The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-18
AFTER A NAVAL STATION.
Another Interpretation of the
Monroe Doctrine May
Be Needed.
HOW THE COMPLICATION AROSE
Venezuela Induced to Guarantee
the Profits on German
Enterprise.

WASHINGTON, D. c., June 17.-There
IS reason to believe that the United States
will have occasion to give another inter-
probation on the Monroe doctrine, as ap-
piicable to the acquisition of an island off
the coast of Venezuela, to be used by Ger
many for naval station. The attention
of officials has been directed to the inter
ests OF Germany in that locality, and there
is apprehension that the subject may as
sumo quite as formidable an aspect as that
OF British aggression on Venezuelan soil.
An enormous amount of German capital
has been invested in Venezuela of late
under peculiar circumstances. The Gov
eminent wanted railroad through a rich
and productive valley, and German syn
dictate stood ready to build the road on
condition that Venezuela would guarantee
"a per cent on the capital invested. The
guarantee was given and the road built
and put into operation about eight months
ago. AT the outset it was supposed abont
100000 would amply cover the cost of
the road, but the actual outlay reached
about So, 100000. By the terms of the Gov
eminent guarantee, Venezuela now be-
comes responsible to the German syndicate
for per cent return On this $4,000, 900.
The road has been in operation long
enough to determine what it will earn, but
It's most sanguine promoters do not hope
that it will pay per cent on the outlay.
Whatever it earns will be applied on the
investment, and Venezuela then will have
to give sufficient to bring the earnings up
to per cent.
1t is said to be this and similar German
interests that are inclining the German
Government to regard with favor the ac-
QUESTION of an island off the Venezuelan
coast to be used as naval station and as
sort of base of operations for Germany
on the American continent.
The guarantee of Venezuela to the Ger
man syndicate is of private character, the
German Government having no interest in
the matt er, but it is looked upon as afford
ing convenient means by which the Gov
eminent, in giving protection to its SUBJ
iects, could also carry out its desire for the
acquisition of naval station. The circum-
stances are such as to lead to the belief
that the United States will again be called
upon to define to what extent the acquisi-
ton of territory by foreign powers on South
American soil is compatible with the Mon
roe doctrine.
Great Britain already possesses an island
at the mouth of the Orinoeo, in which a
powerful naval station has been estab-
lished. There are two other islands near
by owned by Venezuela, either of which
would be well adapted to Germany's needs.
There is another large island further mp
the coast, but it constitutes province of
Venezuela and its people have such intense
loyalty to Venezuela that they have been
named New Spartans." They would un-
doubtedly resist any separation, even if
Venezuela assented to it.
AT the moment this German phase of the
Venezuelan question is making its appear
ance the British branch of the subject is
presenting more favorable aspect. Off
cial intelligence has recently reached here
that Sir Vincent Darlington, representing
the most extensive British interests
in Venezuela, has most strongly
urged upon the British Government the
Importance of an amicable settlement
with Venezuela as means of protecting
British interests in that country. Since
the withdrawal of the British Minister
boundary troubles, Sir Vincent
las otOO0 do VIC representative IN
that country. He is at the head of the
head of the syndicate of London capitalists
who built the railroad from Caracas to La
Guayra, thus connecting the capital with
the chief seaport. At La Guayra the syndi-
cate built an artificial harbor, with break
waters and wharves, at cost of several
millions. Sir Vincent manages these ex-
tensive British interests, and his appeal
that they can be fostered best by settle
ment with Venezuela will doubtless have
important influence on the Foreign Office.
Senior Andrade, the Venezuelan Minister
here, when asked as to Germany's purpose,
said he had not been informed of any in
tention to acquire any of the islands for
naval station, although he was &C
quainted with the investment of German
capital in the railroad and the guarantee
given by the Venezuelan Government.
The information reaching here, however,
has come from other sources.
1t is believed the new United States
Minister to Venezuela, Mr.. Thomas, who
has just left for that post, is fully con-
versant with the German phase of the
subject. It is understood also that the
new German ambassador, who is soon to
arrive, is likely to have full understand
ing of Germany's desires concerning
Venezuela.