The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1895-12-23

pediency does rot cover the preposterous
deductions from the Monroe doctrine which
Mr.. Olney's despatch puts forward and
MIR. Cleveland makes the basis of the
most astounding proposal that perhaps
has ever been advanced by any government
I'm time of peace since the days of Napo-
leon"
After a summarized review of the dis
patches and message, The Times continues:
I'VE desire to speak with all proper re-
spect of what is still in the form at least Of
diplomatic negotiations, but we can con-
fidently predict that the pretensiOns thus
put forward by the president. apparently ac-
claimed by the senate. and with rare eX-
ccptions hailed by the press on both sides.
as vigorous and patriotic, viii not be admit
ted by this country. The firm, though tenn
perate language OF Lord Salisbury's reply
to Mr.. Olncy Indicates how he is likely to
receive the proposal to give effect in often
sive, over-weening way to the new con-
struction OF the Monroe doctrine. No COM
mission appointed by a power which is not
a party to the dispute will be recognized
by as having title of any sort to pro-
nounce upon controverted questions of the
boundary between the British empire and
Venezuela. 1t viii receive no assistance
from the British authorities. and viii have
to rely on what IL can obtain from the
Venezuclans. It's decision viii be null and
void from the outset. even if its origin did
not faint IL with partially.
VIII Spurn Arbitration.
This new departure in international rela-
tons does not appear to be "a straightfor-
ward COURSE. II is for the United States 10
decide for themselves whether the Nene-
zuelan boundary dispute touches their in
forests. though we are unable to see how ii
does so. 1t IS for them to declare that they
arc allies of Venezuela and support her
alleged rights. We should then know
b ,-frr
to decide in a quasi judicial way upon the
validity Of our territorial rights in another
continent is a pretension that no power in
the world can be justified in advancing
VIII Resist the Monroe Doctrine.
1--WE are bound to resist the claims which
the Monroe doctrine has for the first time
been extended to cover. and to which Air.
Olney has added comments and differences
against which an emphatic protest must be
made"
The Times refers 10 the cool assumption
based upon a distance of three thousand
miles cont inues.
"a power which has command of the sea
does not regard the three thousand miles
of intervening ocean as severing il from
its subjects. The American tradition win
not be strengthened by Mr.. Olney's claim
of moral superiority on the ground that
self-gove rnmcnt is only enjoyed by repub-
lies We think we have something Ike the
selg-governmeut here. even though we have
not yet developed "A Tammany hall, and
we are vain enough 10 believe that liberty
is more real and healthy in Great Britain
than in Venezuela. These unnecessary ag-
erassive assertions seem To point 10 the
possibility that this sudden movement on
tho part of the United States has more I'D
do with PARTY politics than with diplomacy.
Declares It Party Policy.
Much may bo p3rdoned in view OF the ap-
proachinr election which. to "a large extent,
explains the union of the republicans and
democrats in raising jingo cry. IL is 10
he remembered. moreover, that a good
seal of time must elapse before com
mission can be appointed and that IL VIII
100 a stn longer time before il can re-
port Ii may not come into existence, IN
deed until the executive has passed INTO
other hands. In the meantime the sober
cormon-sense of the American people
we should hone will condemn the attempt
10 pick quarrel with a friendly power
Iu any case our own course IS clear We
must stand firmly and calmly upon our
rights ass an independent state, and. u
necessary. take practical measures 10 as
sert them. DC may even be exped.ent to set
tie the frontier question 10y drawing a line
of our own. N course. there can pe no
thought of anything less than the Schom
burvk line, allowing the United States and
Venezuela TO deal with matters as they
may"