The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-28
Possibility that bankrupt Venezuela
May Resist and that Her Ports
May Be Bombarded.
AN INCIDENT AT LAGUAYRA
VENEZUELAN HEALTH OFFICER NOT
PERMITTED ON A GERMAN SHIP.
Explanation Made Later that the OFF,
Ger Called Too EarIy-France
Also May Cause Trouble.

WASHINGTON. Dec. 27.-The gathering
OF German warships in the vicinity of Ven
ezuela and the presence in the same To-
cality of many American. British, 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
government has not made known the exact
details of her proposed move. the official
communications to the United States being
confined 10 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
permanent foothold in Venezuela The an
swer of this government was entirely
satisfactory to the German authorities.
who since have proceeded with their plans
for coercing Venezuela.
II is said to be probable the first move
by Germany will be the establishment of
a blockade of Venezuelan ports so as TO
prevent the introduction of food products
into Venezuela and thus starve the be-
sieged into submission. Venezuela, it is
said, Is entirely dependent or the outside
world for its supply of corn. which is
staple among the Venezuelans. The Ger
mans are expected to occupy one or more
OF the main ports OF Venezuela, probably
Lssuayra and Maracaibo. In this con-
nection positive assurances have been
given to the United States government
that the occupation is to be temporary and
only for such length of time as will per-
nit the collection of the debt due to
Germans. thus disposing of the report that
there is any ulterior purpose to establish
a German coaling station in Venezuelan
soil
On the part of Venezuela 1t is semi-of-
fcially 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 in
dications that she is laying mines or pre-
pairing in any way to resist an occupation
of L9guayra or Maracaibo, which are
defenseless against such powerful arma-
ment as the Germens can bring to bear
The reliance of Venezuela appears TO be
on the principal difficulties Germany will
encounter. Venezuela, IL 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
10 use. Moreover. the natives are said
10 be meat-eaters almost exclusively and
ucts.
With reference to German occupation OF
one or more ports IL is thought to be like
ly that venezuela will rely on harassing
the invaders. The fresh water supply OF
Iaguayra and Maracaibo is drawn from
interior streams and lakes, and these are
expected TO be cut off. The interior of
Venezuela is regarded as safe. as IL is said
II would take at least 10000 German SOL
diers TO make headway through the wild
and uneven country against guerrilla tao
tics
There appears also to be much reliance
on the part of Venezuela in the sentiment
IfH
the United States when a European in
Vader is actually operating on American
SOIL and Venezuela issues a declaration of
war. venezuela IL is understood also re-
lies largely on the fact that foreign capi-
tai 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 La
guayra. Maracaibo and the other large
places, and little Venezuelan capital it is
said, Is at stake A German blockade
NeneZuelanS declare, will prove quite as
onerous 70 American. British and other
interests OF venezuela, and these shipping
interests are expected TO appeal to their
hopeful signs on both sides that at the last
moment a clash may be averted
The German minister TO Venezuela is
still at his post, and there is some hope
that he may still bring about a settle
ment. The outlook for a cash settlement
however. is rather meager, since Venezue-
Id treasury Is empty and all or the Nene-
zuelan officials are on half pay. Another
possible means of settlement is through
the diplomatic offices OF prominent Vene-
zuelan Official now on foreign service. who
has been summoned by cable to return TO
Caracas, probably for the purpose of go
Ing on special mission TO Germany
The presence of the North Atlantic SQUAD
ron and many other American warships In
West Indian waters Is the source OF much
speculation IN Germany and Venezuela The
Berlin officials are assured the presence of
American ships has nothing TO do with
Germanys plans against Venezuela but
at Caracas the presence OF American shiDs
I'm the neighborhOod is looked upon with
satisfaction and Is construed as distinctly
significant.
The North Atlantic squadron. CONSISTING
or the battIeships Kearsarge Massachu-
setts and Alabama, with the collier Hanni-
bal. has arrived at Culebra island the
newly selected naval station east OF the
island OF Porto Rico. and very near 10 81
Thomas. While this place is much nearer
the Venezuelan coast than Havana from
which point the squadron has Just arrived
at Culebra. il Is stated that the squadron's
business Is not connected with Venezuelan
matters. but Is 10 carry out certain STRAIT
egic movements framed by the general na-
val board The harbOr OF San Juan is not
accessible 10 the warships with their deem
Department 10 develop the possibilities OF
Culebra island "A naval base for which
n Is believed 10 be admirably suited
He Called Too Early
CARACAS. Venezuela. Dec 27.-The Ger
man cruiser Vfneta anchored of Iag,ta,ra