The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-06-19
GRAPHIC STORY
ABOUT VENEZUELA.
Mr., Samuel Proskaur Gives and In
teresting Description.
lTSCLlMATE, SOIL AND BUSINESS.
Professional Men With Resources or
Farmers May do Well. But
Foreign Skilled Labor Not
Encouraged.
lTSCLlMATE, SOIL AND BUSINESS


wears past has been United states consu
ut Puerto CabcllO, Venezuela, Is now lh
Richmond Mr. Proskauer. VINO mas
had every opportunity 10 become fainihar
with the resources and conditions OF
Venezuela. when seen by a Times report
or. gave the following facts when VIII
prove very interesting reading;
Recent events have brought Nenezue-
Ia into great prominence. but its internal
affairs and external relations are not as
well known as the marvellous richness
OF the country its cultured people ana
their sympathies for us deserve
The Spanish-American war mas given
Venezueans an opportunity to evidence
the friendly spirit which animates them
I'm all their dealings with the United
States Though connected with Spain
By religious and family ties, tradition and
history. the better class and larger por-
ton of the people are f-iendier 10 MS
than to Spain.
CLIMATE AND SOIL.
"The country IS one of vast extent with
a climate and soil Of the most varied
character. I'm size n is equal 10 the
territory OF all the Atlantic states from
Maine 10 Florida. New York. Pennsyl-
vani1 Ohio and Kentucky.
"The Republic lies on the northern
limits OF South America and IS bounded
on the north b. the Caribbean sea and
and a small part OF Columbia and on
the west by Columbia.
"The most direct steamship line Is the
RED D." from Brooklyn which until
recent h0stilitiss between the United
States and Spain made three trips per
month. each way. The government has
however taken the company's steamers
as auxiliary cruisers but which / am sure
will be replaced by even better and fas'
I'D al
seven and eight days TO run from Brook
lyn TO La Guayra and Puerto Cabello. re-
spectively This time will be greatly
reduced under contemplated changes
while Venezuela offers great induce
ments TO foreigners and especially 10
Young Americans n Is well 20 bear I'm
mind that neither I'm Venezuela or any
other country can a stranger hope 10
succeed without some capital energy and
perseverance,. Spanish being the lang
uage of the country a slight knowledge
of 10 for ordinary purposes Is essehlA
to success. Every mail from Virginia
and elsewhere brings me letters of i'm
uuiry from all classes Of people. Doc
tors. dentists. lawyers. mechanics. lfnor-
ers accountants. farmers. etc. none with
definite ideas OF the needs Of the coun-
try its customs people or ability 20
speak Spanish, but all possessed or the
I idea that this is not requisite or enter
tanning The belief that they can learn 20
speak it i'm from three 20 six months
81 may here repeat what 1 have often
said that Venezuela IS practically great
and rich agricultural country, Offering
little encouragement 10 skilled foreign
labor
DON'T TRUST TO LUCK"
There are few Industries. and these are
supplied by Spanish speaking Workmen.
To go there without "a contract with a.
responsible party and some funds invites
misery and suffering Of the worst kind.
/ have relieved abiect want as best /
could because the individual had gone
there trusting 10 luck TO get job
once stranded. it is difficult 90 get away.
and the consequence is chat du .Ncrlleut
mechanic of former honorable character
has from force of circumstances. turn
ed tramp.
Doctors and dentists must pass am eX-
animation. and often six months elapse
before they reach the examining board.
Even II they possess an unusual aptitude
90 acquire the Spanish language and are
possessed OF AN unusual degree OF profess
sional knowledge and skill they must also
posses AN unusual amount OF patience
and fOrtltutde To win the confidence OF
the people This would require time and
money Furthermore. the country is well
supplied with able ana distinguished ply
slcians.
The practice OF law IS so dineren.
from ours. the language so rich and sus-
ceptible OF so many meanings. ] doubt
II a foreign lawyer could acquire the
command of 70 suficientLto practice his
profession
IN GERMAN HANDS.
In the case Of accountants, great diii-
culties present themselves. The trade OF
the country is largely in the hands of the
Germans. whose chiefs, as rule reside
in Germany These recruit their forces
with young men whom they personally
know. speaking English. French and
Spanish. I'm addition 10 their native ton
que They are thoroughly trained FOR
the position. their advancement sure, and
hence enter the business with personal
interest and enthusiasm. Houses or al
uationalities are not only imDued with
the patriotic feeling that prompts them
10 buy lat home, all things being equal
but for Ike considerations, prefer 20 en-
gage their countrymen for vacant posi-
tons Even If our young accountant
possesses all the requisite qualifications.
il IS extremely hazardous 10 80 there
simply trusting TO luck 10 secure posi-
tiOn." something / strongly advise
against. II no can arrange for employ
ment before going and has little money
I'm reserve FOR contingencies, His opportu-
mites 20 advance In lie are very great
depending then solely upon his individual
character and ability.
UNSKILLED LABOR.
UnskiTled labor is not wanted. and those
whose only possessions are "a willingness
10 work at anything had better remain
at home
There is. however one class Of Amerl-
cans who could succeed IN that country
namely the American farmer: but even
he like the bird would have to flock to-
gether A single family would hardly
succeed. A colony, small or large. indus
| trious and thrifty, could soon acquire a
knowledge OF the manner I'm which the
various crops are raised I'm this country
and those most suitable for the various
attitudes cocoa, cocoanuts. bananas etc,
for the lowest: corn, coffee, etc, for the
| temperate zone: wheat. etc, for the high
ess. while raising cattle. making butter
! etc, would certainly prove profitable. IL
is we'll to bear IN mind that each family
would require funds 20 put the farm IN
condition and have some money 20 live
upon. awaiting first returns. Colonizer5
and strangers without proper recommen-
| dations are 10 be avoided.
| BEAUTIFUL TROPICAL NEGETATION
These details fully understood and con-
| sidered, the climatic and other conditions
which the newcomer would encounter
| are such as would make the undertaking
extremely pleasant. There are many
| ideal spots for such cOlonies-along the
| river banks and in the valleys. IN the
| midst of beautiful tropical vegetation,
| surrounded by high mountains and pic
| turesque scenery. the natural tropical