The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1901-12-28
GERMANS PLAN
A BIC DISPLAY
Naval Demonstration to Be Made
at Venezuela.
LATTER ARE CONFIDENT
CLAIM FOREIGN INTERESTS Too
GREAT TO ALLOW BLOCKADE.

Washington Dec. 27.-The gathering
OF German warships in the vicinity of
Venezuela ana the presence in the same
locality of many American, British,
French and other foreign warships, is
directing attention to the immense
naval demonstration Germany is about
to make against Venezuela. Thus far
the German government has not made
the exact details Of her purposed move,
the official communications to the
United States being confined to an in
quiry as to the attitude Of this gov
eminent on the question of a demon
stratiOn in view of the purpose on the
part Of Germany not to acquire any
permanent foothold in Venezuela. The
answer Of this government was entire
ly satisfactory to the German authori-
ties. whO since have proceeded with the
execution Of their plans for coercing
Venezuela. 1t is said to be probable
that the first move by Germany will he
the establishment CT a blockade Of
Venezuelan ports, so as to prevent the
importation of food products into
into submission.
Venezuela is entirely dependent on
the outside world for its supply Of
corn, which is a staple among the Ven
ezuelans. The Germans are expected to
occupy one or more of the-nain ports
OF Venezuela, probe by La Guayra and
MaracaibO. In this position most posi-
tive assurances have been given to the
United States government that the oc-
CuDatiOn is TO be temporary. and only
for such length Of time as will permit
the collection of the debt due to the
Germans, thus dispOsing of the report
that there is any Interior purpose 20
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 pre-
pared for any eventuality. There is
complete silence, however, as To the
defensive measures Venezuela is adopt
ing, but there is no indie alton 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 they are practically defenseiess
against such powerful armament as the
Germans can bring to bear. The re-
lance Of Venezuela appears to be on
the practical difficulties Germany will
encounter. Venezuela. it is asserted.
has no need of outside support, and
while corn is much needed, in an emer-
gency there are many other cereals
which can be put to use. Moreover. the
natives are said to be meat eaters al
most exclusively, and TO have no need
for cor nor outside products. With
reference to German OCCUPATION of one
OF more ports. il is thought TO be likely
that Venezuela will rely on harassing
the invaders. The fresh water supply
of La GuayFa 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 it is said that It would take at
least 100000 German soldiers to make
Roadway through the Wild and uneven
country against guerrilla tactics.
There appears also to be much re-
lance on the part of Venezuela in the
sentiment and sympathy which can be
aroS SEQ within the United States when
a European invader is actually Operat-
Ing on American soil, and Venezuela
issues a declaration Of war Venezuela.
Il 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 Ger
mans. Money from France. England.
Germany and the United States has
built up La Guayra. MaraCaibo and the
other large places and little Venezuelan
capital 10 is said. is at stake A Ger
man blockade, NenezueIans declare.
viii prove quite as nnerous TO Amer
lean, British and o, er shipping as il
viii To the national 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 tha az the last
moment a clash may be averted. The
German minister To Z uezueIa is still
at his post, and there is some hope
that he may still bring about a settle
ment. The outlook for a cash settle
ment. however. is rather meager. since
Nenezuela's treasury Is empty and all
OF the Venezuelan officials are on half
pay. Another possible means of set
tiement is through the diplomatic Of
fees of a prominent Venezuelan official
now on foreign service. who has been
summonei by cable to return to Ca
r2cas, p-Jbabiy for the purpose OF
going on a special mission to Germany
The presence of the north Atlantic
squadron and many other American
Warships in West Indian waters is the
source of much speculation in GERMANY
and Venezuela. The Berlin officials are
assured that the presence Of American
ships has nothing to do with Germany's
plans against Venezuela, but at Caracas
the presence Of American ships IN the
neighSOrhood is looked upon with sat
iSfsctiOn, and IS construed as distinctly
Significant.