The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-17
GERMANY MUST SHOW HAND

II.
agent in this island of the Venezuelan
revolutionists. according to the Heralds
Port of Spain, Trinidad, correspondent,
denies the report that they have joined
common cause with Castro against the
allies.
On the contrary. according to reports
received, the government troops under
General Velutini have been twice de-
I feated by the revolutionistS, first at
Guiria and second at FL Chico, where
they were completely routed and fled in
disorder.
Moreover, it is reported from Alta
Gracia that General Rolando, at the
head of 5000 revolutionists. is marching
on Caracas with the object of capturing
the city and overthrowing Castro.
The rebels in Trinidad believe that If
Rolandos movement proves successful
he will elect a new president who win
treat with England and Germany and
thus quickly end the difficulty.
WANT PLACE ON GROUND FLOOR
Caracas, Dec. 1.-THE Spanish minis
ter to Venezuela, Senior Gayton de Aya-
Ia, and the Belgian charge d'affalres,
Heyde, have presented a joint letter to
the Venezuelan minister of foreign af
fairs in which they ask, in case the
claims of other foreign powers are paid
by Venezuelan. that the same treat
ment be given these powers be accorded
to Spain and Belgium.
ALL ASHAMED OF IT.
Berlin, Dec. 1.-THE foreign office Of
ficials allege that systematic effort is
apparently being made to represent
Germany as the propellng power in the
coercion of Venezuela and as being re-
sponsible for all the harsh measures
For instance, they say, the lombard
ment of the forts at Porto Cabello is
ascribed to German initiative, whereas
they say without reservation. that the
bOmbardment was at the British COM
mander's suggestion, the Topaze being
the British ship. The German comman-
der participated in the firing as a loyal
,I1 TTta fS M
insisting on more severe measures than
the original plan contemplated, and re-
CARDS the sinking of the 1.-TWO diminu
tive, wholly unseawOrthy craft as an
/ insignificant Incident
Germany and Great Britain are still
considering President CaStrO'S arbitra-
ton proposition. but the deliberations
have not yet reached a stage where the
results can be published.
The Berlin newspapers today print
from Kiel a statement that the German
cruisers Ariadne, Amazon and Niobe are
again being equipped for departure to
Venezuela, but the correspondent of the
Associated Press is informed officially
that no such orders have been given
and that it will depend later upon the
demands of the blockade whether addi-
tional vessels will be sent.
BALFOUR SAYS WAR EXISTS.
London. Dec. 17.-In the course of a
long statement in the house of COM
mons today Premier Balfour said there
I
ade." A state of war actually existed
with Venezuela. and an intimation Of
the blockade would shortly be given TO
/ the powers.
Mr.. Balfour added that the blockade
would be carried out with as little in
convenience TO neutraAs as possible.
/ Nothing definite had occurred with ref
erence to the arbitration proposals since
his previous statement on the subject.
The premier also said the OPERATORS
were reluctantly undertaken, not to re-
cover debts. but, after long and pa
tient delay, to recover compensation for
assaults on British subjects and the
seizure of British vessels. He believed
that the Germans also had claims be-
sides the financial ones.
| Mr. Healey, Irish Nationalist, asked IL
the United States assented to a block
ade which would exclude United States
vessels Mr.. Balfour replied:
'Neutrals are not consulted when you
are in a state of war with third party"
| Is war declared ?" asked Mr.. Healey.
The premier replied: Does the hon
orable member suppose that without
state of war you can take vessels and
have a blockade?"
Replying to further questions. Mr..
Balfour said he had nothing to add re-
garding arbitration beyond what was
contained in his previous statement on
the subject Papers were being prepared
and would be presented to the house d .
soon as possible. He assumed they
would include the communications
/ blockade between the United States and
Great Britain.
Mr. Balfour's statement was made III
reply to the desire of the Liberal leader
Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman, for in
formation on the Venezuelan situation.
After reiterating Lord Lansdownes
brief statement in the house of lords
yesteT day. the premier continued:
THE blockade will be carried out by
Great Britain and Germany along diff
| ferent portions of the coast. and though
the two fleets will have the same OBJ
/ Jects they Will not act as one force. We
never had any intention of landing
/ troops in Venezuela or of occupying ter
ritOry even temporarily. We do not
think it desirable on either military or
other grounds All the conditions gov
erning such a blockade have been care
fully considered. and will be published
in due time for the information of neu-
trails. The government is most anxious
THAT these opera tions. the necessity for
which we deeply regret, should be as
little inconvenient to neutrals as they
can possibly be made. No difference will
be made between the vessels of the va
rious neutral powers. I think it is quite
likely that the United States will think
there can not be such a thing as pa
cific blockade and personally take the
same view Evidently a blockade in
wolves a state of war"
Mr.. Balfour concluded his statement
with saying he could make no ar
nouncement as to whether the offer of
arbitration from Venezuela would t=
accepted bv Great Britain
STANDING BY CASTRO.
New York. Dec. 1.-THE consul gen
eral of Venezuela in this city today re-
ceived the following ca blegram:
Caracas Dec. 17--Bankers. bar, com
merce and society and clergy, consti
tuted in committee. approve the govern
ment's attitude and offer President Cas-
tro their aid unreservedly
TORRES CARDENAS
Secretary to the President"
ITALY HAS OLD GRUDGE
Rome. Dec. 1.-THE announcement of
the presentation yesterday afternoon of
Italys ultimatum TO Nenezeula- was re-
CeiVed with general satisfaction Analf