The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1901-12-31
Germany's Plan Az aInst
venexuelans.
BLOCKADE THE PORTS
Venezuela, II Is Thought, VIII Try
E, Harrassing TaotIes-Expects other
Nations viii Be Aroused-oermany
and United states Reassure Each
Other.

Washington. D. c., Dec. 2S.-The
gathering of German warships In the
vicinity of Venezuela and the pres
erce In the same locality OF many
American, British, French and other
foreign warships. Is directing atten-
tion to the imminence or the naval
demonstration Germany is about to
make against Venezuela. Thus far
the German government has not made
known the exact details OF her pro-
posed move, the official communica-
tions to the United States being con.
fined to a ninquiry as to the attitude
of this government on the question
OF a demonstration in view Of the pur-
pose on the part OF Germany not to
acquire any permanent foothold in
Venezuela. The answer Of this gov
ernment was entirely satisfactory to
the German authorities, who since
have proceeded with the execution of
their plans for coercing Venezuela.
1t is said to be probable that the first
move by Germany will be the estab-
lishment OF blockade of Venezuelan
ports 80 as to prevent the introduc.
tion of food products into Venezuela,
and thus starve the besieged into SUBJ
mission. Venezuela, it is SAID, is en-
tirely dependent on the outside world
for its supply Of corn, which is a
staple among the Venezueians. The
Germans are expected to occupy one
or more OF the main ports OF Vene-
zuela, probably La Guaira and Mar
caibo. In this connection most posi-.
tive assurances have been given to
the United states government that
the occupation is to be temporary.
Castro Said He Was Ready.
On the part OF Venezuela, it is semi
officially understood, that President
Castro has made known that he is
prepared for any eventuality. There
Is complete silence, however, as 10
the defensive measures Venezuela is
adopting, buc there is no indication
that she is laying mines or preparing
in any way to resist an occupation Of
La Guaira or Maracaibo, which are
such open ports that they are practi-
cally defenseiess against SUCH puower-
full armament as the Germans can
bring to bear. The reliance OF Vene.
zuela appears to be on the practical
difficulties Germany will encounter.
Venezuela, it is asserted, has no need
of outside supplies. and while corn is
much used, IN an emergency there are
many other cereals which can be put
TO use. Moreover, the natives are
said to be meat eaters almost ex-
clusively, and to have no need for
corn or outside products. With REFER
I'm (Arnlun of -,
more ports, 1t is thought to be likely
that Venezuela will rely on harrass-
Ing the invaders. The fresh water
supply Of La Guaira and Maracaibo
Is drawn from interior streams and
lakes and these are expected to be
cut of. The interior OF Venezuela ia
regarded as safe. as, 1t Is said, that
II would take at least 100000 German
soldiers to make headway through
the wiid and uneven country agai1sr
guerilla tactics. aisHs
There appears also to be much re-
lance ON tne part OF Venezuela in the
sentiment and sympathy which can be
aroused within the United States
when an European invader is actually
operating on American soil and Vene.
zuela issues a declaration NJ war.
Venezuela, 1t is understood, also re-
lies largely on the fact that foreign
capital Is invested in the large Vene.
zuelan ports and would be the
heaviest sufferer from any destruc.
ton wrought by the Germans. Money
from France, England, Germany, and
the United States, has built up La
Guaira, Maracaibo, and the other
large places and little Venezuelan
capital is said to be at stake. A German
blockade, Venezuelans declare, will
prove quite as onerous to Americans,
British and other foreign shipping as
IT will to the internal interests of
venezuela and these shipping in
terests are expected to appeal to their
ceVeral governments. There are a
few hopeful signs On both sides. that
at the last moment clash may be
averted. The German minister to
Venezuela is still at his post, and there
Is some hope that he may still, bring
about a settlement. The outlook for
q cash settlement, however, is rather
meager. since Venezuela's treasury Ia
empty, and all of the Venezuelan on
cials are on half pay. Another DOS.
slbie means OF settlement is through
the diplomatic Offices of a prominent
Venezuelan Official now on foreign
service. who has been summoned by
cable to return to Caracas, probably
Tor the purpose Of going ON special
mission to Germany.
Our Ships Not -3tile.