The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1901-12-28
WILL PROBABLY
BLOCKADE PORTS
The German Wsrships to Make
Demonstration Against
Venezuela.
(Rr Associated Press.l

WASHINGTON, Dec. 27.-The gather
ing of German warships il the vicinity
of Venezuela, and the presence IN the
same locality of many American, British
French and other foreign warships, is di-
recting attention to the imminence of the
naval demonstration Germany is about
TO make against Venezuela. Thus far the
German Government has not made
known the exact details of her propoSed
move, the official communications TO the
United States being confined to an IN
quiry as to the attitude OF this govern
mert on the question of a demonstration
in view of the purpose on the part OF
Germany not to acquire any permanent
foothold in Venezuela. The answer of
this government was entirely satsfac-
tory to the German authorities. who
since have proceeded with the execution
of their plans for coercins Venezuela. 1t
is said to be probable that the first
move by Germany will be the esta blish-
ment of a blockade of Venezuelan ports
so as to prevent the Introduction OF food
products into Venezuela and thus starve
the besiesed into submission. The Ger
mans are expected to occupy one or more
of the main ports of Venezuela, probably
I,aGuira and NIaracaibo. In this con-
nection most positive assurances have
been given to the United States Govern
ment that the occupation is to be tenn
porary.
On the part of Venezuela. it is semi
officially understood that President Cas-
tro has made known that he is prepared
for any eventualitE. There is complete
silence, however, to the defensive
measures Venezuela. is adopting but
there is no indication that she is lazy
ing mines or preparing in any way to
resist an occupation of LaGuira or
:Maracaibo. which are such open ports
that they are practically defenseless
against such powerful armament as the
Germans can bring to bear. The reli-
ance of Venezuela appears to be on the
practical difficulties Germany will en-
counter. The interior of Venezuela is
regarded as safe as it is said that it
would take at least 100000 German ;soi-
diers to make headway through the wild
and uneven country against guerrilla
tactics.
There appears to be much reliance on
the part of Venezuela on the sentiment
and sympathy which can be aroused within
the United States when an European in
vader is actually operating on Amer!-
can soil and Venezuela issues a declara-
ton Of war. Venezuela. it is understood,
also relies largely on the fact that for
e:gn capital is invested in the large
Venezuelan ports and would be the
! heaviest sufferer from any destruction
wrought by, the Germans.
There are a few hopeful signs on born
sides that at the last moment d clash may
be averted The German minister to
Venezuela is still at his post, and some
hope that he may still bring about a
settlement.
The presence of the North Atlantic
Squadron and many other American war
ships lin West Indian waters rs the
source of much speculation in Germany
and Venezuela The Berlin officials s1e
assured the presence OF American ships
! has nothing to do with Germanyss plan:
i against Venezuela, but at Caracas tnt
/ presence of American ships in the neigh
borhooa is construed as distinctly sigri-
Z Sficant ls5s-5..