The Wilmington daily Republican., 1901-12-28
WARSHIp pSASSEM]I'BILE
osrmany's Attempt to Ooercs
Venezusla Watched.
UIl1ED STATES Bor TO INTERFERE
German Authorities Disavow Any,
Intention to AcQuire>SOuth Amer
: lean Territory-Only Wish Ii \
$, to Enforce Demands.

~ ~ DuhOtce De@Auugs
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2s-The gath
ering Of German warships in the vicin,,
ity of Venezuela and the presence In
the same locality of many American,
BritiDh, French and other foreign
warships is directing attention to the
imminence 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 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. 1t Is said to be probable
that the first move by Germany will
NC lhC Va u uiONAoAS Va
Venezuelan ports, SO as to prevent the
Introduction of food products into Ven.
ezuela and thus starye the besieged
into submission.
Venezuela, 1t is said, is entirely de.
pendent on the outside world for its
supply Of corn, which is u staple
among the Venezueluns. 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
Gurances 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
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 10 indication
that she is laying mines or preparing
In any way to resist an occupation of
La Guaira or Marucuibo, which are
such open ports that they are prac-
tically defenseless against such pow
erful armament MS the Germans can
bring 10 bear. The reliance of Vene-
zuelu 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 il is
said that 1t would take at least 2OO, 900
German soldiers to make headway
through the wild and uneven country
against guerrilla tactics.
There appears also to be much reli-
ance on the part of Venezuela in the
sentiment and sympathy which can be
aroused within the United States
when an European invaderis actually
operating on American soil and Vene-
zuela issues 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
Germany's plans against Venezuela,
but at Caracas the presence of Amcri-
can ships in the neighhorhood is look
ed upon with satisfaction and is con-
strued as distinctly significant.