The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1902-01-02
EYES TURN TO VENEZUELA
GERMAN NAVAL DEMoNsTRA-
TloN is IMMINENT.
Warships of All the Powers Gather to
Observe Developments ~ ene-
zueIa Not Inclined to Yield.

zuela Not Inclined to Yield.
Washington, Dec. 2S.-The gather
Ing of German warships in the vicin-
ity of Venezuela, and the presence in
the same locality OF many American,
British, French and other foreign war
ships, directs attention to the immi-
nence of the naval demonstration
Germany is about to make against
Venezuela. Thus far the German gov
eminent has not made known the ex-
act details of her proposed move, the
official communication to the United
States being confined to an inquiry
as to the attitude of this government
on the question of a demonstration
in view of the purpose on the part
of Germany not to acquire any per-
manent foothold III Venezuela. The
answer of this government was en-
tirely satisfactory to the German au-
thorities, who since have proceeded
with the execution of their plans for
coercing Venezuela.
It is said to be probable that the
first move by Germany will be the
establishment of blockade of Ven
zuelan ports so as to prevent the in
PRODUCTION of food products into Ven
ezuela, and thus starve the besieged
into submission. Venezuela, it is said,
is entirely dependent on the outside
world for It's supply of corn, which is
staple among the Venezuelans. The
Germans are expected to occupy one
or more of the main ports of Vene-
zuela, probably La Guaira and Mara
eoibo. In this connection most pos
tive assurance has been given to the
United States government that the
occupation is to be temporary and only
for such length of time as will per-
nit the collection of the debt due
Germany, thus disposing of the ques-
ton that there is any Interior purpose
to 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 has
prepared for any eventuality. There
is complete silence. however, as to
the defensive measures Venezuela is
adopting, but there is no indication
that she is laying mines or preparing
in any way to resist an occupation
of La Guaira or Maracaibo, which are
such open seaports that they are prac-
tically defenseless against such power
full armament as the Germans can
bring to bear. The reliance of Vene-
zuela appears to be on the practical
difficulties Germany will encounter,
and, while corn is much used, in an
emergency there are many other GER
calls which can be put to use. More
over, the natives are said to be meat
eaters almost exclusively, and to have
no need for corn or outside products.
With reference to German occupation
Of one or more ports it is thought
to be likely that Venezuela will rely
on harrassing the invaders. The fresh
water supply of La Guaira and Mar
acaibo is drawn from interior streams
and lakes and these are not expected to
be cut off. The interior of Venezuela
is regarded safe as it is, as it would
take at least 100000 German soldiers
to make Roadway through the wild and
uneven country against guerilla tao
tics.
There appears also to be much reli-
'ance on the part of Venezuela in the
sentiment and sympathy which can be
aroused within the United States when
the European invader is actually OPP
Grating on American soil and Vene-
ezuela issues a declaration of war,
largely on the fact that foreign capital
is invested in the large Venezuelan
ports and would be the heaviest suffer-
ers from any destruction wrought by
the Germans.