The semi-weekly messenger., 1902-09-26
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1902.
ENGLAND AND VENEZUELA.

England and VeneZueiI are again at
outs. The relations between these two
governments have become so strained
that there is official talk of diplomatic
relations between them being broken
off, each minister being recalled by his
government If the quarrel should
proceed this far it would not necessari-
ly mean war. In fact, a rupture of dip
lOmatic relations is expected, but no
one has any idea that hostilities will
follow. The trouble. it seems, is brought
about by the overbeariag conduct of
Venezuelan officials. The VeneZuelans
have been spoiled by the action Of the
United States government during Mr..
CIeveland's administration in forcing
Great Britain to submit to arbitration
of the territorial question then in dis
pute between the latter and the South
American republic. Because our gov
ernment stepped in and prevented this
strong European power from doing
great injustice to a weak American peo-
pie and forced an arbitration Of the
title to the land in dispute the Vene-
zuelans seem to think they can bully
the British as much as they please and
that when the latter attempt to re-
taliate or even defend their position
Uncle Sam will step in with a copy of
the Monroe doctrine in one hand and the
draft of a declaration of war in the
other and order halt On thz part of
the European power.
The Monroe doctrine IS maintained for
our own protection against the en-
croachment of the monarchies of Eu-
rope on the American continents and
not for the purpose of backing up the
Central and South American republics
in every quarrel they may pick with
the powers of Europe.
On only two occasions have we en-
forced this doctrine against any of the
powers of Europe, and on 10th occa-
sions it was to prevent one Of them per-
manently acquiring territory on this
side OF the ocean. France took advan-
tage of the United States being engaged
On a civil war to establish a fUothold in
Mexico and erect an empire there.
When that war was over Our govern
ment notified France that we could not
tolerate an imperial government just
across our borders and that it would
be we'll for her to withdraw her troops
and leave the MeXicans to govern them
selves. Napoleon III did not hesitate
about taking the advice and the prin-
-ciples of the Monroe doctrine were the
foundation upon which was built the
sDraSent raD,IbIiC Of Me-
When England claimed that a large
part OF Venezuela was in reality a por-
tion of her colony of Guiana. which was
adjacent. and seemed determined to
forcibly wrest it from it's rightful own
ers Mr.. Cleveland told her she had bet
title to the territory in dispute investi-
gated by disinterested parties. This was
a sore trial for the naughty Britisher, but
when he saw that MIR. Cleveland was in
earnest he consented to the proposal for
arbitration, and Venezuela Was not de-
spoiled of her territory, and the Mon
roe doctrine prevented Great Britain
extending her territorial possessions in
the western hemisphere.
The present dispute between England
and Venezuela seems 10 be one with
which we have nothing to do and our
government will certainly not interfere
to prevent England maintaining her
rights against these turbulent. quarrel
some South Americans, and they should
be made to understand the principles Of
the Monroe doctrine as thoroughly and
as speedily as were England and France
when they were attempting to violate
them.