Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-12-28
A STRICT BLOCKADE
And Probably Invasion Of Ven
ezueIa by Germans
Will Undoubtedly Be the Next Now
in the Game.
German Has Understanding With Washington
Venezuela Not Much Alarmed.

Washington, Dec. 21.-The gathering
of German warships in the vicinity Of
Venezuela, and the presence in the
same locality of many American, Brit
ish, French and other foreign warships
is directing attention to imminence Of
the naval demonstration Germany is
about 10 make against Venezuela.
Thus far the German government has
not made known the exact details Of
her proposed move. the official com
munications to the United States. De
ing confined to an inquiry as to the at
titude Of this government on the ques-
ton of a demonstration. in view of the
purpose en- the part of Germany not 10
acquire any permanent foothold in
Venezuela. The answer of this govern
ment was entirely satisfactory to the
German authorities. who, since have
proceeded with the execution OF their
plans for coercins Venezuela.
II is said to be probable that The first
move by Germany win be the establish
ment of blockade of Venezuelan ports
so as TO prevent the Introduction Of
food products into Venezuela, and thus
starve the besieged into submission.
Venezuela, it is said. is entirely de-
pendent on the outside world for its
supply of corn. which is a staple among
the Venezuelans. The Germans are eX-
pected To occupy one or more Of the
main ports Of Venezuela. probably La
Guaira ana Maracaibo. In this con
nection most positive assurances have
been given 10 the United States govern
,..,N l.
porary. and for such length of time as
VIII permit the collection of the debt
due to Germany thus disposing af the
report that there is any Interior pur-
pose to establish a German coaling sta
ton on Venezuelan soil.
on the part of Venezuela il is semi
officially understood that President
Castro has made known that he is pre-
pared for any eVentuality. Their is
complete silence, however, as 10 the d.
tensive measures Venezuela is adopt
ing, hut there is no indication that she
is laying mines or preparing in any
way to resist an occupation Of La
Guaira or Maracibo, which are such
open ports that they are practically de-
fenseIess against such powerful arma-
ment as the Germans can bring f.
bear
The reliance of Nenezula appears to
be on the practical difficulties Germany
will encounter. Venezuela herself. # is
asserted. has no need of outside sup
plies. and while corn is much used in
AN emergency there are many other
cereals which can be put to use. More |
over the natives are said to be mea;
no need for corn or outside products
With reference to German occupation
of one or more ports, it is thought to he |
likely that Venezuela will rely on har-
raising the invaders. The fresh water |
supply Of LaGuaira and Maracaibo is |
drawn from interior streams and lakes |
and these are expected to be cut off. |
The interior of Venezuela is regarded |
as safe. as it is said that it would take
at least 200. 900 German soldiers to make !
Roadway through the wild and uneven |
country against guerilla tactics.
There appears also to be much re- |
lance on the part of Venezuela in the |
sentiment and sympathy which can be
aroused within the United States when
an European invader is actually oper-
GUNS oii iNdIl Soil anu
issues a declaration of war Venezuela.
it is understood. also relies largely on
the fact that foreign capital is invested
in the large Venezuelan ports and
would be the heaviest sufferers from
any destruction wrought by the Ger
mans. Money from France. England
Germany and the United States has
built up LaGuaira. Maracaibo and the
other larSe places and little Venezuelan
capital. it is said. is at stake. A Ger
man blockade, Nenezuelans declare
Will prove quite as onerous to Ameri-
can. British and other foreign shipping
as it would to the internal interests of
Venezuela. and these shipping interests
are expected to appeal to their several
governments.
There are few hopeful signs on both s
sides that at the last moment a clash {
may be averted. The German minister !
10 Venezuela is still at his post and I
there is some hope that he may still
BRING about a settlement. The outlook
or a cash settlement, however. is {
'ather meagre since Venezuela's treas
Try is empty and all Of the Venezuelan i
'fficers are on half pay. Another posi-
Dle means OF settlement is through the
diplomatic offices of a prominent .
venezuelan officer now on foreign ser
ice who has been summoned by cable
o return to Caracas probably for the
purpose of going on a special mission
q Germany
The presence of the North Atlantic
and many other American i
in West Indian waters is the
ource of much speculation in Germany
nd Venezuela. The Berlin officials are
assured the presence of American ships
las nothing to do with Germany's plan
gainst Venezuela, but at Caracas the
presence of American ships in the
leighborhood is looked upon with sat
sfaction and is construed as distinctly
ignificant.