The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-12-18

WhiSi we conteflu was clear ana definite
that IL was Founded upon substantial
considerations and involved our safety
and welfare, that 1t was fully npplica-
Bile to our present conditions, and to the
state OF the worlds progress, and that
1t was directly related to the pending
controversy, and without any convic
ttons as 70 the final merits of the dis
pute, but anxious to learn In Il satisfac>
tory and conclusive manner whether
Great Britain sought. under u claim of
boundary, to extend her possessions on
this Continent without right or whether
she merely sought possession OF ter
ritory fairly included within her lines
of ownership. this Government proposed
to the Government of Great Britain II
resort to arbitration as the proper
means of settling the question to this
END that n reNatious boundary dispute
between the two Continents might be
determined and an exact standing and
relation In respect to the controversy
might be made clear.
1t Will he seen from the corrcspond-
ence herewith submitted that this prop
oaition has been declined by the Brit
iSh government upon grounds which.
In the circumstances, seem to me to
be far from satisfactory. 1t is deeply
disappointing that such AN appeal, nc-
tuated by the most friendly feelings
toward both nations directly concerned,
addressed to the sense of justice and
magnanimity of one Of the great powers
of the world, and touching it's 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 the present
condition, does not admit OF serious
doubt. Having laborrd faithfully for
many years to induce Great Britain
to submit this matter TO Impartial ar
htrntiun, and having now been finally
apprised of her refusal 10 do SO, Moth
Ing remains but to hcccpt the situation,
to recognize It's plain requirements. and
deal with it accordingly. Great Brl-
tain's present proposition has never thus
far been regarded as admissible by
Venezuela, though any adjustment OF
may deem for fcr advantage ana
may enter into of her own free will.
cannot of course be objected to by
the United States.
Assuming, however, that the attitude
of Nenezuela VIII remain unchanged
the dispute has reached such stage
as to make 1t now Incumbent upon the
United States to take measures to de-
tcrminc, with sufficient certainty for its
Justification, what Is the true divisional
line between the Republic of Vcnezue-
In and British Guiana The inquiry 10
that end should of course be conducted
carefully and iudlain!ly: and due weight
should be given, to all available cvi-
dence. records and facts. in support of
the claims of both parties.
In order that such examination should
be prosecuted III II thorough and salts
factory manner, suggest that the
Congress make al adequate approDria-
tion for expenses OF n commission, to he
appointed by the executive, who shall
make the necessary examination and re-
port upon the matter with the least pos
siblc delay. When such report is made
and accepted. IL WILL in my opinion
be the duty of the United States to
resist, by every means in its power.
as willful aggression upon It's rights
and interests. the appropriation by Great
Britain of any lands or the exercise
of governmental jurisdiction over any
territory which. after investigation. we
have determined of right belongs to
Venezuela.
In making these recommendation ]
am fully alive IL the responsibility In
CURED, and keeniy realize all the con-
sequences that may follow. am new
erthelcss. firm in my conviction that
while II is Il gricvouS thing TO contcm-
plate the two great English speaking
peoples of the world as being other
wise than friendly competitors In the
onward march of civilization, and
strenuous and worthy rivals in the arts
of peace. there is no calamity which
a great nation can invite which equals
that which follows q supine submission
to wrong and injustice and the consc-
quent loss of national scf-rcspect and
honor beneath which Is shielded and
defended q peoples safety and great
ness. GROVER CLENEI.AND
Executive Mansion, Dec IL, 1895.
Although the matter submitted to
Congress in connection with the fore
going message consists of three diplo-
matte notes only they are very volumi-
nous. Mr.. Olney's note 10 Air. Bayard
concerning the threatening aspect OF
affairs bctYeen Great Britain and Ven
cZucla is FIRST in the correspondence.
II is dated July 10th last and deals
with the boundary question ''at great
length" Beginning at the very incep.
ton of the dispute. which has now as,
SuIncd so serious an aspect. Mr.. Olncy
carries his argument Of the American
claim for arbitration based on the Mon-
roe doctri down to the present time,
and gives emphasis To his statements
by quoting the sentiments of President
Monroe. in fun ana notes that its pros
nnunccment by the Monroe administra-
tion at that particular time was unques-
tionably due to the inspiration of Great
Britain. who at once gave to II an open
and unqualified adhesion. which has
never been withdrawn"
Mr. Olncy gives in his note firm en-,
dorscinent to the principle cnunciated
by Monroe and defines Great Britains
position in this frank and unambiguous
manner:
"She (Great Britaim says to Vcne-
zucla: You can get none of the de-
batablc land by force, because you are
not strong enough: you can get none
by treaty because | will not agree and
yuu your phnica of ucttipu