The record-union., 1895-06-18
Special TO the RECoRD-UNToN.

Special TO the RECoRD-UNToN.
WASHINGTON, June 17.-There is rea-
son to believe that the United States will
have occasion to give another interpreta-
ton on the Monroe doctrine as applicable
10 the acquisition of an island off the
coast Of enezuela to be used by Germany
Tor a naval station. The attention of Of
6cials has recently been directed to the
interests of Germany in that locality. and
there is apprehension that the subject
may assume quite as formidable an as
pect as that of British aggression on Ven
ezuelan soil.
An enormous amount of German Capl-
tai has been invested IN Venezuela OF late
under peculiar circumstances. The Gov
ernment wanted railroad through rich
and productive valley, and German
syndicate stood ready to build the road,
on condition that Venezuela would guar
antee per cent. on the capital invested.
The guarantee was given and the road
built and put into operation about elghL
months ago. At the outset Ii was sup
posed that about Sf,000,0O0 would amply
cover the cost Of The road, but the actual
outlay reached about SS,000.000 BY the
terms oil the Government guarantee en-
eZuela now becomes responsible to the
German syndicate Tor per cent. return
on this IS, ,O0J, 600. The road has teen II
operation long enough to determine what
IL viii earn, but its most sangulne pro-
,noters do not hope that it viii pay per
cent. on the outlay. Whatever 1t earns
Will be invesie ed in The investment.
1t is said 10 be this and other German
interests that are inclining the German
Government to regard with favor the ac-
QUESTION OF an island Otf the Venezuelan
coast, TO be used as Il naval station aud as
a sort of base OF operations tor Germany
on the American Continent. The guar
autee OF Venezuela to the German syndj-
este is Of private character, the German
Government having 10 interest IN the
matter, but it is looked upon as ahording
ii convenient means by which the Gov
ernment, in giving protection to It's cltl-
2ens. could also carry out its desire for
the ACQUISITION Of a naval station. The
circumstances are sucE as TO give the
belief that the nited States W III be called
on 10 define 10 what extent OF the terri
tory by foreign powers in South Ameri-
can soil is compatible with the Monroe
doctrine.
Great Britain already possesses an
island at the mouth OF the OrlnOcO, IN
winch a powerful naval station has been
esta blished. There are two other islands
near BY owned by Venezuela, either or
which would be well adapted to GER
,nauy's needs. There Is another large
island further up the coast, buE 1t cOnstl-
tutes a province of NeneZueIa, and It's
people have such intense loyalty TO Fene
Xuela that they have been named IN ew
opartans." They would undoubtedly
resist any separation, even II enezuela
assented TO II.
AT the moment this German phase of
the y eneZuelsn question Is making It's
In hos
ject is presenting more favorable as
pect. Official Intelligence has recently
reached here that Sir Vincent Barring
ton, representing the most extensive
British Interests in Venezuela, has most
strongly urged upon the British Govern
ment the Importance OF an amlcable sell
tlOment with Venezuela as means OF pro-
tecting British interests In that country.
Since the withdrawal of the British
Minister at Venezuela as a result OF the
boundary troubles, Sir Vincent has stood
as the representative Brlton IN that
country. lie is at the head Of a syndl-
cate OF London capitalists who built the
railroad from Caracas TO La Guayara, thus
connecting the capital with the chiet sea-
port. At la Guayara the syndicate built
an artificial harbor, break waters and
Wharves Al a cost of several millions. Sir
Vincent manages these extensive british
interests, anu his appeals that they can
DO lOSt61S b6Sb bS SObNAO'iiOHN '" AHA1
Venezuela viii doubtless have important
influence in the Foreign Office.
Senor Audrade, the Venezuelan Minis
ter here, when asked as 10 Germanys
purpose said he had not been informed
of any Intention to acquire any OF the
islands for u naval station, although he
was acquainted with the investment Of
German capital IN the railroad and the
guarantee given by the Venezuelan Gov
erument.
Information reaching here, however,
has come from other sources. 1t is that
the new United States Minister to
Venezuela, Mr.. Thomas, who has just
left Tor his post, is fully conversant with
the German phase of the slbject. 1t IS
also understood that the German En-
bassador who is soon to arrive Is likely
10 have Il full understanding Of Ger
many's desires concerning Nenezuela.