Evening star., 1901-08-12
IOWAORDERED SOUTH
Impossible to Communicate With the
Wisconsin.
THE MACHIAS At HAMPTON ROADS
Strained Relations Of Two Re.
publics.
Mr.. RUSSELL'S NEW DUTIES

That the relations between the Venezue-
Ian and Colombian governments in South
America are becoming more and more
strained was evidenced today when the De-
partment of State authorized Mr. Russell.
United States charge d d'affaires at Caracas.
to use his good offices IL necessary in
handling the affairs of the republic Of CO.
lombia at the Venezuelan capital
This action was taken a result Of q
commun ication received at the department
from Mr. Russell, and although it virtually
proves that a trying situation exists be-
tween the two South American govern
ments, no direct news of the situation can
be obtained therefrom.
Several interpretations can be placed
upon the action of the department In au-
thoriZing Mr.. Russell to act as Colombias
diplomatic representative. 1t was stated
today that Mr.. Russell's assumption of CO.
lombian interests at the Venezuelan capital
did not necessarily mean that Colombia and
Venezuela were at war. or even that their
relations were strained. The Colombian
minister at Caracas, 1t was stated. might
be upon his vacation, In which event II
would be entirely in accordance with the
diplomatic code to request the United
States representative there to take charge
of his governmental affairs.
The general Interpretation placed upon
the State Departments authorization, how
ever, Is that the relations between the two
governments have reached an acute stage
and that the Colombian minister has been
summarily withdrawn by his government
from his post at Caracas. In a word, this
may mean that war lis to be declared 1t
certainly means at any rate that the rela-
tiOns are so strained that one OF the two
parties to the differences does not desire to
hold any further direct diplomatic inter-
course with the other
The custom which allows Mr.. Russell to
assume charge Of the affairs of the Colom-
bian government at Caracas is one which is
practiced by all governments when a situ-
alton such as is supposed to exist be-
tween Colombia and Venezuela is projected
The action is similar to that of the United
States when this nation requested the gov
ernment of Great Britain to authorize it's
representatives at Madrid and the capitals
of Spanish possessions to handle American
affairs. Very little credence is taken, there
fore. in the assumption that Mr.. Russell's
authorization is due to anything but a
widening in the gap between the two South
American governments. and 1t is generally
conceded that the action is taken solely
sires to hold diplomatic relations with
Venezuela no longer.
Protection Of Chinese.
1t is announced that the interests of all
Chinese subjects along the iethmus will be
looked after by Consul General Gudger, the
United States representative at Colon. It
Is stated that China has no diplomatic
agent in that region, so that Chinese SUBJ
jects are entirely without national protec-
tion. The assumption of such an Office by
Consul General Gudger is entirely In ac-
cordance with diplomatic usage and an au-
thorization for such action has not been
deemed necessary at the department
Otherwise there was a lack of authentic
news bearing upon the South American
cff tor, h. Aon -kr
The Iowa to BE Sent.
A report was received, however. that the
battle ship Iowa, now at Puget sound. had
been ordered to proceed this evening from
that place to San Francisco. Incidentally
the arrival Of the gunboat Machias from
Boston was reported from Hampton Roads.
The Machias 1t is stated, will leave Hamp-
ton Roads this evening for the east coast
of Central and South America, while, after
a Erief stop at San Francisco, the Iowa
viii! proceed to parallel destination on
the west coast. 1t was intended to dispatch
the battle ship Wisconsin to the west coast
but it appears that that vessel cannot be
reached, and, realizing the exigencies Of
the situation, the Navy Department has
determined to send the Iowa in her place.
The Iowa Is commanded by Capt. Perry,
who has received his orders from the de-
partment and will make the trip with all
possible expedition. 1t will require about
ten days Tor the iowa TO make ner trip
from Puget sound, SO that 1t Is intended
that no time shall be lost in reaching the
scene.
Shortly after the news of the orders to
the Iowa were announced Mr.. Hackett,
acting secretary of the navy, called upon
Assistant Secretary of State Adee and held
a conference Of about half an hours dura-
tion. The situation was discussed by those
two officials, but at the conclusion of the
consultation no developments were an
nounced.
To Command the Machfas.
It appears to be a settled conclusion at
the Navy Department that the gunboat
Machias will be taken down to Colon by
Lieutenant Commander McCrea, who was
executive officer of the Machias before she
went out of commission and is no sta
toned at the navy yard at Washington.
1t is stated that Lieutenant Commander
Nathan Sargent, who is the present COM
mander of that vessel has written Lieu
tenant Commander McCrea setting forth
his reasons for wishing to be relieved of
the command, prominent among which Is
the fact that he desires to attend the ses-
sions of the general board at Newport and
asking to Lieutenant Commander Nc
Crea's pleasure in the matter. There ap-
pears to be little doubt of the latter Off
GERS acquiescence, but pending definite
word from him the department does not
state positively who will take charge OF
the vessel on her journey to the isthmus
Iowa to Go to Panama.
SEATTLE. Wash, August 1.-THE bat
tie ship Iowa will sail from the Puget
Sound navy yard tonight for San Fran
cisco. and 1t is thought that from that
point she will sail for Panama, unless the