Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-03-21
BIG COMPLICATIONS.
They May Embroil Us With Several
European Powers.
VENEZUELA AND NICARAGUA
Britain and the Biuefields Affair
The Mosquito Notwithstanding
tsters--Cermnn Grievances.

WASHINGTON, d. c.. March D.-The
prospect Of serious complications, which
threatens the United States through pro-
bable European encroachment on Nene-
ruela and Nicaragua. has assumed
phase OF such danger TO the principle
laid down In the Monroe doctrine that
special Cabinet conference was held al
the White House this afternoon 10 con-
slider the subject. There is no doubt
whatever that these subjects are consid-
cred by the President and Secretary Gres-
ham as OF much greater import
TO this country than the Alliance incident
or the recall OF Minister Thurston.
and as matters which must be handled
with unusual delicacy, and with the
knowledge that misstep may plunge the
government into embarrassing complica-
ton with, not one. but several, Of the
principal European nations
The conference was attended by the
President. Secretary Gresham. Secretary
Carlisle, Attorney-Genural Olney, ana sec
retary Lamont. IL lasted several hours,
but Mr. Lamont withdrew after brief
attendance.
Mr.. Gresham took with him to the
White House the official copies OF much
OF the recent correspondence on both the
Venezuela and the Nicaragua situations,
and he remained with Mr.. Cleveland some
time after his colleagues had left 1t can
not be learned whether any additional
Information in ths matter reached the
State Department to-day. but it is said
that MIR. Bayard has failed TO arrange
the Mosquito troubles with the British
Government in "A manner satisfactory 10
| the United States. Great Britain's ultl-
| matum to Nicaragua, demanding an in
demnty for the expulsion Of Mr. Hatch,
| the British Consular Agent. from Blue
fields, and the report that n British war
| ship Is on her way to enforce the de-
nand. Is the latest known serious phase
| OF the difficulties growing out Of the Blue
| fields affair, and as action by this gov
ernment may involve a new construction
| Of the Monroe doctrine, 1t can be seen
| how slowly and carefully the President
and his advisers are Obliged 20 feel their
| way. to prevent any possibility Of blunder
| Of neglect of any advantage that might
| weaken the practical sponsorship which
| the United States Government holds over
| the South American and Central Ameri'
| can republics.
VENEZUELA.
In the Venezuelan affair the United
| States Government finds itself opposed to
| such strong adversares as Great Britain
| France, and Germany. with Belgium as
| an incidental factor. The settlement OF
| the claim OF Great Britain to certain
| Venezuelan territory is the main cause
| for alarm, and to this is added the pros
| pect that Germany will send warship'
| to collect large amount OF money guar
| anteed German contractors for the con
| struction Of the Central Venezuela ran
road. France and Belgium have com
| mon ground for action, d dsturblng to th'
| peace of the little South American re
| public-namely. the expulsion OF th'
| French and Belgian ministers from ina
country. Both governments have pro
tested against the expulsion, and franc
Will send a naval vessel to take her en-
| yOy home
| The Monroe doctrine and its ramifica
| tions contain ample authority. II is said
| for the United States to display an actiV
| interest I'm the threatening attitude o
| Great Britain and Germany. and whil
| the probable action Of France and Bel
| gium does not seemingly come within
the scope Of the doctrine, 1t IS under
| stood TO be the belief OF this government
| that all four OF the Powers involved VII
join issue in opposition TO the Unite'
| States 60 secure their several ends, an
such amalgamatlon Is likely TO beget
desire on the part Of all TO extend thei
| dominlons
| The conference at the White Hous
to-day was necessarily OF n strictly secre
| character. but IL is learned tonight ol
good authority that no definite action wa
agreed on.