The Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1895-1897, 1895-12-18

hemisphere by any fresh acquisition on
the part Of any European State would
be highly inexpedient CHANGE"
'In the belief that the doctrine for
which we contend was olesr and definite;
that 1t WAS founded upon substantial
considerations and involved our safety
and welfare; that it was fully applica-
BILE to our present conditions and to the
state OF the worlds progress, and that 1t
directly related to the pending oontro-
versy and without any convictions as to
the final merits Of dispute, but to deter
mine In satisfactory and conducive
manner whether Great Britain sought
under claim OF boundary to extend
her possessions on this continent wish-
out right or whether che merly sought
possession OF territory fairly included
within her lines of ownership. this Gov
eminent proposed to give Great Britain
resort to arbitration as the proper
means OF settling the question. to the
end that the boundary dispute between
the two countries might be determined
and our exact standing and relation in
respect to tho controversy might be
made clear.
at will be seen, from the correspond
once herewith submitted, that this prop
osislon has been declined by the British
government upon grounds that seem to
mo 20 be far from satisfactory. 1t is
deeply disappointing to us, sotuated as
we were, by the most friendly feeling
towards both Of the nations concerned,
and addressed to the Hense Of Justice
and to the magnanimity of one of the
great powers OF the world as touching
it's relations to one comparatively weak
and small, that the negotiations should
have produced no better result.
1.-THE course to be pursued by this
government, in view Of the present
condition, does not appear to admit OF
serious doubt. Having lsbored faith
fully for many years. to induce Great
Britain to submit this dispute to impair
tial arbitration. and having been now
finally epprised of her refusal to do so,
nothing remains but to accept the sit
uasion, to recognize it's plain require
ments and deal with it accordingly.
Great Btitain's present proposition has
never thus far been regarded as admis
sible by Venezuela. though any ad jlst-
ment Of the boundaries which that
country may deem for 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 dispute has reached such q stage as
to make 1t now incumbent upon the
United States to take measures to de-
| termine with sufficient certainty for its
| justification which is the true division al
line between the republic of Vene zuela
and British Guiana. The inquiry should
| OF course be conducted carefully snd
| 1udtcially and duo weight should be
| given TO all available evidence, records
and facts in support of the claims Of
both parties.
"In order that slch examination
should be prosecu cd in thorough aud
satisfactory manner, 1 suggest that the
Congress make an adequate appropria-
| ton for the expenseo Of commission to
be appointed by tho executive, who shall
make the necessary investigation aud
| report upon the matter with the least
| possible delay. When such report Is
made and accepted it will, in my opin.
ion, be the duty of the United States to
resist by every means in it's power, as o
wilful aggression upon it's regents 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 Ven
ezuela.
sin making these recommendations
am fully slive to the responsibility in
Cured and keenly realize all the conse-
quences that may follow. I am. never
tneless. firm in my conviction that while
1t 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, there is no calsm-
ity which great nation can invite
which equals that which follows q
supine gu omission to wrong and injus-
tice and the consequent loss OF national
seltrespect and honor, beneath which
Is shielded and defended q peoples
safety and greatness.
"(Signed) GROVER CLEVELAND
Executive Mansion, Dec. IT"
Secretary Olney's Note.
The message was accom- panied by
Secretary Oiney's note reopening the
negotiations with Great Britain look
Ing to the arbitration of the boundary
dispute bearing date OF July 90 last,
and Is addressed TO Mr.. Bayard. The
Secretary begins by stating that the
President has given much anxious
thought to the subject and has not
reached conclusion without a lively
sense Of It's great importance as we'll as
OF the serious possibility involved in
any action now to be taken.
He deems 1t unnecessary to enter
into any detailed account of the contro-
versy, which ia OF ancient date. and has,
since 1914, never ceased to be subject
OF contention. The elaine Of both
parties, 1t must be contended. are CT q
somewhat indefinite nature. Neither
of the parties, he says. is to day stand
Ing for the boundary line predicted
upon strict legal rights, Great Britain
a ui mn IN LAT Tod IL