The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-12-18
WAR TALK IN THE AIR.
Continued from First Page.)

Continued from First Page.)
Iation 10 the United States. II NAV not
have been admitted in so many words to
the code of International law, but since
in International cOunsels every nation is
entitled to the rights belonging to il, if
the enforcement OF the Monroe doctrine
is something we may Justly claim. il has
its place in the code of International Jaw
as certainly and as securely as If il were
specifically mentioned. and when the
United States is sutton before the high
tribunal that administers international
law the question 10 be determined is
whether or not we present claims which
the justice of that code of law can find
10 be right and valid.
The Monroe doctrine finds its recOgni-
ton in those principles of International
law which are based upon the theory that
every nation will have its rights protect
cd and its just claims enforced.
OF course. this government is entirely
confident that under the sanction of this
doctrine we have clear rights and I'M
doubted claims. Nor is this ignored in
the British reply. The prime minister
while not admitting that the Monroe doc
trine Is applicable TO present conditions,
states in declaring that the United
States would resist any such enterprise
if it was contemplated. President Mon
roe adopted a policy which received the
entire sympathy of the English govern
ment of that date"
He further declares though the Ian
guage of President Monroe is directed to
the attainment OF objects which most
Englishmen would agree to be statutory, II
is impossible to admit that they have
been inscribed by any adequate authority
in the code of international law.
Again, he says, They (her majesty's
gOvernmenD fully concur with the view
which President Monroe apparently en-
tertained, that any disturbance OF exist
ing territory distribution in that hemis-
phere by any fresh acquisitions on the
part of any European state would be a
highly ineXpedient charge"
In the belief that the doctrine for which
we contend was clear and definite; that
Il was founded upon substantial consider
atoms and involved our safety and vel
fare. that it was fully applicable to our
present condition and to the state of the
worlds progress, and that it was directly
related to the pending controversy, and
without any convictions as to the final
merits of the dispute, but anxious to learn
in a satisfactory and conclusive manner
whether Great Britain sought under
cam of boundary to extend her posses
Slons on this continent without right, or
whether she merely sought possession Of
territory fairly included within her lines
Of ownership, this government proposed to
the government of Great Britain re-
sort TO arbitration as a proper means of
settling the question, to the end that ii
NeEatious boundary dispute between the
two contestants might be determined and
our exact standing and relation In respect
10 the controversy might be made clear.
It viii! be seen from the correspondence
herewith submitted that this proposition
has been declined by the British govern
ment upon grounds, which, in the circum-
stances, seem to me to be far from salts
factory. 1t is deeply disappointing that
such an appeal, actuated by the most
friendly feelings toward both nations di-
reCtl. concerned, addressed to the sense
of justice and to the magnanimty of one
of the great powers of the world, and
touching it's relations to one comparativ
ly weak and small, should have produced
no better results.
The course to be pushed by this govern
ment, in view of the present condition
does not appear to admit of serious doubt
Having labored faithfully for many years
10 induce Great Britain to submit this dis
pute to impartial arbitration and having
been now finally apprised of her refusal
TO do so, nothing remains but to accept
the situation, to recognize its plain re-
quirements, and deal with il accordingly.
Great Britains present proposition has
never thus far been regarded as admis-
sble by Venezuela, though any adjust
ment of the boundaries which that coun-
try may deem for her advantage and may
enter into of her own free viii cannot
States " '''eO'eu - OS 'ne = iii'eu
Assuming. however that the attitude
of Venezuela will remain unchanged, the
dispute has reached such a stage as to
make 1t now incumbent upon
the United States to take meas
ures to determine with sufi-
Gent certainty for it's justification what
is the true divisional line between the re-
public of Venezuela and British Guna.
me inquiry to that end should, of course,
be conducted carefully and judicially and
due weight should be given to all aVaila-
bic evidence, records and facts in sup
port of the claims of both parties
In order that such examination should
be prosecuted in thorough and satisfac-
torlly manner l suggest that the congress
make an adequate appropriation for the
expenses of a. 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
II will, in my opinion, be the duty Of
the United States to resist, by every
means in it's power, as a wilful aggres-
sion upon its rights and interests, the APP
preparation by Great Britain of any lands,
or the exercise of governmental jurisdic-
ton. over any territory which, after in
yestigation, we have determined of right
belong to Venezuela.
In making these recommendations 1 am
fully alive to the responsibility incurred
and keenly realize all the consequences
that may follow. l am, nevertheless, firm
IN my conviction that while it is a griev-
Gus thing to contemplate the two great
English speaking people of the world es
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 nation can invite which equals that
winch follows a suDine submission TO
wrong and injustice and the consequent
loss of national self-respect and honor
beneath which is shielded and defended a
people safety and greatness.
Grover Cleveland.
Executive Mansion, Dec II, 1895.
Although the matter submitted to con-
gress in connection with the foregoing
message consists of three diplomatic
notes only, they are very voluminous Mr.
OheXs note to Mr.. Bayard concerning
me threatening aspect of affairs between
Great Britain and Venezuela Is first in
me correspondence. 1t is dated July 70
last- and deals with the boundary alles-
lIoh at great length Beginning at the
very inception of the dispute, which has
nov assumed a grave aspect, Mr.. Olney
carries his argument of the American
claim for arbitration based on the Monroe
uoctrine, down to the present time and
EtNes emphasis to his statements by quot
ing the sentiments of President Monroe
4ent by the Monroe administration at
mat particular time was unquestionably
u9e TO the inspiration of Great Britain
who at once gave to it an omen and nm,
gGa,lhed adhesion, which has never been
Mr. Olney gives in his note firm in
eorsement to the principle enunciated by
-HtoHioe and defines Great Britain's posi-