The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-01-09
TROUBLE AT CARACAS
HUNDREDS OF VENEZUELANS AR
RESTED FOR POLITICAL REASONS.
Troops and Cannon Sent by British
Guiana Into Disputed Territory
Decree Issued by Crespo.

NEW YORK Jan. S.-The World to-mor-
row will say: The four Caracas special
cable dispatches dated, respectively. Jan.
4, 3. and Z. in this mornings World. were
delayed in Cuba by reason of the disturb
ances in that island and land wires having
been destroyed by the insurgents. The
Caracas dispatches follow:
Jan. 4-Political arrests continue. They
now number about 600 Ninety prisoners
were removed to the military hospital. Jose
Olavarria, brother-in-law of eX-Minister
Matros, and Simon Barcellos, editor of
America, are among the sick The belief
is increasing that the enemies of the gov
eminent are being aided by British gold.
II is even rumored that England will fur
nish the rebels with war ship. The militia
enlistments TO date number 11,0O0 In the
case of boys under sixteen the authority of
the parents is required. Among the appli-
cants have been ten septuagenarians.
Jan. 5.-Political arrests continue to be
made daily. The government prisons are
full, and the polytechnic school has been
converted into a prison, the students being
transferred 10 the Academy of Fine Arts.
Admiral Rutowsky of the Venezuelan
navy. has sailed with his flagship, the
Augusta, carrying war supplies to the sea-
ports on the west coast. There a
grand banquet at the American legation to-
sided but illness prevented his attendance.
He was represented by his secretary, Cen
eral Nunez, who spoke officially for him.
The United States minister made a con-
sentative reply, which was received with
enthusiasm The guests numbered two
hundred, among them being the archbishop,
the members of the Cabinet, the Presidents
of the different States and all the govern
ment officials. The decorations were
superb. the american and venezuelan flags
ton, Monroe, Cleveland and Bolivar were
entwined with rare flowers. There were
two bands of music.
Jan. 6-Presdent Crespo has issued re-
markable decree officially recognizing the
existence of the revolutionary movement
He says that in view of the fact that the
country is on the verge of an international
conflict he regards it not revolution but
as treason. Then he cites the section OF
the penal code declaring treason. He asks
the Presidents of the different States to
ratify his action, and he will also ask Con-
gress to act. 1t is believed that Crespo's
decree is aimed especially at Guzman Blan-
co or Pojas Paul, who are supposed to be
treating with England in the interest of the
rebellion. The penal code says that any
Venezuelan conniving with foreign gov
eminent against the Independence, the in
stitutions or the sovereignty of the republic
is guilty of treason. 1t is run ored that the
leaders of the rebellion will be executed
as the decree asks for authority to inflict
the death penalty, which is forbidden in
Venezuela except in time of war or on oc-
casions of imminent peril. Rojas Paul is
at present on the English island Trinidad
There was big anti-English meeting here
to-day.
Jan. 7-President Crespo's decree regard
ing the revolution has caused profound
sensation. Copies in the shape of flying
police. What effect ii will have is as yet
uncertain. 1t is severely commented on, and
leading lawyers declare that ii is illegal
Another sensation has been created by the
issue of an order prohibiting communication
between ships and the shore. 1t is especially
aimed at the American citizen Schimma
the agent of the Red ID line at Laguayra
Captain Delano. of the Red d line steamer
Philadelphia, made protest TO President
Crespo this morning against the order. He
said IL stopped work on the vessel. The
President replied that the order was neces-
sary, but that he would try to except Amer
Schimma. Something serious is brewing,
but rumors are vague as to its character.
The situation is alarming.
A dispatch to the World from Caracas,
dated Jan. g. says: News of grave import
has just been received from the Guyana
frontier. The government is notified that
troops, with rifles and cannon. from Demara
have arrived at Cuyuni, station at the eX-
treme limit of the English claims in the dis
puted territory, and the scene of the Yuru-
yam incident where English officials were
arrested by the VeneZuelans. The number
of invaders is uncertain. Some of the
that is probably an exaggeration. They are
possibly few hundred Guiana police The
government gives no official notice as to
what action it Will take. 1t is probable,
however, that it will send some troops TO
the scene. with orders to be cautious, but
at the same time to resist invasion. There
is joy over the English defeat in the Trans
yaal.
Caracas was shaken by an earthquake last
night The shock was of considerable dura-
ton, but no serious damage is reported