Delaware gazette and state journal., 1895-12-19

applicable to our present conditions
and to the state Of the worlds progress,
and that it was directly related 10 the
pending controversy and without any
conviction as to the final merits of tho
dispute, but anxious TO learn in a satis-
factory and conclusive manner whether
Great Britain sought under claim of
boundary TO extend her possessions on
this continent without right, or
whether she merely sought possession
of territory fairly included within her
lines OF ownership, this government
proposed to the government of Great
Britain resort TO arbitration as the
proper means of settling the question,
to the end that yexatious boundary
dispute between the two contestants
might be determined and our exact
standing and relation in respect to the
controversy be made clear.
1t will be seen from the correspond
ence herewith submitted, that this
proposition has been declined by tho
British government, upon grounds
which in the circumstances seem to me
to be far from satisfactory. Ii is
deeply disappointing that such an ap-
peal, actuated by the most friendly
feelings towards both nations directly
concerned, addressed to the sense OF
justice and to the magnanimity Of ono
OF tho great powers of the world and
touching its relations TO one compara-
lively weak or small, should have pro-
duced no better results
The course to be pursued by this
government, in view OF the present
condition does not appear to admit OF
serious doubt. Having labored faith
fully for many years to induce Great
Britain to submit this dispute to i'm
partial arbitration, and having been now
| finally apprised of her refusal to do 80,
nothing remains but TO accept the
| situation, to recognize it's plain re-
quirements, and deal with it accord
| ingly. Great Britain's present PROPOSE
tion has never thus far been regarded
| as admissible by Venezuela, though
any adjustment of the boundary which
that country may deem for her ad-
vantage, and may enter into of her
own free will, cannot of course be OBJ
| jected to by the United States.
| Assuming, however, that the atti.
tude of Venezuela will remain unchang.
ed the dispute has reached such 9
stage as to make it now incumbent
upon the United States to take meas.
| ures to determine with sufficient Ger.
tainty for its justification what is the
true divisional line between the re.
| public of Venezuela and british Guiana.
Tho inquiry to that end should, oi
course, be conducted carefully an6
| indicially, and due weight should be
| given to all the available evidence,
records and facts in support of the
claims of both parties.
In order that such an examination
should be prosecuted in thorough
and satisfactory manner, | suggest
| that the Congress make an adequate
appropriation for the expenses of &
| commission to be appointed by the
| executive, who shall make the neces
| sary investigation and report upon thu
| matter with the least possible delay,
When such report is made and accepted
| it will, in my opinion, be the duty o.
the United States to resist by every
means in its power as wilful aggres
| sion upon its rights and interests, th,
appropriation by Great Britain Of any
lands, or the exercise of governmental
| jurisdiction over any territory, which
| after investigation we have determined
of right belong to Venezuela.
In making these recommendations
AM fully alive to the responsibility in
CURED, and keenly realize all the con
sequences that may follow.
am, nevertheless, firm in my con
viction that while it is grievoul
thing to contemplate the two grear
English speaking peoples of the worlt
| as being otherwise than friendly com
petitors in the onward march of civili
| zation, and strenuous and worthy rival
in all the arts of peace, there is nj
calamity which great nation can in
vite which equals that which follows
supine submission to wrong and inius
tice, and the consequent loss of nationa
self-respect and honor, beneath which
| is shielded and defended a people'l
safety and greatness.
Grover Cleveland.
Executive Mansion, Dec. 17th, 1885
The Presidents message reached thu
Senate about IL. 30. Senator Morgan
chairman Of the committe on foreigI
relations, examined the message anc
then moved to go into executive ses
sion.
1t was understood that the purpos,
was was to discuss the Venezuleal
| question behind closed doors, and a
| 12, 40 the doors we're closed.