The Washington times., 1901-12-30
NO CAUSE FOR
GERMAN WAR.
Views Of a Latin Republic
Diplomat.
WOULD Be TOO MUCH At STAKE.
Declares That Monroe Doctrine Is
Not Threatened by the Kaiser,
Nor Is Venezuela's Territory
Menaced-Seeks Only the Pay
ment of Debt Deemed Just.

| Menaced-SeekS Only the ray
ment of Debt Deemed Just.
There has been considerable newspa-
| per talk OF late about the likelihood of
war between the United States and Ger
| many" said a secretary of the legation of
one of the Latin Republics yesterday.
but you may depend on it that neither
| Germany nor the United States will be
| foolish enough to embark on a war solely
on account OF the Venezuelan indebted
ness to German capitalists. There is too
much at stake.
You can figure it out yourself" said
| the diplomat. THE expenses incident to
the preparation for war by either country
would be far greater than the whole sum
of Venezuela's debt to Germany. Germany
knows that, and Emperor William is too
well informed on the resources of the
United states to engage in a war which is
bound to result ultimately in the loss of
lives, treasure trade. and prestige.
Germany Would Fare Worse.
Germany. even if the United States
should come out of the fight crippled as
much as Germany. would fare worse in
the end America has ineXhaustible re-
sources and would quickly recover from
any sort Of reverses. whereas Germany is
now taxing its people to its utmost has
France as an enemy on one side and Rus
sia on the other side, a more than doubt
ful neutral Power
This talk of America being bound
sooner or later to have a war with Ger
many only strengthens the Kaiser's posi-
tion in the sReichstag as regards his de-
mands for an increased navy. and | would
not be one bit surprised IL the attitude
OF some OF your American papers in the
Venezuelan discussion would aid En-
peror William in obtaining from the
Reichstag what under ordinary eircum-
stances would be exceedingly difficult.
1T is a game which will benefit the
German aspirations for more powerful
navy-a navy which. as il stands now.
ranks with that of the United States. or
is even little stronger, If comparisons
are in order.
Our German Americans.
Then another important factor to be
taken into consideration by the American
diplomatists is that OF the German ele-
ment in this country and their numerous
Offspring The Germans. as you well
know. even when tney have been in this
country for many years. and have raised
families here. stick TO the customs and
language Of the Fatherlsnd. and thereby
keep up a connection with their brothers
across the sea. They are good and thrifty
Americans; they prove to be the best
acquisitions this country can make. and
have willi8gly responded to the call OF
arms when the United States was in
danger. But this great country of yours
was never at war with Germany. and.
notw thstanding all surmises 20 the con-
trary. you don't know what the Germans
OF this country would do In case the
United States should declare war against
the land of their birth.
Venezuela owes the Money.
Another feature of the question which
must BE- well considered is that Venezuela
owes 20 Germany the money which the
latter now is trying TO collect yene-
zuela knew what she was doing when she
permitted the investment OF German CAPT
tai within her boundaries. II is an honest
debt and should be paid. The American
Government IS well aware OF this fact
and do not think that President Roose-
welt would protect Venezuela In the pres
ent situation under any preteXt. IL war
were risked on that score alone by the
aad a calamity.
Emperor william. SO far as | am
aware has not at any time disputed the
validity of the Monroe Doctrine, and so
far as our information on the subject !
goen intends making demonstration in !
Venezuelan waters simply for the purpose |
Of protecting German interests and no |
more That is fair, and Americans are |
falr-minded people. This matter is well |
Ill Col aH
readers, and / know your Government |
would not consent for one moment to as
sist Venezuela in shirking her duties and |
evading her honest debts.
''Of course the matter would be entire |
Is different If the German Government |
had designed any protracted or perra-
nent occupation Of Venezuelan territory. |
Then the American Government would be !
justified in assuming an attitude whereby |
the observance Of the Monroe Doctrine |
would be forced on Germany by all legiti- |
mate means. Such not being the case, |
however. l fail 10 see any good reason !
for war between two nations which have |
always been on most intimate and frieEd |
iy terms.
German Interests in Brazil.
Another myth is that Of German agi- !
tation in Brazil to restore the monarchy. !
II ID true thai thfre are WhOle states or /
Provinces in Brazil that have been set |
tied by and are populated by Germans
They have made that country their per-
manent home have transplanted thcis
language and customs, and occupy positions |
OF public trust and seats in the Legisla-
ture OF Brazil. They are better satisfied |
under the Republic than they were under
the monarchy. because as il is now they
elect their own representatives TO the
laWIualting hoiies of tLeir adopted
country.
Germany las considerable interests at
stake in Brazil, and 1t is but natural that
Emperor William should take deep in
terest in the welfare OF his subjects and |
the advancement of the material interests |
Of his Empire. Your Government is doing |
idcniicaily the same thing and to be con
sistent you must not deny others what !
you yourself claim a right The En-
peror OF Germany has not forgotten the
fate of the Emperor OF Mexico. and It Is !
really ridiculous 10 discuss the reports
his intention to plant the ban
ner OF his Empire on Brazilian or any
other soil on the Western hemisphere
which has the benefit OF the Monroe Doc
irine"
No Appeal in Personal Tax CHsc.
After talking the matter over ir board