The daily morning journal and courier., 1895-12-18
TIRE VENEZUELAN MATTER.

Says Lord Salisbury concerning the attitude of Queen Victoria's advisers in the Venezuelan matter: But they can not consent to entertain, or to submit to the arbitration of any power or of foreign jurlsts, however eminent, claims based on the eXtravagant pre- tensions of Spanish officials in the last century, and involving the transfer of large numbers of British subjects who have for many years enjoyed the set tied rule of British colony, to a na- ton of different race and language whose political system is subject to fre- quent disturbance, and whose institu- tions as yet too often afford very inade- quate protection of life and property. No issue of this description has ever been involved in the questions which Great Britain and the United States have consented to submit to arbitration and Her Majesty's government are con- vinced that in similar circumstances the government of the United States would be equally finn in declining to entertain proposals of such nature.
 Says Grover Cleveland, President of the United States: suggest that the congress make an adequate appropria- tion for the expenses of a commission to be appointed by the Executive, who and report upon the matter with tine least possible delay. When such re- port is made and accepted it will in my opinion be the duty of the United States to resist by every means in its power, as a wilful aggression upon its rights and interests, the appropriation by Great Britain of any lands, or the exercise of governmental Jurisdiction over any territory which, after inves- tigation, we have determined of right belong to Venezuela.
 This opinion of the President of the United States is probably also the opinion of a large majority of the peo- pie of the country. There is no reason to doubt that the Monroe doctrine has the hearty approval of the people. And there is also no reason to doubt that they are, in spirit at least, prepared to fight for its upholding when such fighting becomes necessary. They will therefore commend the President for standing up manfully for it, and for telling England that there is limit beyond which she must not go.
 But it will be we'll to bear in mind that such 8 declaration as the Presi- dent has made does not necessarily mean war. The committee whose ap- pointment he suggests will probably be appointed. It will take some time for that committee to investigate. During that time the affair may assume a very different aspect from the one it wears now. If it does not, and if the commit tee reports against Great Britain, and if the report is accepted then the situa- tion wiil become really serious. And linen, perhaps Great Britain will back down far enough to avoid war. So the people of this country are not yet called upon to do anything more than to feel patriotic excitement and talk in &C., cordance herewith.
 And it will be sensible to remember that while President Cleveland is a true patriot he is also a good politician. He has made a good stroke for him. self, his administra ton and his party in his firm and bold message, and his action may be adniringly pointed to several times between now and the next presidential election.
 We can keep our coats on awhile longer and our shirts too. We may not have to fight at all, but 'By lingo, if we dop'