The herald., 1896-02-12

tarily given lead mo to believe he rect ,g-
nizes the importance of redresslng leg III
mate grievances of which complaint laas
been made by mslority OF persons now
inhabting Transvaal."
The speech concludes with references to
Chitral and Ashantee expeditions having
been achieved without bloodshed. ~ have
to deplore tue loss from seventies OF the
climate some valuable lives, including my
beloved son-in-law, Prince Henry OF Bat
tenberg."
In the second message or portion OF the
queens speech addressed TO the house OF
commons, her majesty says:
1.-THE estimates have been prepared with
the utmost regard for economy. but the
exigencies of the times require an in
creased expenditure"
In the third message the queen remarks: !:
my Lords and Gentlemen: The extern
sion and improvement OF the naval de-
fenses of the empire are the most import
ant subjects to which your efforts can be
directed, and will doubtless occupy your
most earnest attention.
II regret to say that the condition OF hus-
bandry is disastrous beyond any recent ex-
perience. Measures will be laid before
you with the object to mitigate the distress
in that industry"
Mr.. George j. Goschen Jr., Conser vative
member for the East Grinstead division OF
Sussex. moved the address in reply. In
trusted that the negotiations regarding the
Venezuelan question would result not only
in a satisfactory settlement but in com
plete reconciliation, and form friendship
between Great Britain and her kindred
across the Atlantic.
Continuing, Mr.. Goschen made glowing
reference to the outburst of patriotic feel
ing in Canada and in the British colonies
during the recent political crisis.
Sir William Vernon Harcourt said he
was rejoiced at the paragraph in the
queens speech with regard to Venezuela,
as it held out the hope that the question
could be settled at an easily date. He
added that no words that could impede
such a settlement would fall from him.
This remark was greeted with loud cheers,
as it disposes of the report that the Liberal
leaders had determined to make az! attack
upon the governments policy in re gard to
Venezuela, which course, nece ssarliy,
would have led to an exchange OF warm
remarks which might have impe peded the
progress of settlement of the dispute.
Continuing, Sir William said that the
misunderstanding both in EngiaIld and in
the United States existed, and III at there
were ruffied feelings on both siG.es. The
idea that Great Britain disputed the pro-
visions of the Monroe doctrine was nothing
new or extraordinary. Monroeisial, he as
serted, was not a principle OF international
law, but one of national policy, to which
the Americans have traditional and pas
sionate attachment. and 1t was the same
doctrine by virtue of which Great Britain
had interfered with various states where
her interests were affected.
Sir William Harcourt also said: VI am in
entire agreement with Lord Sal sDury when
he says the United States have perfect
right to interpose in any controversy by
which their own interests are affected, and
that they are entitled to Judge whether
their interests are affected and in what
measure they shall be sustained. That is
q general doctrine upon which all states
act. Upon this is founded the balance of
power, and upon that ground Great Britain
interposed in Belgium, Greece, Turkey and
many other places. The Monroe doctrine
is not an extension of this principle; it is
q limitation of what other states claim to
exercise everywhere. President Monroe
limited it TO the American continent. and
the United States, following the wise teach
ing of Washington, have declared their
disinclination and determination not TO in.
terfere in the controversies of the European
powers; but they have declared the con-
Iroyersies of the American continent to be
Of special interest TO themselves, and they
will Judge when and how they are called
upon to interfere.
That feeling is not disputed in the
Queens speech, and rejoice to see that il
staJss a wish to cooperate with the gov
ernment of the United States, and the only
practical question remaining is whether
the doctrine has been invaded in the casS
of Venezuela. The United States have no
made any pronouncement upon this ques
ton but have appointed commission tc
inform their judges upon the subject.
ut has been stated that the appoint
ment OF this commission was an offense to
the people and government of Great Bri-
tain. Happily, the government does not
take that view. The commission is to in
with which our government desires 10 CO.
operate. How can the United States OF
America cooperate with us unless tn ~
have the information whichwill enable them
to cooperate in settling the boundary? /?
/ regret the delay in the publication of the
English case. L have thought that before
Secretary Olney was answered all the ma
terals would have been ready to lay before
the United States and the world at large,
We do not desire tO claim any territory tc
which we are not clearly entitled, and the
question is what is that territory. 1t is the
business of the diplomats to come to a
reasonable settlement in such matter
Diplomacy has had this matter in hand fol
half century, and mighty bad hand il
had made of it, in my opinion. 1t is not
creditable that question of this character
should have been allowed to tester until il
has broken open into a dangerous sore, Il
breed bad blood between great nations
measures without delay to heal this sore
loud cheers.)
"What the country demands, withou
distinction of party, is that the dispute
should be brought to an honorable solution
promptly. (Cheers.)
'If it is proved that the rights of Vene
xuela have not been invaded by Grea
Britain, the United States of America will
have no cause for complaint. If we have
occupied territory to which we have NJ
title, we must not make any pretense tc
maintain that occupation. The question
must be settled on the evidence and wha1
objection can be raised to arbitrament of 9
third party?
''The people of Great Britain and the
United States of America have already set
tied important questions by arbitration
and it cannot be admitted that this ques
ton is beyond the reach of arbitration
The government does not reject arbitration
and the only question left is the arbitration
of the boundary. There is general de
sire that justice should be done.''
Referring to the Transvaal, Sir William
Harcourt paid high compliment to Mr.
Chamberlain for his skillful conduct of tn,
affair and said that ne thought history hat
but few examples of such moderation a
had been displayed by President Kruege
under circumstances of unparalleled PROV
ocation.
Returning to Armenia, Sir William saic
that to say that the reference to this sub
ject in the queens speech is disappointin,
and unworthy of the subject which repre-
sents the feelings of the country. Contin
uing, he remarked: ''Theso crimes ar
matters for our special concern as we ar
parties to the guarantee of the powers