davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27

and south direction, including about 5000
miles of territory
1t is the tract in regard to which Lord
Salisbury declines arbitration. Still west
of the Schomburgk line is tract of about
the same extent claimed by Great Britain,
the title to which the British premier adj
mits is somewhat doubtful and may be
open to arbitration. This statement shows
the basis of the $4,000 claim for damages
against Venezuela.
The Urini, or, as II Is variously called,
Yurunari country is located a consider
able distance west of the Schomburgk
line, within the territory in regard to
which the British would not reject arbi-
tration. 1t appears that some members
of the British colonial police force enter
this territory from time to time and are
stationed at various points, Venezuelan
troops are also in the country in small
numbers In November, 1894, Sergeant
Behrens and another member of the
colonial police named Baker encountered
near Urini river squad OF Venezuelan
soldiers and were arrested. They were
Immediately released and personal apollo
gies were made, which they refused to ac-
cept. They reported the case to the Guiana
authorities and a report was made by
them to the British government.
Great Britain Is not on speaking terms
with Venezuela, owing to the boundary
dispute, but the German minister TO Vene-
zuela Is in charge of such British inter-
ests as shall require attention. When the
report of the arrest OF the Guiana police
inspectors was received in London Gee
British foreign minister formulated his
claim for damages and sent 1t to the Ger
man government at Berlin to be trans-
mitted to the German minister In Vene-
zuela. This circuitous method Of doing
business accounts for the delay In the re-
ceipt of the claim by Venezuela. Its re-
lection appears to have been prompt and
decisive.
II Venezuela had admitted the claim,
even If the amount had not been enor-
nous, IL would have been an admission
that the territory in dispute belonged to
Great Britain and that the men had a
right to be In the place where they were
arrested But Venezuela claims that they
were mere trespassers. The whole ques-
ton of the title to the territory was in
volved.
The amount of the claim for damages.
even IL the claim were just in principle,
is outrageous. Some months ago three or
four Americans in Guatemala were IL
legally arrested and held in custody
twelve days. The outrage led to a claim
for damages which was settled by Guate-
mala for $500 in the case III .-.y.i II.ln ar
rested, or $50 a day for his lost time His
feelings were soothed by an apology The
Guiana policemen were not detained an
hour by the Venezuelan soldiers and the
apology was made on the spot. They had
no claim for lost time, as their wages
were not interrupted. The immense mulct
demanded by Great Britain, even if there
had been just grounds for the claim, was
outrageous and absurd
The copious extracts quoted from Lord
Sahsburys letters by the president and Sec
rotary OF state makes it entirely unnecessary
to publish them.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27

national law, and the danger of such adj
mission is shown by the strange develop
ment" which the doctrine has received at
Secretary Olney's hands.
A fair inference, from Mr.. Olney's ar
Guments, Lord Salisbury says. is that the
union between Great Britain and her
colonies in America is 'ineXpedient and
unnatural" something disclaimed by
Monroe and emphatically denied by her
majesty's government and the American
people subject TO the crown.
Concurring in Monroe's views that dis
turbance of territorial distribution in the
western hemisphere would be ineXpedient.
it does not admit this to be International
law and cannot accept the doctrine that
the United States is entitled to demand ar
bitratiop of territorial disputes between
states.
In conclusion, Lord Salisbury says that
he hopes that the difficulty. made more
difficult by Nenezuela's inconsiderate ac-
ton in breaking diplomatic relations. will
be adjusted by q reasonable arrangement
at an early date
Declines to Arbitrate.
Lord Salisbury's second note deals en-
tirely with the boundary dispute on its
merits, beginning with the statement that
Great Britain does not recognize that any
other country has a material interest in
the controversy, yet makes the state
ment In this fashion because owing to the
rupture of diplomatic relations. IL is not
otherwise possible to communicate il to
the Venezuelan government. Lord Sails
bury asserts that SECRETARY Olney. acting
on an eX-parte presentation or the case
by Venezuela, has fallen into much mis-
apprehension. He enters into an elaborate
history of the British claim, founded on
the Dutch cession. tells how the cele-
brated Schomburg line was run, of many
concessions offered by Great Britain to
Venezuela to reach an arrangement. and
suggests that the Venezuelan insistence
upon the arbitration of the whole terri
tory would be paralleled by refusal of
Great Britain to arbitrate the Alaskan
boundary line. unless half of Alaska We're
thrown into arbitration.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27

