Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1895-12-26

sought possession of territory fairly
included within her lines OF owner
ship, this government proposed to the
government of Great Britain Z resort
to arbitration as the proper means Of
settling the question to the end that
the vexatious boundary dispute be-
tween the contestants be determined
and our exact relation in respect to
Q ,ntroversy made clear. It will be
seen from the corr dependence here
with submitted, that this proposition
has been declined by the British gov
eminent on grounds which under the
circumstances seem to me far from
. satisfactory. 1t is deeply disappO:nt-
ing that such an appeal actuated by
the most friendly feelings towards
both nations directly concerned ad-
dressed to the sense of justice and
magnanimity one Of the great powers
Of the world touchings 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 tho pres
emit conditions does not apper to admit
Of serious doubt. Having labored
faithfully for many years to induce
Great Britain to submit the dispute
to impartial arbitration; having been
finally appraised of her refusal to do
so, nothing remains but to accept the
situation, recognize Its plain require
ments and deal with It accordingly.
"Grest Britain's position has never
been regarded O. admissible by Vene-
zuela, though any adjustment OF the
boundary which that country may
deem forSher advantage and may enter
into of her own free will, cannot of
course be objected to by the United
States. Assuming however that the
attitude Of Veneztela' will remain un-
changed. the dispute has reached
stage to make it incumbent on the
United States to take measure to de-
termine with sufficient certainty for
it's justification what Is the divisional
line between Venezuela. and British
Guiana. Inquiry. to that end should
Of course be conducted carefully. Judi
cfally and due weight given to all
available evidence, records and facts
in support of the. claims Of both
parties. In order that such examina-
ton may be prosecuted in q thoroughly
satisfactory manner, i suggest that
congress make adequate appropriation
for the expenses Of q commission to be
appointed BY the executive. who shall
make the necessary Investigation and
report with the least possible delay.
When such report is made and &C.
cepted it will be, in my opinion the
duty Of the United States to resist by
every means In its power, any wilifull
aggression upon its rights and inter-
ests appropriated by Great Britain In
any lands or the exercise Of govern
mental jurisdiction over any terri
tory which after investigation we have
determined OF right belong to Vene,
zuela. 1855 ss !,
shaking these recommendations, I,
an, fully alive to the responsibility In !
curred and keen to realize all the CON,
sequences that may follow. H. al,
nevertheless arm, In the convicticr
that while 1t is agrievous thing to cor
template the two great English spef
Ing people Of the world a othefwis
than friendly Competitors In the. q
ward march Of civilization, and strls
uous worthy rivals In all the arts
peace there Is no calamity which
great nation can invite which euuaE
that which follows supine submission
TO wrong, injustice and consequent
loss OF national self respect and honOn
beneath which Is shielded and de-,
tended apeoples' safety and greatness
(Signed)
"GRoyER CLEVELAND"