The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-12-30
GERMAN GOVERNMENT
SILENT AS TO BLOCKADE.

Berlin December 29.-The German gov
ernment is silent as to when the Venez-
uelan blockade will be raised, or whether
it will be raised at all, until every ques-
tion concerning arbitration Of the dis
pute is settled. The acceptance of arbi-
tration after the blockade was begun
is certainly not received with popular
favor in Germany.
Gen. Won BoguslawaslSi, one of the fore
most military writer's, contributed to
Tagliche Rundschau his views upon the
Monroe doctrine and argues that the
withdrawal of the blockade at this stage
would show singular weakness. After al
luding to the late Prince Bismarcks ex-
preston that the Monroe doctrine as "a
great piece of impudence," the general
says:
THAT was a true word. America is
divided into many states. In varieties of
race and language she is hardly second to
Europe. How can one state assert that
it has the right of interference and pro-
lection over an entire continent, and that
1t will tolerate only under certain condi-
tions any action, however just of Euro
pean nations, against an American state?
further question is how 1t happens that
this doctrine, set up eighty years ago
by an American statesman, has been able
to Justify itself in fact with absolutely
no justification in the law of nations,
when the United States feels herself
threatened through any occupation of
territory. OF course she has the right,
like any other nation, to raise a protest
and If necessary employ force. But there
must be no talk of even an apparent
recognition of the Monroe doctrine as an
international law principle on the part
of the European nations. 1t is for the lat
ter to act; otherwise they will soon feel
the thumbscrews which they put on there
equipped Spain, American self-importance
has been infinitely increased, often show
ing a diseased character.
Have Not Diminished Self-Esteem.
The courtesies shown America by Ger
many have naturally not diminished
that self-esteem How little success ex-
cessive courtesy has wrought is again
shown her. Certainly the allies cannot
be blamed. for sharing the United States
sensitiveness to the greatest extreme,
and in seeking an agreement Herewith.
Regarding the action against Venezuela,
the allies not only did so, but even went
to the length OF Offering President Roose-
welt the arbitratorship after beginning
military action. He refused, and indeed
for the reason that the justice of the
case of the allies was so self evident that
his decision could only have been un-
favorable to Venezuela, thereby damag-
Ing the United States popularity with
the other nations of that hemisphere.
Now that warlike action has been begun
no thumbscrew can be tolerated as to
how far the action taken will extend.
Giving the United States binding prom
lses, would divest the action before hand
of lasting effect. If the United States
raises serious objection against this she
would have to determine what means are
at her disposal to give validity to her
objection. President Castro's demands,
that the powers raise the blockade and
return the captured vessels. must meet
with a decisive veto. Otherwise we shall
have a repitition Of the disgrace of Al
muetz at sea-"
Praises the United States.
The Frankfurter Zeitung halls President
Roosevelt's refusal as good news and
praises the United States for having done
so much to bring The Hague tribunal
- H. r1.1o L..