The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-12-18

possession OF territory fairly included within
her lines OF ownership this government pro-
posed to the government OF Great Britain
a resort to arbitration as the proper means
o. settling the question to the end that a
0exatious boundary dispute between the two
contestants might be determined and our
exact standing and relation in respect to the
controversy might be made clear.
1T VIII be seen from the correspondence
herewith submitted that this proposition has
oeen declined by the British government
upon grounds which, in the circumstances,
seem to me to be far from satisfactory. 1t
is deeply disappointing that such an appeal.
actuated by the most friendly feelings to-
wards both nations directly concerned, ad-
dressed to the sense OF justice and TO the
magnanimity of one Of the great powers
OF the world and touching its relations TO
one comparatively weak and small, should
have produced no better results.
The course to be pursued by this gov
ernment in view Of the present condition
does not appear TO admit of serious doubt.
Having labored faithfully for many years to
induce Great Britain to submit this dispute
TO impartial arbitration, and having been
now finally apprised OF her refusal 10 do SO,
nothing remains but to accept the situation,
to recognize its plain requirements and deal
with 1t accordingly. Great Britain's present
proposition has never thus far been re-
garded as admissible by Venezuela. though
any adjustment OF the boundary which that
country may deem for her advantage and
may enter into with her own free will cam
States.
COMMISSION OF INQUIRY.
Assuming, however, that the attitude of
Venezuela will remain unchanged, the dis
pute has reached such a stage as to make
1t now incumbent upon the United States to
take measures to determine with sufficient
certainty for its justification what is the true
divisional line between the republic of Ven
ezuela and British Guiana The inquiry to
that end should, of course. be conducted
carefully and judicially, and due weight
should be given to all available evidence,
records and facts In support of the claims
Of both parties In order that such an ex-
animation should be prosecuted In a thor
ough end satisfactory manner, / suggest
that me Congress make an adequate appro-
priation for the expenses of a commission
to be appointed by the executive, who shall
make the necessary investigation and report
on the matter with the least possible de-
lay. When such report is made and accept
ed 1T will. in my opinion, be the duty of
the United States to resist by every means
In its power, as willful aggression on its
rights and interests, the appropriation by
Great Britain Of any lands or the exercise
or governmental jurisdiction over any terri
tory which, after investigation, we have de-
termined OF right to belong to Venezuela.
In making these recommendations / am
fully alive to the responsibility incurred and
follow. I am, nevertheless, firm in my con-
viction that, while 1t 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
or civilization and strenuous and worthy
rivals In all the arts of peace, there is no
calamity which great nation can invite
which equals that which follows q supine
submission to wrong and injustice and the
consequent loss Of national self-respect and
honor. beneath which is shielded and de-
Iended peoples safety and greatness
GROVER CLEVELAND"
Executive Mansion, Dec IL, 1885,