The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1895-12-25
THE MONROE DOCTRINE UPHELD.
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
President Cleveland Serves Plain Notice
Upon Great Britain.

The President on the 18th sent to Congress
. strong message dealing with the British
Venezuelan boundary dispute and the appli-
patton of the Monroe doctrine to the case in
point. The Monroe doctrine is emphatically
enunciated, and the position taken that Eng
land should not be permitted to acquire any
territory claimed by Venezuela to which she
Is not rightfully entitled. The President says;
"If European power, by an extension Of
Its boundaries, takes possession OF the terri
tory OF one of our neighboring republics
aguinst its will and in derogation of its
rights, 1t Is difficult TO see why, to that ex-
tent, such European power does not attempt
to extend its system of government to that
portion OF this continent which is thus taken.
This is the precise action which President
Monroe declared to be dangerous to our
peace and safety and IL can make no differ
ence whether the European system Is ex-
tended by an advance of frontier or other
wise.
practically the principle for which we
contend has peculiar, II not exclusive rela-
ton to the United States. II may not have
| been admitted In so many words TO the code
of international law, but since in information
| al councils, every nation Is entitled to the
rights belonging to II, II the enforcement of
| the Monroe doctrine Is something we may
| Justly claim IL has its place In the code OF
| International law, as certainly and as Sc
| curely as If II were specifically mentioned;
and when the United states Is a suitor before
high tribunal that administers international
law, the question to be determined is
| whether or not we present claims which the
| justice of that code of law can find to be
right and valid.
The Monroe doctrine finds its recognition
on those principles of international law
| which are based upon the theory that every
nation shall have its rights protected and rs
| Just claims enforced. OF course this govern
| ment Is entirely confident that, under the
sanction of this doctrine, we have clear right
and undoubled claims. Nor Is this ignored
in the British reply.
"The course to be pursued by this govern.
ment, in view Of the present condition. does
not appear to admit of serious doubt. Having
labored faithfully for many years to nduc,
| Great Britain TO submit this dispute to i'm
| partial arbitration, and having been nov
| finally apprised of her refusal to do so
| nothing remains but to accept the situation
to recognize the plain requirements and dea
| with II accordingly. Great Britain's presen
proposition has never thus far been regard
ed as admissible by Venezuela, though an,
| adjustment of the boundary which tina
country may deem for her advantage, an,
may enter into of her own free will, cannot
of course be objected to by the Unite,
| States.
|
Venezuela will remain unchanged, the dis
pute has reached such n state as to make 1
now incumbent upon the United States T.
take measures to determine with sufficien
certainty for its justification what is tn
true divisional line between the republic o
Venezuela and British Guiana. The inQulr
to that end should of course be conducte,
carefully and jhdicially, and due weigh
should be given to all available evidence, re
cords and facts in support of the claims o
both parties.
SIN order that such an examination shoul
be prosecuted In thorough and satisfactor
manner, suggest that the congress make a
adequate appropriation for the expenses of
commission to be appointed by the executive
who shall make the necessary investigation
and report upon the matter with the leas
possible delay. When such report is mad
and accepted, 1t will in my opinion be tn
duty Of the United States TO resist by ever
means in its power willful aggression upo
its rights and interests the appropriation
Great Gritain of any lands or the exercise {
governmental jurisdiction over any territor
which, after investigation, we have determir
ed Of right belong to Venezuela"