tervene IN a controversy between ana pri-
marily concerning only Great Britain and
Venezeula, and to decide how far 1t is bound
to see that the integrity of Venezuela terri
tory is not impaired by the pretenrons Oh us
powerful antagonist. Are any such right
and duty devolved upon the United states!
II not, the United States has already done All
il not more than all, that a purely senu-
mental interest in the affairs of the TWO
countries justifes. and to push its interposl-
ton further would be unbecoming and undlg-
nifed and might we'll subject it to the charge
of impertinent meddling with affairs WIN
which it has not rightful concern.
ION the other hand. IL any such right anu
duty exist their true exercise and discharge
will not permit Of any action that shall not
be efficient. and that If the power OF inc
United States is inadequate, shall not result
in the accomplishment of the end In view.
The question thus presented. as a matter OF
principle and regard being had to the settieu
national policy. does not seem difficult OF So
luton. Yet the momentous practical CON
sequences dependent upon its determlna'ioh
require that 1t should be carefully consioereu
and that the grounds of the conclusion ar
rived at should be fully and frankly stated.
The secretary lays II down as canon OF IN
ternational law that a nation may justly IN
terpose in a controversy between other ma
lions whenever what is done or proposed py
any of the parties primarily concerned Is
serious and direct menace to It's own hteS-
rity, tranquility. or welfare" The propriety
Of the rule when applied in good faith VIII
not be questioned in any quarter, though
he says it has been given wide scope ana
too often made cloak for schemes Oh wan
ton spoliation and ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This
leads him up to an elaborate review OF the
Monroe doctrine and Secretary Olney, stat
ing that the proposition that America is In no
part open 10 colonization has long been con-
coded, says that our present concern is with
the other practical application of the Mon
roe doctrine, viz: That America non-lhter-
vention in Europe necessarily implied EURO
pean non Intervention in American affairs.
the disregard of which by any European
power is to be deemed an act Of unfriendll-
ness toward the United States.
Europe is with single important excep-
ton committed to the monarchial principle,
America is devoted to the idea that every
people has an inalienable right Of self-gov-
eminent, ANY European control Of our in
terests Is necessarily both incongruous and
Injurious, and If the forcible intrusion OF
European powers in American politics is to
be deprecated. the resistance must come
from the United States, the only power with
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27

strength adequate to the exigency. There
can be but one answer to the question wheth-
err the safety and welfare of the United States
are so concerned with the maintenance OF
the independence Of every American state as
against any European power as to justify
and require our interpretation whenever that
independence is endangered.
Precedents of the Rule
After quoting from the precedents of
the validity of the Monroe doctrine the
Secretary says:
1t is manifest that a rule which has
been openly and uniformly acted upon
by the executive branch of the govern
ment for seventy years must have had
the sanction of congress. Nor If the
practical results of the rule be sought
for Is the record either meager or OBJ
scure. Its first effect was indeed mo-
mentous and far-reaching. 1t was the
component factor in the emancipation
of South America, and TO II the indie
pendent states of that region are largely
indebted for their very existence. Since
then the most striking single achieve
ment to be credited to the rule Is the
evacuation of Mexico by the French.
But we are also indebted to it for the
Clayton Buiwer treaty, neutralizing any
interoceanic canal across Central Amer
lea and excluding Great Britain from
any dominion there. 1t has been used
in the case Of Cuba as justifying the po-
sition that while the sovereignty of
Spain will be respected the island will
not be permitted to become the possess
sion of any other European power. 1t
has been influential in bringing about
the definite REIMBURSEMENT of any sup
posed protectorate by Great Britain
over the Mosquito coast.
Americans Must Decide American Oues.
american questions, 1t is said, are
for American decision" says Secretary
Olney, and then applying this doctrine
In the reverse, he says:
IF all Europe We're suddenly to fly
to arms over the fate of Turkey would
1t not be preposterous that any Amer
can state should find itself inextrica bly,
involved in the miseries and burdens OF
the contest? What have the states of
America to do with the vast armies and
fleets of Europe, and why should they
be impoverished by wars in which they
can have no direct concern? The moral
interests OF Europe are peculiar to her
and entirely adverse from those which
are peculiar to America
We Have Vital Interest.
'"These states are our friends and al
lies, commercially and politically, and
to allow the subjugation of any of them
by European power reverses the situa-
ton and signifies a loss of all the adj
vantages incident to their natural rela-
ton to us. But that is not all. The
people of the United States have vital
interest in the cause of popular self
government, which they have secured
at the cost of infinite blood and treas
ure. The age OF the crusades has pa; sed
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27
OLNEY'S NOTE OF JULY
Summarizes the Situation In the Long
Standing Dispute.

