The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-10-08
CRESP0 TAKES CARACAS.
VENEzUELA'S PRESIDENT AND
CABINET FUGITIVEs.

A New Governm ent for the Country
the Next Step-Two War Vessels
Guarding American Interests-The
Story That Consul Hanna Was Fired
On Discredited.
WASHINGTON. Oct. The navy depart
ment to-day received three dispatches from
Rear Admiral Walker commanding the
naval war vessels in Venezuelan waters.
The first dispatch received this morning
was sent by Admiral Walker, on Wedues~
day, the day on which it is supposed de-
cisive battle was fought resulting In the
virtual overthrow of the old government by
Gen. Crespo. For some reason, which
the navy department. cannot con
lecture, the dispatch was delayed and
did not reach Washington until this morn
ing. A second dispatch, which it is sur
missed Admiral Walker sent Immediately
after the result Of the battle was known, is
as follows: "Itis reported that an engage
mont has taken place resulting in the total
defeat Of the government and the capture
Of the Venezuelan commander in chief,
near Caracas The revolutionists will oo-
cupy Caracas tomorrow (Thursdayl.n
THE PRESIDENT FLEEs.
Soon afterward the following dispatch,
dated yesterday, was received, also from
Admiral Walker: 1.-THE president aud
Venezuelan minister have abandoned
Venezuela. The revolutionists have been
successful"
No dispatches have been received lately
by the state department from Venezuela.
Acting Secretary Adee says Minister
SCr1IpUa kOn Uino fhat hdp1fral WolHays
would keep the Secretary Of the Navy ad-
vised as to the situation, doubtless felt that
there would be no need Of the minister also
telegrsphing, as all dispatches received at
the navy department are sent TO the Secre-
tary OF State Immediately after translation.
1t is known that messages were sent yes
terday to Admiral Walker by Secretary
Tracy, but their purport is kept secret.
The officials of both the state and navy de-
partments were disinolined TO make predic-
tions as to the final outcome Of the revolu-
ton, but those of them who expressed an
opinion believed Crespos victory meant the
complete downfall Of the old party and the
establishment Of an entire new government.
1t is thought probable that the next step
will be the formation Of a new government
with Crespo at the head Of affairs, and that
this will be done without delay in order
that the affairs of the republic may be re-
stored to tranquility.
THE ALLEGED SHOT AT HANNA.
The statement that Consul Hanna, while
out in private boat, was fired at from the
guns of a Venezuelan war5hip is thought to
have been an accident, If the report be true,
as, had the consul been fired upon out of
hostility 20 the United States, either Minis
ter Scruggs or Admiral Walker would GER
tainly have promptly notified the authorities
in Washington. Venezuela, the naval off,
Ger said, has no warship that any of our
men-of-war would condescend to sink
with a gun larger than a gatling and
it was not probable that any Venezuelan
vessel would dare to open fire on the consul
with two war vessels lying close by. Butt
as another officer said, "those people down
there are impetuous and quick to act, and
it would not surprise me II they had fred
upon the consul and expected to get off by
apologtzing afterward. That is what the
Chileans expected.
THE WARSHIPs THERE.
The United States is better represented
by war vessels in Venezuela than any other
country. There are two vessels there, the
Chicago, the admiral's flagship, and the old
corvette KeArsege, with the gunboat Cons
cord at Colon, within easy reach should she
be wanted. Germany and Italy are the
only other countries having naval ships
present. While it is expected here that the
turmoil and strife which has agitated the
republic for many months will soon
quiet, it is said at the navy department that
our naval vessels will be kept there for
some time yet and until all danger to
American interests is over and tranquility
restored. 1t is not thought that the occasion
demands the presence OF another ship there
and no more will be sent.