The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-10-24
GENERAL HARRISON AND THE
VENEZUELAN TRIBUNAL.

Readers of the Journal are aware that the
reason why General Harrison does not
make any speeches in the present political
campaign is that his time is fully occupied
in the preparation of brief to be filed in
the Venezuela boundary case before the
commission which is to meet in Paris in
December next. The case is one of great
international Importance, and its proper
presentation involves so much historical re-
search and digesting of conflicting evidence
as to wholly absorb the time of General
Harrison, who is of counsel for the govern
ment of Venezuela.
That the public should already have for
gotten how near this boundary dispute
brought us to war with England only three
years ago shows how rapidly history is
made nowadays. For some months past the
press and people Of both countries have been
discussing the merits of close alliance
between them, and they certa'uly never
were as friendly as they are to-day; yet less
than three years ago they were on the verge
of war over this Venezuelan boundary ques-
ton. Secretary Olney's letter to our am
bassador at London, in which he declared
the intention of the United States to assert
and enforce the Monroe doctrine, was dated
July 20, 1895, and Mr.. Cleveland's special
message to Congress on the subject was
sent on Dec. II. In the light of current
events it is interesting to recall what they
said Secretary Olney, after denying the
justice of the British claim and defining
. the position of the United States regarding
the Monroe doctrine, said:
To-day the United States is practically
sovereign this continent, and its fiat is
law upon the subjects to which ii confines
its interposition. Why? 1t is not because
of the pure friendship or good will felt for
It, 1t is not simply by reason of Its high
character a civilized state, nor because
wisdom and justice and equity are the in
variable characteristics of the dealings of
the United States. 1t is because. in addi-
ton to all other grounds, its infinite re-
sources. combined with its isolated posi-
ton, render it master of the situation and
practically invIlnerable as against any or
all other powers. All the advantages of this
position are at once Imperfect If the princi-
pis be admitted that european powers may
convert American states into colonies or
provinces of their own
Mr.. Cleveland transmitted to Congress
v it'll his n essage Lord Salisburys reply to
Secretary Olneys letter, urged the impor
lance of the United States standing firmly
on the Monroe doctrine. and recommended
the appointment of commission of our
own to ascertain the true boundary line. He
concluded:
In making these recommendations I am
fully alive TO the full responsibility incurred
and keenly realize all the consequences .that
may follow. j am, nevertheless, firm in
my conviction that while ii is a grievous
thing to contemplate the two great English
speaking peoples OF the world as being 9TH
erwise than friendly competitors in the on
ward march of civilization and strenuous
and worthy rivals in all the arts of peace.
there is no calamity which a great nation
can invite that equals that which follows
supine submission to wrong and injustice
and a consequent loss OF national self-re-
spect and honor. beneath which is shielded
and defended the peoples safety and great
ness
The point at issue between the United
States and England which gave rise TO these
ominous expressions was the submission Of
the disputed boundary question to arbitra-
tion. II was EngIand's refusal to do this
that led 10 the appointment Of commission