New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-12-24
THE PRESIDENTS PERSONAL BLUNDER.


ELLIS H. RoBERrss VIEW OF THE PRESENT SIT
UATION.
Ellis II. Roberts former Assistant Treasurer and
president of the Franklin National Bank, was seen
by Tribune reporter yesterday afternoon and
asked 10 express his views upon the present fnan-
c,al situation in connection with President Cleve-
lands recent messages Congress. He said
MANY of the difficulties of the present situation
arc due n the inconsistent course Of Mr. Cleveland
He began by arousing the opposition OF the body OF
the American people by seeking the restoration OF
the degraded Queen OF Hawaii In the case OF Mica
ragua he encouraged Great Britain to violence
against the weak republic, and so astounded the
calmest of American patriots. 1t was given out
then that Mr.. Rayard had in advance informed the
British Government that this country would not
object to their policy OF force against Nicaragua.
Lord Salisbury had right to assume that the
Government at Washington would regard British
aggression in Venezuela in the same way. II Mr..
Cleveland had made up his mind to change front
completely In foreign affairs and to adept vgor
GUS American policy, he certainly ought to have
warned the British Prime Minister of the fact. and
to have permitted him to act accordingly. On the
contrary, Mr. Cleveland treats the Venezuelan
question in a spirit the opposite of that exhibited
toward Nicaragua. Surprise and Indignation are
therefore natural the part Of the British Min
lister on this change OF front without notice.
This is the key the loud protests made In
England against the position of Mr. Cleveland.
Notwithstanding, the truth is that the American
people are determined to maintain the Monroe
Doctrine and Mr. Cleveland has at this last mo-
ment put himself in accord with popular sentiment.
He has done 30 awkwardly. and. so far as Great
britain is concerned almost brutally That is his
personal blunder and he alone Is responsible for It,
There can be no mistake. however about the de-
termination of the American people to put stop
TO British aggression this continent
1.-The recent strengthening of the military prepare
Iprfto lin ia in no
and Jamaica cannot be overlooked in view OF the
military Importance of the mouth Of the Orinoco:
maintaining the Monroe Doctrine, and Mr. Cieve-
land has gone counter to every precedent of dipo-
macy in the tone and temper OF MS message TO
IN spite, however, of his threatening language;
there can hardly be actual war between the United
States and Great Britain.
mir CIeveland's message relative to the financial
situation is bunder even more grave than the one
on the boundaries of Venezuela Everybody else
knew If ne did not. that threat of rupture Of
est customers would affect the financial markets OF
this country and of the world Since he had In
have been the part OF ordinary prudence first to
have strengthened our financial situation The gold
reserve was shrinking steadily under commercial
conditions and it the height OF folly TO invite
hostile attacks upon II.
not inapty called hysterical. Mr.. Cleveland had
been absent from the Capital for a considera BILE
upon Congress to abandon the holiday recess in
order to meet exigency very largely of his own
creation The tone OF this second message further
was calculated arouse opposition In both houses Of
Congress- and prevent the legislative elaboration
which is necessary TO safe action.
But the country VIII not lose its head although
Mr. Cleveland seems to have done So The Amer
lean neoDle will know how TO maintain the Monroe
Doctrine without rushing recklessly into gigantic
war Congress will a.so find way 10 relieve the
Treasury without relying altogether upon mere bor
rowing.
The first step toward that result Will be very
considerab BILE increase of customs duties accord
ing the traditional policy Of the Nation. II the
tariff cannot be revised a whole. the revenues
l,a.r a.I hN ar AH al n. ~
Important schedules, like wooens and the levyins
OF duties WOO.
1T Is inevitable. however. that money must be
borrowed, and appeal to the patriotism OF the
American people by popular loan In small de-
nominations cannot fail to bring whatever money
may be necessary to maintain the National credit
In view OF any emergencies which may be possible
i'm he future