The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-01-04
OLNEY'S VIEWS.
VIII Be 0verwneIminsly Supported by
American Opinion.
THE TROUBLE OVER VENEZUELA
Fairly Discussed by a British
Commissioner.

Is now in Washington. sends the follow
ing important dispatch;
am now at length able to speak with
confidence OF opinion in the highest Amer
lean quarters. The only condition on
which the men whom l specially desired
10 see would speak has been my personal
pledge not even by hint 10 betray their
names; therefore can only give you my
word that am not exaggerating my au-
thorities.
President Cleveland's message to con-
gress has done several things good aud
evil. First, il has destroyed every chance
of saving the Armenians.
Second, IL has given strong impetus
toward closer ties between Great Britain
and her colonies.
Third, e has enormously emphasized
the line of cleavage always existing but
discreetly ignored, between east and west
In the United States. The west today re-
CARDS the east especially European an
mex and New York bankers as allos of the
''moncy sharks" OF Europe.
Fourth, II has rendered certain the crea-
tion Of n great American navy, which the
next gepe-ation will bc almost irresistibiy
oempted TO use for aggression. Fifth, and
most important, it has. unless foolish
words or unforeseen evchts bar its natural
consequences, paved the way for better fu-
ture relations. because Americans, having
experience Of the consequences. will cease
their ignorant denunciations, and tho
Euglishmen will learn TO show much
greater respect To American national opin-
ion, knowing that force Is behind il, and
will therefore refrain from provoking it
by utterauces and acts of veiled contempt.
Finally the message has rendered possi-
BILE the avoidance OF far vaster danger,
namely, the question OF the Nicaragua
canal. A man who would be very near
the head OF the American army in case OF
war, said TO me: "It Is n blessing tho
Venezuelan affair has happened, because
specific solution OF this will point the
way to the same thing over Nicaragua,
concerning which, otherwise, the two ma
tions would certainly have fought"
Every paper reprints my yesterdays
dispatch with striking headlines. Great
surprise is expressed here that IL should
have been necessary for an English Jour-
nalist to come to- Washington in order to
secure the publication Of official British
correspondence so vital 10 the issue. Pass
ing over the compliment the fact is GER
tainly curious and the significance not
altogether pleasant.
Patriotism Demands Arbitration.
However, the Schomburgk line is now
proved destitute of any equality OF per-
manence, and il therefore remains To con-
slider the situation as affected by it's re-
moval. l can affirm positively that the
American government Is above every
thing. anxious for arbitration. Whatever
may have been its actual result, the i'm
tention or President Cievelands message
was amcabls.
But behind IL has sprung up national
sentiment which 10 would be utter mad
ness on tho part of the English people to
disregard or underestimate. The Monroe
doctrine is net worth discussing The fact
Is, that il Venezuela does not como within
the four corners of the Monroe doctrine
then the new doctrine, the Olney doctrine,
covers it, and American opinion over
whemingly favors its general principles
Moreaxer- -Amarlca demands arbitration
as sacred right, and for this she will
fight IL need he.
I am astounded at the depth and char
acter OF American feeling on this ques-
ton. Men, experienced staid, elderly,
conservative, many holding judicial posi-
tions OF great responsibility, frankly de-
clare their uncompromising support Of
this American doctrine. Aud while it is
clear that President Cleveland was in
hnitely roe clever and too devoted TO his
own party not too sec that his message
would deal knock down blow To the two
groups OF his political enemies-R Republi-
cans and free silver men--still, no greater
mistake would be possible than for Eng
land TO regard the message rs a nero party
maneuver. Ii this latter view gains ac.
ceptance. the consequence OF the mistake
may be awful.
The Way Out.
Now, how shall arbitration be reached?
Tho best way Of all would be for Lord
Salisbury To come TO an arrangement
direct with Venezuela. The cabinet here
would much prefer this course. under
stand, upon high authority. that the Vene-
zuclan government would express its re-
grct at the Yurnan outrage, pay all the
additional Indemnity demanded. and re-
quest England to resume diplomatic rela-
tions, II in return England would agree
upon references OF the whole question to
any competent tribunal she might select
Aud America would bring every pressure to
bear TO this ond, il Venezuela hesitated
Lord Salsbury's dispatch intimated that
the absence OF diplomatic rotations con-
sttuted bar 10 negotiation. The above
suggestion removes this, and as America
will defend the British right to an apol-
ogy and indemnity, no loss OF dignity
would be Involved by accedng.
The second method is, IL Lord Salisbury
will say he believes the commission fair
and competent TO consider the historical
question and ask IL the American govern
ment would permit him TO name British
commissioners To join Ii, without COM
mitting himself TO abide by tne result.
can assert that the cabinet would in.
stantly welcome the proposal
The third method Is, supposng the
American commission devotes its atten-
ton first TO the territory England Is will
ing to arbitratc, and report there 10
prima facic case for considering the larger
question at the same time, will Lord
Salisbury then consent To submit that
question to either the single or dual
omniissionf
There Is q fourth method. for I have