Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-12-18
Venezuelan Situation Attracts
Much Attentiona at Washington.
lOWAN TO OPPOSE ARMY CANTEEN
Signing Of the Protocol Of a Treaty
With Cuba Causes Satisfaction in
4 Capital city--Eieht Hour Work Day
Bill Holds Attention.
[BY H. ]. MAHIN.l

Washington, d. c., Dec 17.-There
is much talk to the effect that the Uni
ted States should act as mediator
between Venezuela and her two pow
erful opponents, England and Ger
many. The increase of violence and
agitation in Venezuela, however, makes
1t look as though it would be hard for
anyone to bring about arbitration.
Secretary Hay has been busy the past
few days comforting with senators and
representatives who are already be-
ginning to show anxiety over the We
nezuelan situation. The opinion of
leading statesmen! is that at present
the matter is not grave as far as the
interests of this country are concern
ed but that it contains possibilities
that may demand instant and serious
action of the government at any time.
One possibility of the continuing of
hoStilities between Venezuela and the
foreign powers is the setting up of an
other government that would over
throw the Castro government and
which might not be as friendly to the
United States as; is Castro and his
party. The. United States will not let
England and Germany step in and con-
quer Venezuela So these countries
could gain their, purpose best by as
sisting revolution that would over
throw Castro and which once in pow
er would be subserVient to the foreign
powers to all intents and purposes.
The talk Of the United States as an
arbitrator is not generally popular.
The country would have to stand the
certain dissatisfaction attendant upon
rending a decision and it is thought
]. tln Y,oo tnr q
red to the Hague tribunal.
The Canteen Question.
Several Iowa congressman have re-
ceived letters advising them of reso-
buttons passed by meetings of their
constituents against the army can
teen and against Secretary's Roots
recommendation that it be re-estab-
lished. One of the members Of the
delegation who is we'll known for his
fairness and absolute integrity told
me the other day that he had written
In reply to one of these resolutions
that he intended to vote against the
canteen again as he had done before
but that he did not agree in any criti
cism OF Secretary Root. Mr.. Root,
he said" is one of the fairest and alb
= lest men in the cabinet. | do not be
lieye that he would recommend the
canteen unless he was thoroughly con
WINGED that such recommendation was
for the best. Nevertheless | do not
like the idea of the government being
in the liquor business in any shape OF
form"
Lot Thomas and Polygamy.
Congressman Thomas caused a lit
tie stir the other day by voting in the
judiciary committee against submit
ting bill prohibiting polygamy in the
United States. 1t must not be sup
posed that Mr.. Thomas did this be
cause he was in favor of polygamy
His idea on the matter was more tt
the effect that legislation on this mat
ter was more of state than nation
eli matter. Nearly every state in thu
union has laws against it now. Some
question too whether the national gov
eminent has any more place in mat
ter of this sort than in laws on mar
riage or divorce. Anyhow the bill will
not be presented for Mr.. Thomas yot'
ust decided the matter the result be
ing z to 6.
A Treaty With Cuba.
The news that the protocol of
treaty with Cuba had been signed wa
received in Washington with mucl
satisfaction. The particulars in tn
matter are awaited with interest.
is now sincerely hoped by the friend
of Cuba that there will be no oppos
ton in the senate to speedy ratifics
ton. President Roosevelt has lahore
long and hard for this outcome and
Is confidently stated in official circle
that theIe is not much doubt but wha
much of last years opposition ha
been overcome and reciprocity wit
Cuba wall soon be a reality. Cuba
friends declare that the country doe
not appear in this matter as mend
cant but that she is offering much {
value In return for what she asks
The official document has not ye
reached the state department an
there is no idea as yet how soon
may be presented to the senate.
The Eight Hour Bill.
There is a good deal of lobbying
the interests of labor going on in tn
capitol at present. The eight hot
bill is being given hearings by tn
committee. The bill is being som