The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-12-17
President Cleveland Presents His
Views on the Monroe Doctrine.
An Elaborate and straightforward Statement of a
Big National Question.
Reply to the British Government Relating to the Dispatches
on the Venezuela Boundary Dispute,

President Monroe apparently entertained
that any disturbance of the existing terri
torial distribution In that hemisphere by
any fresh acquisitions on the part of any
European state would be highly inexpe-
dent change"
In the belief that the doctrine for which
we contend was clear and definite, that
IL was founded upon substantial consid-
Grafton and involved our safety and well
fare, that il was fully applicable to our
present conditions and TO the state of
the worlds progress, and that il was
directly related to the pending contro-
versy and without any conviction as to
the final merits of the dispute but anx-
ious TO learn in 9 satisfactory and con-
elusive manner whether Great Britain,
under aim of boundary 10 extend her
possessions on this continent without
right. or whether she merely sought pos
session of territory fairly included within
her lines OF ownership, this government
proposed to the government of Great
Britain a resort to arbitration as the
proper means OF settling the question, to
the end that vexatious boundary dis
pute between the two contestants mig ut
be determined and our exact standing
and relation in respect to the contro-
versy might be made clear.
1t will be seen from the correspondence
that this proposition has been declined
by the British government, upon grounds
which, under the circumstances, seem
TO be far from satisfactory. 1t is
deeply disappointing that such an appeal,
sctuated by the most friendly feeings
toward both nations directly concerned
addressed to the sense of Justice and 10 the
magnanimity Of one OF the great powers
of the world and touching its relations
TO one comparatively weak and small,
should have been possessed OF no better re-
suits that the course TO be pursued by this
Government in view OF the present con-
ditions does not appear TO admit of
serious doubt. Having labored faithfully
for many years to induce Great Britain
TO submit this dispute TO impartial urbi-
tration, and having been now appriscd OF
her refusal TO do SO, nothing remains but
to accept the situation, TO recognize it's
plain requirements and deal with il ac-
cordingly. Great Britain's present prop
osition has never thus far been regarded
as admissible by Venezuela, though any
adjustment Of the boundary which that
country NAV deem for her advantage and
may enter into OF her own free will can
not of eoufse-be- objected to by the
United States.
Assuming, however. that the attitude
of Venezuela will remain unchanged, the
dispute has reached such stage as to
make il 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 Venezuela and British
Guiana. The inquiry to that end should,
OF course, be conducted carefully and lu-
diclally 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 examination
should he prosecuted in a thorough and
satisfactory manner, j suggest that the
Congress make an adequate appropria-
fnr fasa a faFt,fc ion IN
be appointed by the executive. who
shall make the necessary investigation
and report upon the matter with the least
possible delay. When such report is
made and accepted il will, in my opin-
ion, be the duty OF the United States to
resist by every means in its power as a
wilful aggression upon its rights and in
terest,, the appropristing by Great Brit
ain of any lands or the exercise OF gov
ernmental jurisdiction over any terri
toy which, after Investigation. we have
determined of right belongs TO Venezuela.
In making these accommodations j
am fully alive 20 the full responsibility
incurred and keenly realize all the con-
sequences that may follow.
i am, nevertheless, firm in my convic-
tion that while II Is a grievous thing to
contemplate the two great English-speak-
ing peoples OF the world rs being other
wise than friendly competitors in the
onward march OF civilization, and siren
uous and worthy rivals in all the arts o I
peace, there II no calamity which a great
nation can invite. which equals that
which follows supine submission TO
wrong and injustice and the consequent
loss OF national self-respect and honor
beneath which is shielded and defended
peoples safety and greatness.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion,
Dec. IL, 1895.