Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1895-12-20
GRAVE MESSAGE FROM PRESl.
DENT CLEVELAND.
HE PROPOSES THAT THE UNITED
STATES SHALL DECIDE THE
VENEZUELA TROUBLE
FOR ITSELF,

President Cleveland on Tuesday sent in a
message Of the gravest character to congress
on the British-Venezuela trouble. He begins
| by reiterating heMonroe doctrine and says :
ut was intended to apply to every stage of
our national life and cannot become obsolete
while our republic endures. If the balance
of power is Justly cause for jealous anxiety
| among the governments of the old world and
subject for our absolute nOn-interference.
none the less is the observance of the Monroe
doctrine OF vital concern to our people and
their government"
He asserts that that doctrine is information
al law as far as the United States government
is concerned, and adds
The course to be pursued by this govern
ment. in view of the present condition, does
not appear to admit of serious doubt Hav-
ing laborsd faithfully for many years to
induce Great Britain to submit this dispute
to impartial arbitration, and having been now
finally apprised of her refusal to do so, moth
ing remains but to accept the situation, to
recognize its plain requirements, and deal
with it accordingly. Great Britain's present
present proposition has never thus far been
regarded admissible by Venezuela, though
any adjustment of the boundaries which that
country may deem for her advantage and
may enter into of her own freq will cannot,
Of course, be objected to by the Unite States.
Assuming, however, that the attitude Of
Venezuela will remain unchanged, the dis
pute has reached such stage as to make it
now incumbent upon the United States to take
measures to determine with sufficient certain
tut nrs ~, hot ;ct
ional line between the republic of Venezuela
and British Guiana. The inquiry to that
end should of course, be conducted carefully
and judicially, and due weight should be
given to all available evidence, records and
facts in support of the claims of both parties.
In order that such an examination should
be prosecuted in a thorough sand satisfactory
manner, suggest that the Congress make an
adequate appropriation 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 opinion, be the
duty of the United States to resist, by every
means in its power, as wilIful aggression
upon Its rights and interests the appropriation
Wy 0Ioat OlIGdiA VI ally lauuS, or the exercise
of governmental jurisdiction over any terri
tory which, after investigation, we have de.
termined Of right belong 10 Venezuela.
In making these recommendations. I am
fully alive to the responsibility incurred and
keenly realize all the consequences that NAV
follow. am, nevertheless, firm in nv con
victi0n that while it is grievons 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 arts of peace there is no Calamity
which great natisn can invite which EQUALS |
that which follows supine submission to
wrong and injustice an the consequent loss
Of national self-respect and honor beneath |
which is shielded and defended a people's
safety and greatness.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion, December Is. 1896.
The reading of the Presidents message was
received by the Senators with applause A
most unusual thing, Veteran Senators saw
It was the most spontaneous demonstration in
their recollection. In the House it was also
applauded by both parties.
On Wednesday the House unanimously
passed bill offered by Mr.. H it, the Repub-