The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-12-28
The Proposition to Arbitrate.

The Proposition to Arbitrate.
In the belief that the doctrine for
which we contend was clear and definite,
that it was founded upon substantial
considerations and involved our safety
and welfare, that it was fully applicable
to our present conditions and TO the
state of the worlds progress, and that it
was directly related to the pending con-
troversy, and without any conviction as
to the final merits of the dispute, but
anxious to learn in satisfactory and
conclusive manner whether Great
Britain sought, under claim of bound
airy, to extend her possessions on this
continent without right, or whether she
merely sought possession of the terri
tory fairly included within her lines of
ownership. this government proposed to
the government of Great Britain re
sort to arbitration as the proper means
of settling the question, to the end that
vexatious boundary dispute between
the two contestants might be determin-
ed and our exact standing and relation
in respect to the controversy might be
made clear.
1t will be seen from the correspon-
dence herewith submitted that this pro-
position has been declined by the Brit
ish government upon grounds which 10
the circumstances seem to me to be far
from satisfactory.
The Course to be Pursued.
The course to be pursued by this gov
eminent in view of the present condi-
ton does not appear to admit of serious
doubt. Having labored faithfully for
many years to induce Great Britain to
submit this dispute to impartial arbitra-
ton, and having been now finally ap
prised of her refusal to do so, 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 regarded as admissible by Vene
zuela, through any adjustment of the
boundary which that country may deem
for her advantage and may enter into of
her own free will cannot of course be OBJ
lected TO by the United States.
Assuming, however, that the attitude
Of Venezuela will remain unchanged, the
dispute has reached such stage as to
make it now incumbent upon the United
States to take measures to determine
with sufficient certainty for its iustifi-
cation what is the true divisional line
between the republic of Venezuela and
British Guiana. The inquiry to that
end should of course be conducted care
fully and judicially, and due weight
would be given to all available evidence,
records and facts in support of the
claims of both parties.
Asks for a Commission.
In order that such an examination
should be prosecuted in thorough and
satisfactory manner, suggest that the
congress make an adequate appropria
ton for the expenses of commission, to
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 it will in my OPP
inion be the duty of the United States to
resist by every means in it's power as
willful aggression upon its rights and
interests the appropriation by Great
Britain of any lands or the exercise of
governmental jurisdiction over any ter
ritory which after investigation we have
determined of right belong to Venezuela.
In making these recommendations l
am fully alive to the responsibility in
Cured and keenly realize all the conse-
quences that may follow.
am nevertheless firm in my convic-
ton that while it is grievous thing to
contemplate the two great English
speaking peoples Of the world as being
otherwise than friendly competitors in
the onward march of civilization and
strenuous and worthy rivals in all the
acts of peace, there is no calamity which
great nation can invite which equals
that which follows a supine submission
to wrong and injustice and the conse.
quent loss of national respect and honor
beneath which is shielded and defended
peoples safety and greatness.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, Dec. II, 1895.