The words attributed to the President, and the explana- tions
of his personal friends like Mr. Gray, are all to the same effect, that he did not mean war, that the Commission W38 only to inform the American people, and that its decision would in no way be binding upon the British Govern- ment. The President, of course, knows what he meant ; it is conceivable that two English - speaking natious have mistaken the meaning of a few English sentences, and if the President says so, the whole world will gladly accept his saying. Presidents may choose words badly as well as other men. It is well to remember, however, that President Cleveland has said nothing yet officially; that be has not named the Commission of Investigation ; and that there may be further trouble caused by the action of Venezuela. The authorities there, believing that the United States have declared for them, have called out the Militia, and appear to contemplate an invasion of British Guiana. Such an invasion must be repelled whatever happens ; and in repelling it incidents may arise which wilt at once be used by the war party to excite anti-British feeling. It is, however, more probable that the Venezuelans, when aware of their illusion, will return to moderate counsels, and that the greater nations will agree to let matters remain as they are,—that is, the Schomburgk line will continue to be the frontier of British Guiana, and the Monroe doctrine will still be a short expression for the American policy of resisting any fresh conquest of any American State by a European Power.
