Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-03-12
A STRONG FORCE
Our Naval Representation in the
Vicinity Of Colombia.
-FOUR WARSHIPS ALREADY THERE
Admiral Meade's Fleet May Go to
Colon.
TROUBLE FOR VENEZUELA

The United States now has a strong naval
representation in the vicinity of Colombia,
sufficient to amply protect American inter-
ests on the isthmUS and in other parts of
Colombia under all ordinary conditions.
Cablegrams received at the Navy Depart
ment announce the arrival of the cruiser
Alert at Panama from San Jose de Guate-
mala and the arrival of the cruiser Raj
eigh at Colon, the other end of the Panama
railway. from Trinidad. The cruiser At
lanta is also at Colon. having arrived there
Sunday from Bocas del Toro with news of
the defeat of the revolutionists at that
port. In consequence of the arrival of the
Raleigh, it is probable that the Atlanta will
Immediately return to BocaS del Toro, where
her marine guard is supposed to be sta
toned for the protection of American in
tereSts.
The Ranger There, Too.
In addition to the Alert at Panama, there
is another American warship on the west
coast of Colombia. This is the Ranger,
which as been at Buena Ventura for sew
eral weeks. The cruiser Montgomery, which
left Mobile several days ago for Trujillo,
Honduras, is expected to arrive there to-
day or tomorrow. In case of necessity she
could quickly reinforce the fleet in Colom-
ban waters, and Admiral Meades fleet of
evolution, composed of the New York, Mime
apolis and Cincinnati, is only a few days
distance away.
The Fleet too Go to Colon.
Although Admiral Meade's itinerary for
the cruise of his squadron in the West
indies does not contemplate a visit to the
isthmus for several weeks it is probable
that orders will soon be sent to him at
Trinidad to proceed at once with his fleet
fiir m If vi ba
first. 1t is believed that his fleet cvolu-
tions can be just as well carried on in that
vicinity as elsewhere. and affairs in Cen
trail America and the countries of South
America bordering on the Caribbean sea
are in such troubled condition as to var
rant naval demonstration at some con-
venient central point, within cable COM
munication, such as Colon.
Trouble Likely in Venezuela.
In addition to the present rebellion in
Colombia, Venezuela promises to be the
scere of trouble that will perhaps seriously
affect our own interests. 1t is feared that
the summary action of President Crespo
in dismissing ministers representing four
of the great European powers. meaning
a total suspension of diplomatic relations
with them, may involve Venezuela in
trouble 1t is already reported that the
French government has sent two warships
to La Guayra to enforce the collection OF
a claim for indemnity. Admiral Meade has
evidently heard of this movement, for he
has cabled Secretary Herbert that he will
send the Minneapolis from Trinidad to La
Guayra tomorrow, and emitting Curacao
from his list, will follow with the remain
der of his fleet in a short time.
Arrangements for Coal supply.
The Navy Department has succeeded in
effecting an arrangement for the supply OF
coal to our naval vessels stationed at Colon
and vicinity at a reasonable figure, and
hereafter no coal will be purchased by the
navy from the Panama Railroad Com
pany. Orders have been sent to the COM
r,anders of the Atlanta and Raleigh, now
at Colon, to repair to Carthagena, Colom-
bia for coal whenever it is necessary to
replenish the bunkers. The department
has arranged to buy good English coal at
that port for $3.50 per ton, while the
Panama Railroad Company charges $10.75
and $11 for coal at Colon. AS the vessels
can run from the isthmus to Carthagepa
in a day. it is estimated that after count
ing the expense of the trip the navy will
save at least $1,000 on each coaling.
Secretary Herbert has received a cable
message from Capt Cromwell. command
ing the Atlanta, dated Colon, yesterday,
saying that everything is quiet at Bocas'
del Toro and that all are we'll on the
Atlanta.