The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-03-21
MONROE DOCTRINE INVOLVED
10 the Probable European Encroachment
on Venezuela and Nicaragua,
SPECIAL CABINET CONFERENCE HELD.
A Belief That Great Britain, France and
Germany VIII Continue Against tho
United States-No Definite Ac-
tiou Agreed Upon.

WASHINGTON, ID. c., March 2o-Jhe
prospect OF serious compiicat ons which
threatens tho United states through
probable European eneroachment on
Venezuela and Nicaragua. has assumed
a phase Of such danger to the principle
laid down in the Mcr roe doctrine. that
q special Cabinet conference was held at
the White House this aftc noon TO con-
sllor the subject. There is no doubt
whatever that these subjects are con-
sidared by the President ana Secretary
Gresham as Of much greater import to
this country than the Allianca incident or
the recall of Minister Thurston. and must
Dc handled with unusual delicacy and
with the knowledge that a misstep may
plunge the Government into embarrassing
complications with not one. but several
OF the principal European nations.
AMBASSADOR BAYABD FAILS.
The conference was attended by the
President, Secretary Gresham, Secretary
Carlisle Attorney-General Olney and
Secretary Lamont. 1t lasted several
hours. but Mr.. Lamont withdrew after
a brief attendance. Mr.. Gresham took
with him 10 the White House the official
copies % much OF the recent correspond
ence on both the Venezuela and the
Nicaraguan situations. and he remained
with Mr.. Cleveland some time after his
colleagues had left. 1t cannot be learned
whether any additional information in
the matter reached the State Depart
ment to-day: but it is said that Mr..
IayaTd has failed to arrange the Mos
quito troubles with tho British Govern
ment in a manner satisfactory TO the
United States.
THAT ULTuATUM.
Great Britain's ultimatum TO Ncara-
qua, demanding an indemnity for the ex-
pulsion Of Mr.. Hatch, the British con-
sular agent. from Bluefelds, and the re-
port that a British war ship is on her
way TO enforce the demand, is the latest
known serious phase of the diihculties
growing out of the Bluehelds affair, and
as action by this Government may in
Nolye new construction Of the Monroe
doctrine, IL can be seen how slowly and
carefully the President and his advisers
are obliged TO feel their way 10 prevent
any possibility of blunder, or neglect any
advantage that might weaken the prac-
4ical sponsorship which the United states
Government holds over the South Amer
lean and Central American republics
THREE STRONG ADyERsARIEs
In the Venezuelan affair the United
States Government finds itself opposed to
such strong adversaries as Great Britain
France and Germany, with Belgium as an
Incidental factor. The settlement OF the
claim OF Great Britain to certain Vene-
zuelan territory is the main cause for
alarm, and to ttis is added the prospect
that Germany will send war ships to col
lcct a large amount of money guaranteed
4 I;orman contractors for the construction
OF the Central Venezuelan railroad. France
and Belgium nave a common ground lor
action disturbing to the peace OF the
The little South American republic hame-
~. The expulsion % the French and
belgian Ministers from that country Both
EoVernmcnts have protesteu against lhe
expulsion, and France viii send a naval
vessel 10 take their ENJOYS nome.
TO COMBINE AGAINST Us.
Tho Monroe doctrine and its Tamifca-
sions contain ample authority, it IS said,
for the United states 10 display an ac-
tive interest in the threatening attitude
of Great Britain and Germany, ana while
the probable action of France and Bel
rium does not seemingly come within
The scope of the doctrine, IL is under
stood TO be the belief Of this Govern
ment that all four of the powers involved |
will ioin issue in opposition To the United |
States 10 secure their several ends, and |
such amalgamation is likely TO beget |
desire on the part of all TO extend their |
dominions.
The conference at the White House |
to-day was necessarily of strictly Sc |
cret character, but it is learned tonight |
on good authority that no definite action |
was agreed on.