The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-08-13
THESE SOUTH AMERICAN REPUBLICS
ON THE VERGE OF WAR.
VENEZUELAN TERRITORY INVADED
By Colombian Troops Under Command
Of1cfals Giving This Matter Close
Attentfon-The Time Not Yet Ar
rived TO Take Actfon.The wiscon-
sin IND Other warships Probably
to be Sent to the Isthmus.

WilIemstad, Island Of Curacao, Au.
gust 9.-The Venezuelan government
that a new Colombian inva-
sion occurred yesterday morning rear
Colon The invading force is COM
manded by the Colombian minister Of
war.
Washington, August 9.-The situation
in Colombia and Venezuela continued
to occupy much of the attention of Of
ficials here today, and while it was not
felt that affairs had reached a seri-
Gus aspect, yet it was appreciated tina
both the official and unofficial advices
indicated a condition of affairs which
might meal war between Columbia
n Venezuela, complicated by revo-
lutionary outbreaks in both countries.
During the day the state department
received a rather lengthy mail COM
munication from Consul General Gud-
ger at Panama. n though this was
dated nearly a month ago, it told of
the landing of a revolutionary expedi-
ton and expressed the current belief
held at Panama that this would be
followed by other expeditions. The
department also received a letter from
j. Edwar Simmons, of New York,
president of the Panama Railroad
Company, confirming his communica-
ton of yesterday relative to the trou-
BILE on the isthmus, and stating that
the superintendent of the road had ad'
Nised him as to the d~epredations of an
inSurgent band, which did not number
however, much over fifty men.
The more serious aspect of the matter
was presented in the above press dis
patch from Willemstad, stating that
the Colombians had again invaded
Venzuela. There was no official con
frmation as to this, but if it proves
correct. there seems little chance OF
avoiding an open conflict between
these two countries, as such an inva.
sion by Colombia would. in itself, be
an act of war; but the authorities here
prefer to take a conservative view OF
the situation until the official advice
are in hand.
When inquiry was made as to VIII
our officials at Bogata and elsewhere
did not send full information on the
subject it was stated that these off.
Gals were not there to ~communicate
news, but only to advise this govern.
ment as a preliminary to any officia
action which might become necessary
AT the navy department, no further
steps were taken toward sending
4 III ~ tlt lSllllliuS- IL was OellIlle'
ly decided, however, to send the battle.
ship Wisconsin down to San Diego
Cal, in case the desirability of tina
move became vident by the time sht
reached San Francisco and the stat,
department was so advised. Thert
was some comment also, as to the pos
sibility of sending down some Of tn,
ships of Inc North Atlantic squadron
but Acting Secretary Hackett treated
these suggestions is rather premature
There is no doubt, however, that al
ample force will be sent from tn
squadron if it's presence seems desir
able.
San Diego, Cal. August 9.-The Unit
ed States steamship Ranger now a
this port, will probably leave for Pan.
anna in a day or two to protect Amer.
lean interests during the present rev
olution in Colombia. Captain Field
commanding, has orders to be ready tt
go to sea at once. The vessel can leave
within twety-four hours if ordered. Sh,
is taking on three months provisions