Summarizes the situation In the Long
Standing Dispute.
Accompanying the presidents message
Is the correspondence on the subject. II
starts with Secretary Olney's now cele-
brated note reopening the negotiations
with Great Britain looking to the arbitra-
ton OF the boundary dispute, bears date
of July 20 last, and Is addressed to Mr..
Bayard.
The secretary begins by stating that the
president has given much anxious thought
to the subject and has not reached a con-
clusion without a lively sense of its great
Importance. as we'll as OF the serious pos
sibility involved IN any action now to be
taken. He then comments on the long
duration of the boundary dispute, the Elm
definite" claims OF both parties, and "the
continuous growth of the underlined Brit
ish claims" the fate of the various at
tempts at arbitration of the controversy.
and the part in the matter heretofore
taken by the United States. He shows that
the British claims since the Schomburg
line was run have moved the frontier of
British Guiana farther and farther to the
westward of the line proposed by Lord
Aberdeen i'm 1884 The secretary then
summarizes the situation at the beginning
of this year to be as follows:
l. The title of territory of indefinite
but confessedly very large extent ia in
dispute between Great Britain and vene-
zuela.
q The disparity in strength of the par
ties Is such that Venezuela can hope to
establish her claims only through peace
full methods.
8. The controversy has existed for half
q century despite Venezuelas efforts to
establish boundary.
4. Venezuela has for a quarter OF a
century striven for arbitration.
8. Great Britain has continuously re-
fuse ha moi ion, In. l.
favor OF large part OF Venezuela S
claims.
4. The United States has made 1t clear
to Great Britain and the world by fire.
quent interposition of good offices that
the controversy is one in which its honor
and its interests are involved and the con-
tinuance of which IL cannot regard with
Indifference.
This status. the secretary says. compels
those charged with the interests OF the
United States ito decide to what extent, II
any, the United States may and should In
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27

and they are content with such asser-
ton and defense of the rights of self
government as their own security and
welfare demand. II is in that view,
more than any other. that they Will not
tolerate the political control of the
American states by the forcibie asSump-
ton Of a European power.
The mischiefS to be apprehended
from such a source are none the less
real because not Immediately imminent
in any specific case. The United states
is today practically sovereign on this
continent and it's fiat is law. All the
advantages of this superiority are at
once imperiled if the principle be adj
nitted that European powers may con-
vert American states into colonies or
their own. The principle could be easily
awaited of and any power doing so
would Immediately secure base OF
military operations against us, and 1T
is not inconceivable that the struggle
now going on for the acquisition or
Africa might be transferred to South
America. The weaker countries would
soon be absorbed and South America
would be partitioned between European
powers.
Consequences Would Be Disastrous.
1.-The consequences to the United
States would be disastrous. Loss of
prestige would be the least of them.
Our own rivals In peace, as well as
enemies in war, would be located at our
very doors We must be armed to the
teeth, convert the flower of our male
population into soldiers and sailors, and
thus annihilate large share of the pro-
ductive energy of the nation. Our just
apprehensions are not to be allayed by
suggestions Of the good will of Euro
pean powers toward us, for the people
of the United States have learned ip the
scnool OF experience to what extent the
reiat.Jns OF states depend, not upon SEN
, tIfnent or principle, but upon selfish In
! terests. They will not soon forget thai
in their hour of distress all their ankle
| ties and burthens were aggravated by
| the possibility Of demonstrations
| against their national life on the par
of powers with whom they had long
maintained the most harmonious rela.
| tions. They have yet in mind that
| France seized upon the apparent oppor
| tunity of our civil war to set up mon
archy in Mexico, and had France ant
Great Britain held important South
! American possessions to work from, anC
| benefit, the temptation to destroy oul
predominance by furthering our dis
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27

