Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-12-28
may BLOCKADE PORTS
Warlike Demonstration Against
Venezuela Reing Watchedby
All Nations.
The Exact Details Of the Kaiser's
Program Not Yet Made
Public.
Blockade of Venezuelan Ports
Probably the First Step to
Be Taken.

Washington, Dec. 2S.-The gathering
OF German warshfps in the vicinity OF
Venezuela, and the presence in the
same locality of many American, Brit
ish, French, and other foreign war
ships, is directing attention to the inn
minence of the naval demonstration
Germany is about to make against Ven
ezuela Thus far, the German govern
ment has not made known the exact
details of her proposed move, the offic-
ial communications to the United
States being confined to an inquiry as
to the attitude of this government on
the question Of demonstration In
view of the purpose on the part of
Germany not to aquire any permanent
foothold in Venezuela.
The answer of this government was
entirely satisfactory to the German
authorities, who since have proceeded
with the execution of their plans for
coercing Venezuela. II is said to be
probable that the first move by Germany
will be the establishment of a block
ade of Venezuelan ports, SO as to pre-
vent the introduction of food products
into Venezuela and thus starve the be-
sieged into submission.
Venezuela, 1t is said, is entirely de-
pendent on the outside world for it's
supply OF corn, which is a staple among
the venezuelans. The Germans are
expected to occupy one or more of the
main ports of Venezuela, probably La
Guayra and Maracaibo. In this con-
nection most positive assurances have
been given to the United States gov
eminent that the occupation is to be
temporary, and only for such legnth
of time as will permit the collection of
the debt due to Germans, thus dispos-
ing OF the report that there is any I'LL
terror purpose to establish a German
coaling station on Venezuelan soil.
On the part af Venezuela, it is semi
officially understood that President
pared for any eventuality. There is
complete silence, however, as to the
defensive measures Venezuela is adopt
ing, but there is no indication that she
is laying mines or preparing in any
way to resist an occupation of La
Guayra or Maracaibo, which are such
open ports that hey IRE practically de-
fenseless against such powerful arma-
ment as the Germans can bring to
bear, The reliance Of Venezuela ap-
pears to be on the practical difficulties
Germany will encounter. Venezuela,
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. More
over, the natives are said to be meat
eaters almost exclusively, and to have
no need for corn or,outside products.
With reference to German occupation
of one or more ports 1t is thought to be
likely that Venezuela will rely on har-
assing the invaders. The fresh water
supply OF La Guayra and Maracaibo is
drawn from interior streams and lakes
and these are expected to be cut of. The
interior OF Venezuela is regarded as
safe, as 1t is said that 1t would take at
least 100000 German soldiers to make
Roadway thru the wild and uneven
country against guerrilla tactics.
There appears also to be much reli-
ance on the part OF Venezuela in the
neutuIlcul talIu hyiipdluy WHICH, Viii NC
aroused within the United States when
a European invader is actually operat-
ing on American soil and Venezuela
issues 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 sufferer
from any destruction wrought by the
Germans. Money from France, England,
Germany and the United States has
built up LIZ Guayra, Maracaibo and the
other large places. and little Venezuelan
capital, 1t is said, is at stake. A German
blockade, yenezuelans declare, will
prove quite as onerous to American,
British and other foreign shipping as it
will to the internal interests Of Vene-
zuela. and these shipping interests are
expected to appeal to their several gov
ernments.
There are a few hopeful signs on both
sides that at the last moment clash
may be averted The German ministerto
Venezuela is still at his post, and there
Is some hope that he may still bring
about q settlement. The outlook for
cash settlement, however, is rather mea-
ger, since venezuela's treasury is emp
ty, and all OF the Venezuelan officials are
~ n ~ nav