his argument
of the American claim for arbitration.
based on the Monroe doctrine. d'wn 20
Che present time. and gives emphasis 10
his statements by quoting the sentiments
Of President Monroe In full. and notes
that its pronouncement boy the Monroe
Administration ~ that particular time
was unQuestionably due 70 the Inspiration
of Great Britain. which al once gave 10
il an open and unqualified adhesion
which has never been Withdrawn"
Mr. Olney gives IN his note firm en-
dorsement Of the principle enunclated by
Monroe. and defines Great Brtain's posi-
tlon in this frank and unambiguous man
ner:
"She Great Britain says TO Nene-
zue,a. You can get none OF the debata-
bic land by force. because you are not
strong enough. YOU can get none by
treaty. because VIII not agree. and you
can take YOUR chance Of getting a portion
bv arbitration only II you first agree 10
abandon 20 me such portions as l may
designate
Continuing. Nj Olney says IL is not
perceived how such an attitude can De
defended. nor how it is recOncisb'e with
that love Of justice and fair ray 20
em.nent'y characteristic Of the Enslish
race. and holds that II such position De
adhered 10 it should be reear'ed as
amounting IN substance 70 an INVASION
and conquest % Nenezneian 'tI' 'o's
THE PRESIDENTS DUTY.
In conclusion. Mr.. Olney says that In
thes- circumstance the duty OF the Presi-
dent appears % him unmisiakable ana
,.,,,.rafive To ignore Great Britain s
assertion o. title and her refusal 10 nave
tbat title investigated. and not 20 pro-
$50 and give warning against the sub
sfantial appropriation by Great Britain
~ tbe territory for her own use would
b.. 20 ignore an established policy WIN
which the honor and welfare OF ihis
e,-,rfrv are closely Identified. he. there
Gore instructed Mr. Bayard 20 lay the
,fevs given before Lord Salisbury, and
..Thev che views call for definite de-
ofsfon mon the point whether 6rea
pritair win consent or viii decline 10
submit the Venezuelan boundary qlestoh
in its entirety TO impartial arDitraion.
Exercising the Pres nj s nope ina
the cOuclufiOu VIII nr OF tAr 9i-'
bitrafion. Mr. Olney concludes WIN lhe
pointed statement that f the frrslneil-
h no. ~ disappointed in that hope r.
s,,l, not 10 be anticipated. and IN MS
Judgment calculated % greatly emDafrass
49,. f,,fiire relations between this coun-
trv ana Great Rritain--it is his wish TO
h.. made acquainted with the fact az
s,,ch an early date a. win enable him
~ isv the whole subject before Congress
s., tis rext annual message"
LORD SALISBCRI's REPLY.
lord salisbury's reply Is addressed 10
sfr I,ilian Pauncefoie. British Ambassa-
- -, washington. under date Of No
..e,,her 2sfh List This dealt only with
he application Of the Monroe doctrine
-, ~ case al issue. and was followed on