president appears to him unmistakable and
imperative. Great Britain's assertion OF title
to the disputed territory, combined with her
refusal TO have that title Investigated, being
a substantial appropriation of the territory TO
her own use. not TO protest and give warning
that the transaction will be regarded as In
furious to the interests of the people of the
United States, as well as oppressive in ITSELF
would be 20 ignore an established policy with
which the honor and welfare of this country
are closely identified While tho measures
necessary or proper for the yindication OF that
policy are 10 be determined By another branch
of the government, il is clearly for the eXeeu-
tive to leave nothing undone which may
tend to render such determination unneces-
sary.'
Mr.. Bayard is directed TO read the COM
municatlon 20 Lord Salisbury and ask def-
mite decision regarding arbitration. The
president hopes that the conclusion will be
on the side OF arbitration, but II he is dis
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27
SENATE RECEIVES 1T.
Enthusiastic Scene Follows the Receipt
or the Message.

The presidents message reached the
senate about 1880. Senator Morgan,
chairman OF the committee on foreign
relations, examined the message of the
president and then moved to so into eX-
ecutive session. 1t was understood that
the purpose was to discuss the Vene-
Zuelau question behind closed doors, and
at u 40 the doors We're closed.
AT l o'clock the senate resumed its
legislative session and the message of the
president was laid before the senate. The
executive session, 1t was explained off,
cially, had been devoted to the considera-
ton of nominations,
The senator's showed the keenest interest
iE the reading of the document. There
was hardly vacant seat on the republi-
can side of the floor, and but few alb
sentees on the democratic side. AS the
reading of the message closed there was
a hearty hand-ciapping from all quarters
of the chamber. Mr.. Chandler leading in
the demonstration on the republican side.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27

It was indeed an innovation to the usual
decorum of the senate, where the sena-
tors seldom, If ever, give vent to their
feelings by applause. Veterans Of the
senate say II was the most spontaneous
demonstration in their recollection.
The message and accompanying docu-
ments were referred TO the committee on
foreign relations, and then at l:l5 y. m.
the senate adjourned.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27
A POWERFUL FLEET.
Ten Warships Dispatched to Venezuela
by Secretary Herbert

Washington special The secretary of the
navy has ordered the following powerful ieet
TO the coast OF Venezuela: Admiral Buncss
flagship, the armored cruiser New York, Capt.
Schley, $500 tons and p knots, carrying six
S-inch and twelve 4-inch guns: the batteship
Indiana, Capt Evans, of 10,2SS tons and l5.6
knots. carrying four 13-inch, eight S-inch and
four 6-inch guns; the battleship Maine. Com
mander Crowninshield, OF 66s2 tons and IL
knots. carrying four lo-inch and six 6-inch
guns; the battleship Texas Capt. Glass. of
6,3l5 tons and II knots, carrying two 12-inch
and six 6-nch guns; the protected cruiser
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27

every nation is entitled to the rights be-
longing to it, IL the enforcement Of the
Monroe doctrine is something we may
Justly claim, 1t has its place in the code
of International law as certainly and as
surely as IL 1t were specifically men
toned, and when the United States Is
a sutton before the high tribunal that
administers international law the ques-
ton to be determined is whether or not
we present claims which the justice Of
that code of law can find to be right and
-yelid- - - .-4r -.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27
ENGLAND'S SLIM CASE.
The Basis of Her Claims Against vene-
zuela.

