New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-12-23
PATRIOTISM, OR A THIRD TERM.
MI CLEVELAND KNEW OF THE VENEZUELAN DIS
PUTE IN 1856. But HAS DONE MOTH



PUTE IN 1885, But HAS DONE MOTH
ING TILL NOW.
To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: In December, 1896 Mr.. Bayard then Secre-
tary Of State rendered the good Offices of the United
States 10 Great Britain in the Venezuelan contro-
versy as Secretary Oiney has recently reminded
Lord Salisbury.
Mr. Cleveland was President IN 1886 and in 1883.
Ihen these dispatches written by Mr. Bayard
Mr. Cleveland has been President and Mr.. Bayard
Minister since 1895. Why the present message
DELAYED from 1856 10 1859 and again from March,
1893 10 December. 1895?
Olney to Salisbury: 1T cannot be assumed that
Great Britain is n fact usurpng DOMINION over en-
ezuel5n territory"
Salisbury 10 Olney: The Government OF the
United States do say that Great Britain or that
Venezuela is in the right in the matters that are In
issue"
The presiden. 70 Congress y suggest that the
Congress make IN adequate appropriation for the
expenses Of a commission. to be appointed by the
Executive. who shall, make the necessary nvestiga-
ton. and report upon the matter with the least
possible delay"
Mr. Cleveland when President in 1856. knew OF
this dispute regarding tho title to large extent OF
territory: he offered mediate: his offer was re-
fused: he renewed the offer in 1885, without avail.
Although he was again President in 1893. and Bayard
Ambassador 10 England in 1893. the first attempt to
ascertain the real merits Of the dispute is made by
the President in his message 10 Congress on De-
cer1ber il. 1885.
Mr.. Cleveland is to be condemned first, for his
delay from 1886 1882 when he ceased to be Presi-
dent in taking steps TO ascertain the real merits OF
the case. secondly. for his delay from 1893 to De-
ccnbcr 1906 10 ascertain the merits OF the case;
thirdly FOR threatening what the United states
would do Il, after Investigation we have deter
mined that Venezuela is right: fourthly for not
Offering TO apologize the Congress and the people
Of the United States for wanton threat H. after
Investigation we have determined that venezuela
is wrong.
Who arc we" used above? Clevoland's Ha-
vaiian Commissioners Where does the Congress
come In? II Cleveland is 10 appoint his Commits
son let the Senate and House have theirs also.
The Senate should not allow Mr Cleveland to APP
point them: without confirmation certainly:
before the merits Of the case had been considered:
lid client If a lawyer should advise breach of
the peace Of the people Of the United states oe1ore
merits Of his clients dispute he should be disbarred
by the United States courts. ,.,.. J.,
Not alone as a contempOraneous declaration by
the House OF Representatives OF IT'S Interpretation
Of the Monroe Doctrine, but even more |eighty as
cgSs ~, ~ fio,r r~s0ton is TO be commended by
and his Secretary of state The reso!ntion 20 was
That the Uniied States ousht become
party with the spanish American republics or
either OF them 10 any Joint declaration for the pur-
pose preventing interference by any OF le EURO
pcan Powers with their Independence or form OF
government. o. 70 any compact for the purpose OF
preventing colonization upon the continents OF
America. but that the people OF the United states
should be left act in any crisis in such
manner as their feelings and friendship toward
those republics and their own honor and policy
may at the time dictate
let as ever remain Free TO act as our
honor and policy may at the time OF any crisis
dictate" Tie time OF the crisis Will be the time OF
ascerfainine the merits OF any dispute. The merits
should be determined nv the Congress OF the people.
They should appon: the CT mmission. NJ.
New-York Dec. %, 1895