uch an appeal, actuated by the most friendly
feelings toward both nations directly concerned, addressed to the sense
of justice and to the magnanimity of one of the great powers of the
world, and touching its relations to one comparatively weak and small,
should have produced no better results.

The course to be pursued by this Government in view of the present
condition does not appear to admit of serious doubt. Having labored
faithfully for many years to induce Great Britain to submit this dispute
to impartial arbitration, and having been now finally apprised of her
refusal to do so, nothing remains but to accept the situation, to
recognize its plain requirements, and deal with it accordingly. Great
Britain's present proposition has never thus far been regarded as
admissible by Venezuela, though any adjustment of the boundary which
that country may deem for her advantage and may enter into of her own
free will can not of course be objected to by the United States.

Assuming, however, that the attitude of Venezuela will remain unchanged,
the dispute has reached such a stage as to make it now incumbent upon
the United States to take measures to determine with sufficient
certainty for its justification what is the true divisional line between
the Republic of Venezuela and British Guiana. The inquiry to that end
should of course be conducted carefully and judicially, and due weight
should be given to all available evidence, records, and facts in support
of the claims of both parties.

In order that such an examination should be prosecuted in a thorough
and satisfactory manner, I suggest that the Congress make an adequate
appropriation for the expenses of a commission, to be appointed by the
Executive, who shall make the necessary investigation and report upon
the matter with the least possible delay. When such report is made and
accepted it will, in my opinion, be the duty of the United States to
resist by every means in its power, as a willful aggression upon its
rights and interests, the appropriation by Great Britain of any lands or
the exercise of governmental jurisdiction over any territory which after
investigation we have determined of right belongs to Venezuela.

In making these recommendations I am fully alive to the responsibility
incurred and keenly realize all the consequences that may follow.

I am, nevertheless, firm in my conviction that while it is a grievous
thing to contemplate the two great English-