Washington special: In brief the con-
troversy that has led to unpleasant rela-
tons with England is as follows:
Venezuela disputes the claim Of British
Guiana to any territory west of the Essi-
quibo rivera stream running north from
the great watershed near the equator and
emptying into the Caribbean sea. The
Schomburgk line is in an irregular north
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27
international Press Association service.)

President Cleveland sent to congress
the following message on the Vene-
suelan dispute on Tuesday last:
To the congress: In my annual mes
sage addressed to the congress on the
I'd instant, called attention to the
pending boundary controversy between
Great Britain and the republic of Ven
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27

appointed, "a result not to be anticipated,
and in his judgment calculated to greatly
embarrass the future relations between this
country and Great Britain" he wishes to be
acquainted with the fact at such early date
as will enable him to lay the whole subject
before congress in his next annual message.
As to Lord Salisbury.
Lord Salisbury answers Secretary Olney in
two notes, both of date of July 90 The first
is devoted entirely to a reply to that portion
of the note relating to the Monroe doctrine.
which, he says, has never before been made
the subject OF written communication by
the United States to another government al
though it has largely Influenced American
foreign relations. Lord Salisbury says that
this doctrine has undergone notable de-
velopment' since its enunciation by Presi-
dent Monroe, which had originally received
the entire sympathy OF the English govern
ment. But the dangers apprehended by Pres
ident Monroe Lord Salisbury says, have no
relation to the conditions of the present day,
when there is no danger of a holy alliance
or of attempts at European colonization OF
America. Great Britain is imposing no "sys-
tenn" upon Venezuela, nor concerning her-
self with Venezuelan political institutions
The dispute over a boundary has nothing
to do with any of the questions dealt with by
| Monroe. The latter did not claim for the
| United States the ''novel prerogatiVe OF
| setting a frontier difference OF this kind, nor
! did he seek 10 establish protectorate over
! Mexico or the Central American states. SO.
| II the United States will not control the con-
| duet Of these communities it cannot under
| take to protect them FROM the consequences
| attaching to their misconduct. Arbitration
| Is not free from defects, and the claim Oh
| third nation to impose 1t two interested
! nations cannot be reasonably Justiheo' and mas
no foundation in the law Of nations.
Declines to Accept Monroe Doctrine
! Lord Salisbury expressly declines to be
| understood as accepting the Monroe doc
trine. International law being founded
| on the general consent of nations no
| statesman and no nation. however, power
/ full, can inject a novel principle not ac-
| ceptable to any other government and
| Secretary Olney's principle that Amer
| lean questions are for American decision
/ (unsustained by Monroe)" cannot be sus-
! tanned by international law. The United
! States cannot affirm that its interests are
| concerned in American states because
| they are American, no more than II they
| were in Japan or China. Monroe's lam
| guage was never admitted to be inter-
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27

Columbia. Capt. Sands. of 1875 tons and 22.s
knots, carrying one S-inch, two 6-inch and
eight rapid-fre 4-inch guns; the Raleigh,
Capt. Miller, and the Cincinnati, Capt. John
son, each of 3,2l3 tons and 10 knots, carrying
ten 5-inch and one 6-inch guns; the Mont
gomery, Commander Davis. of 2.074 tons and u
knots. carrying nine rapid-fre 6-inch guns
1t is needless to say that these war engines
are going to defend the Monroe doctrine. The
fleet leaves at once.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1895-12-27

>>>>>> Lord Salisbury 's(extreme) line .lss
ttthttftId Lines discussed but not proposed.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Alteration OF Schomburgk line.
Original Schomburgk line, 1911.
-----. Lord Granvilie's line. 1881.
s...s..... Lord Aberdeen's line, 1874
~~~~s~ Senior Rojas line.
Lord Roseberys line, 1885.
oooooooc Senior Fortique line, iSi4
Line OF Conseio-Viso.
British occupation, 1884.
Point Of collision, 1924.