Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1895-12-27

we contend was clear and definite, that II
was founded upon substantial considerations
! and involved our safety and welfare; that 1t
was fully applicable to our present condl-
tions and to the state of the worlds progress,
and that it was directly related to the pend
ing controversy and without any convictions
as to the final merits of the dispute, but
anxious to learn In a satisfactory and conclu-
siye manner whether Great Britain sought,
under the 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, the government proposed to the
government of Great Britain a resort to ar
bitration as the proper means Of settling the
question. to the end that vexatious boun-
Diary dispute between the two contestants
might be determined and our exact standing
and relation In respect to the controversy
might be made clear.
It will be seen from the correspondence
herewith submitted that the proposition has
been declined by the British government
upon grounds which, in the circumstances,
seen to me to be far from satisfactory. 1t is
deeply disappointing that such an appeal,
actuated by the most friendly feeling 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.word, and touching its relations to one
comparative weak and small, should have
produced no better results.
MUST RESIST ENGLISH AGGRESSION.
The course to be pursued by this govern
mont, 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 to do 80,
nothing remains but to accept the situation,
to recognize its plain requirements and deal
with it accordingly Great Britain's present
proposition has never thus far been regard
ed as admissible by Venezuela, though any
adjustment of the boundary may deem to
her 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
Venezuela will remain unchanged, the dis
pute has reached such a stage as to make it
now incumbent upon the United States for to
take measures to determine, with sufficient
certainty for its justification, what is the
true divisional line between the republic Of
Venezuela and British Guinea. The inquiry
to tina. end should, CT 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 examination should
be prosecuted in thorough and satisfactory
manner, l suggest that the Congress make
an adequate appropriation for the expenses
of a commission to be appointed by the exc
cutive, who shall make the necessary inyes
tigation and report upon the matter with the
least possible delay. When such report is
made and accepted, it will, in my opinion,
be the duty of the United States to resist by
every means in its power, as wful aygres
sion upon its rights and interests, tho appro-
priation by Great Britain of any lands or
the exercise of governmental jurisdiction
over any territory which, after inyestiga-
tion, we have determined Of right belong ing
to Venezuela.
In making these recommendations, am
FULLY alive to the responsibility incurred,
and keenly realize all the consequences that |
may follow.
am, nevertheless, firm in my conviction
that while it il grieyous thing to contem-
plate the two great English-speaking pe0-
pies of the world as being otherwise than
friendly competitors in the onward march Of
civilization and strenuous and worthy rivals
in all the arts of peace, there is no calamity !
which a great nation can invite which |
equals that which follows a supine submis-
sion to wrong and injustice and the conse-
quent loss of national self-respect and honor
beneath which is shielded and defended a
peoples safety and greatness.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
CARRIE SPAKS