Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1895-12-22

oAA. ShoAS VIVIAN ~ -
~ inexpedient change In the belief
that the doctrine for which we con-
tend was clear and definite; that it
was founded upon substantial con-
siderations and involved our safety
and welfare; that it was fully appli.
cable to our present conditions and
to the state OF the worlds prog'rss,
and that it was directly related to the
pending controversy, and without any
conviction as to the final merits OF the
dispute;dbut anxious to learn III a sat
isfactory and conclusive manner
whether Great Britain sought. under
the claim Of boundary, to extend her
possessions on this continent without
n right, or whether she merely sought
the possession Of territory included
within her lines of ownership, this
government proposed to the govern
ment of Great Britain to resort to
arbitration rs a e of settling the
question, to the end that the vexa-
tious boundary dispute between the
two contestants might be determined,
and our exact standing and relation in
respect to the controversy might be
made clear.
1T will be seen from the cores.
pondence herewith submitted that
this proposition has been declined by
the British government, upon grounds
which, under the circumstances. seem
to me to be far from satisfactory. 1t
is deeply Disappointing that such IN
appeal actuated by most friendly
feelings toward both nations directly
concerned, addressed to the sense OF
justice and TO the magnanimity of one
Of the great powers of the world, and
touching its relations to one compare
lively weak and small, should have
produced no better results.
@The ours 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 10 mr..
bitration, and having been now final.
ly appraised Of her refusal to do SO,
nothing remains but to accept the
situation and to recognize its plain
requirements, and deal with it accord
ingly.
Great Britain's present proposition
has never thus far been regarded as
admissible by Venezuela, though any
adjustment of the boundary which
that country may deem for her advan-
tagc and may enter into of her own
free will cannot, Of course be object
ed TO by the United States.
Assuming, however, that the atti.
tude of Venezuela will remain un.
changed, the dispute has reached
such Il stage MS to make it now incum.
bent upon the United States to take
measures to determine with sufficient
certainty of its justice OF the new di.
v~isionul line. Inquiry to that end
should, of course, be conducted care
fully and judiciously and due weight
should be given to all available evil
dence, records and facts in support
Of the claims OF both parties.
ain order that such an examination
should DO prosecuted in a thorough
manner. | suggest that Congress
make an adequate appropriation for
the expenses Of a commission to be
appointed by the executive. who
should make the necessary investiga-
ton and report upon the matter with
the least possible delay. When such
report is made and accepted, it will,
in my opinion, DO the duty OF the
United States to resist, by every
means in its power, rs n wilful ag-
gression upon its rights and interests
the appropriation by Great Britain Of
any lands or governmental jurisdic
ton over any country which, after in
vestigation, We have determined Of
right belong to Venezuela.
ain 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 is grievous to contem-
plate two great English speaking peo.
pies Of the world rs being otherwise
than friendly competitors i'll the
march o: civilization and strenuous
and worthy rivals i'll all arts OF peace
there Is no calamity which this great
nation can invite which equals that
which follows supine submission TO
wrong and injustice and consequent
loss OF national self respect and honor
beneath which 10 spread und defend.
ed tho peoples safety and greatness
' """"vp CLEVELAND,
/ Executive Nlunsion, Dec. II, 1906.
Tho message wus accompanied by
the correspondence between Sccreta.
ry Olney and Lord Salisbury. starting
with Olncy's celebrated note OF july
goth last TO Minister Bayard reopen
ing negotiations looking to the arli'
t%ration OF tho boundary dispute. In
this note Olncy declares "that Amori,
can ron Intervention in Europe nee.
~cssarily implied European non.inter
vcntion in American affairs, the disro,
gard OF which by any European pow.
err is to be deemed mn act OF unfriend
lincas TO the United States" Tie
Secretary says this rule has been uni
formly acted upon for seventy years