The herald., 1896-01-04
THE MESSAGE
Has Done Several Things, In the Opinion of
Somebody

Has Done Several Things, In the Opinion of
Somebody
LONDON, Jan. 3.-A special correspond
ent of the Daily Chronicle, who is at Wash
ington, sends the fol lowing dispatch:
l am now at length able to speak with
confidence of the opipion in the highest
American quarters. The only condition on
which the men whom ] especially desired
to see would speak has been my personal
pledge not even by hint to betray their
names; therefore, can only give you my
W ord that 1 am not eXagRerating my au-
thorities.
President Cleveland's message to con-
gress has done several things good and evil.
First, it has destroyed every chance of
saving the Armenians.
Second, it has given an impetus toward
closer ties between Great Britain and her
colonies.
Third, it has enormously emphasized the
line of cleaverage, always existing but dis
creetly ignored, between east and west in
the United States. The west today regards
the east as practically European annex,
and New York bankers as allies of the
''monay sharks'' of Europe.
Fourth, il has rendered certain the ere a.
ton of great American navy which the
next generation will be almost irresistibly
tempted to use for aggression.
Fifth, the most important, it has, unless
foolish words and unforeseen events fail to
bear their natural consequences, paved the
way for better future relations because
Americans, having expe ience of the conse-
quences, will cease their ignorant denunci-
ations and the Englishmen will learn to
show much greater respect to American
national opinion, knowing that force is be-
hind it. and will therefore refrain from
provoking il by utterances and acts of
veiled contempt.
Finally, the message has rendered pos
sble the avoidance of far vaster danger,
namely, the question of the Nicaragua
canal. man who would be near the head
of the American army in case of war said
to me, 1T is blessing the Venezuela affair
has happened because a specific solution
of this will point the way to the same thing
over Nicaragua, concerning which, other
wise. the two nations would certainly have
fought
II can affirm positively that the Ameri-
can government is above everything anx-
ious for arbitration. Whatever my have
been its actual result, the intent of Presi-
dent Cleveland's message was amicaole.
The close encourage of the president today
SC uts the idea that it was not a message
of peace. But behind it has sprung uo a
National sentiment which it would be utter
madness for the English people to disre-
gard or underestimate. The Monroe doc
trine is not worth discussing. All the
learned pamphlets, the professors opin-
iCns, the newspaper discussions of it, are
laoor lost. The fact is that If Venezuela
does not come within the four corners of
the Monroe doctrine, then the new doc
triue-the Olney doctrine-covers it. and
American opinion overwhelmingly favors
its general principles. Moreover, America
demands arbitration as a sacred right and
for this she will fight, if needful While
allowing all due weight to the eastern
press, you must remember the line of
cleave mentioned above. Remember also
to what extent the south found support in
New York before the war of the rebellion
Il am astounded at the depth and char
acter of American feeling on this question.
Men experienced, said, elderly, conserva-
tive. many holding Judicial positions of
great responsibility. frankly declare their
uucompromising support of this American
doctrine. And while il : Gle tr that Pfesi-
dent Cleveland was ialiqileiy too clever
and too devoted 10 bis own party not to see
thar his message wOuid ueaj ii tuock-down
blow 10 the Two groups of his political enc
mics. Republicans and free sllveriteS, still
no greater mistake would be possible than
for England to regard he message as a
mere party maneuver. If this latter view
gains acceptance The consequence of The
mistake may be awful. When | reflect on
the possibility of this, and know what
know OF American opinion. | am pro-
fouudy depressed. Arbitration. is de-
manded by every consideration dear 10
civilized mankind
Nov how shall arbitration be reached?
The best way of all would he for Lord Sal
isbury to come to an arrangement direct
with Venezuela. The cabinet here would
much prefer this COURSE"
The correspondents then suggests several