Waterbury Democrat., 1901-12-28
MARSHES ASSEMBLE.
Germany's- Attempt to Coercc Vene-
 Zucla Matched

zuela Watched.
 WASHINGTON, Dec. 2S.-The gath ering of German warships ill the yicin- ify of Venezuela and the presence in the same locality of many American, British, French and other foreign warships is directing attention to the imIninence of the naval demonstration Germany is about to make against Venezuela. Thus far the German gov ernment has not made known the ex act details of her proposed move, the official communications to the United States being confined to an inquiry as to the attitude of this government on the question of a demonstration in view of the purpose on the part of Germany not to acquire any perma- nent foothold in Venezuela. The an swer of this government was entirely satisfactory to the German authorities, who since have proceeded with the ex- ecution of their plans for coercing Venezuela. It is said to be probable that the first move by Germany will. be the establishment of blockade of Venezuelan ports, so as to prevent the introduction of food products into Ven ezuela and thus starve the besieged into submission.
 Venezuela, it is said, is entirely de- pendent on the outside world for it's supply of corn, which is staple among the yenezuelans. The Ger mans are expected to occupy one or more of the main ports of Venezuela, probably La Guaira or Maracaibo. In this connection most positive as surances have been given to the Unit ed States government that the occu- patton is to be temporary and for such length of time as will permit the col lection of the debt due to Germans, thus disposing of the report that there is any ulterior purpose to establish q German coaling station on Venezuelan soil.
 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 to the defensive measures Venezuela is adopting, but 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 prac- tically defenseless against such pow erful armament as the Germans can bring to bear. The reliance of Vene- zuela appears to be on the practical difficulties Germany will encounter. Venezuela herself, 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. The interior of Venezuela is regarded as safe, as it is said that it would take at least POO OOO German soldiers to make headway through the wg,,.l and uneven country against guerril1a tactics.
 There appears also to be much reli- ance on the part of Venezuela i'll 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 of war.
 The presence of the north Atlantic squadron and many other American warships in West Indian waters is the source of much speculation in Ger many and Venezuela. The Berlin off, cials are assured that the presence of American ships has nothing to do with 1 Germany's plans against Venezuela, but at Caracas the presence of Ameri- can ships in the neighborhood is look ed upon with satisfaction and is con- strued as distinctly significant.