The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-12-19
THE ISSUE souARELY MET.

President Cleveland electrified the
country on Tuesday by sending to Con-
gress special message on the Nene-
zuelan matter. For once, his communi-
cation has eminently the right ring. 1t
briefly describes the correspondence
with the British Government up to
date, presents the points Of Lord Sails
bury's reply, and insists upon the entire
applicability of the Monroe Doctrine to
the present case. 1t says that the reply
is deeply Disappointing" and con-
cludes with the following clear, unmis-
taxable utterance:
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 labored faithfully for many years to in
duce 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
proposition has never thus far been regarded
rs admissible by Venezuela, though any adj
justment of the boundaries which that coun-
try may deem for her advantage and may en-
ter 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 dis
pute has reached such a stage as to make it
now. incumbent upon the United States to
take measures to determine with sufficient
certainty for its justification what is the
true divisional 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 thorough and satisfac-
tory manner, | suggest that the Congress
make an adequate appropriation for the ex-
penses of a Commission, to be appointed by
the Executive who shall make the neces-
sary 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 willful aggression upon its rights
and interests, the appropriation by Great
Britain Of any lands, or the exercise of gov
ernmental jurisdiction over any territory,
which, after investigation, we have deter
mined of right belong to Venezuela.
In making these recommendations, | am
fully alive to the responsibility incurred,
and keenly realize all the consequences that
may follow.
am, nevertheless, firm in my conviction
that while it is grievous thing to contem-
plate the two great English speaking peo-
pies 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 a great Nation can invite
which equals that which follows a supine
submission to wrong and injustice and the
consequent loss of National self-respect and
honor beneath which is shielded and de-
Tended peoples safety and greatness.
GROVER CLEVELAND.
Executive Mansion, Dec. II, 1895.
This is exactly as it should be. All
the papers in the case accompany the
message, and thus the whole matter is
before Congress for its action, which We
can rest assured will be promptly and
decisively taken.
1t is absurd to suppose that this will
result in war, or even an approach to
war. England is simply making big
bluff for advantage, and will recede
from her untenable position the moment
that she is convinced we intend to firmly
maintain ours. The President has done
precisely what he should, Congress will
do the same, and the result will be a
parley on the part of England to cover
a diplomatic backdown.