Omaha daily bee., 1902-12-16

~ - III =
suggested to the admiralty that II would be
necessary, In order to bring effective pres
sure on Venezuela, to blockade the ports
Of La GuAyra. Puerto Cabello and Mara
caIbo. toward the end OF November, and
seize all Venezuelan gunboats until the
demands are complied with"
Lord Lansdowne, on October %, said the
blockade was open to some objection, but
endorsed the seizure Of the vessels.
In another communication, dated Novem-
Der II. Lord Lansdowne said that Germany
concurred in the view that Joint action
should be maintained until the demands or
both governments we're satisfied.
After settling with Germany the mode
OF procedure and the Instructions to be
sent to the naval commanders, Lord Lans-
downe. on November 81, informed Mr..
HaEgerd thereof. and gave instructions as
TO his course regarding the presentation
Of the ultimatum and the minister's de-
psrture from Caracas, which have been
since followed out.
orumon Discusses Affairs.
The House Of Commons was crowded this
evening when the Venezuelan matter came
up for debate Henry White, the Amer
lean charge d'affairs. had a seat in the
diplomatic gallery.
Lord Cranborne explained that the pa
pers were most voluminous and those is
sued today were only a summary. Great
Britain had to perform police duty and to
prevent Venezuela from breaking the law
of nations. The United States took the
sensible view that Great Britain's insist
apce that Venezuela should meet her en-
gngements was not an infraction OF the
Monroe doctrine.
mo country mas been more anxious than
Great Britain" said he, ito assist the
American government in maintaining that
doctrine"
Continuing, he said the British govern
ment had displayed great forbearance, and
II was only after Venezuela had been thrice
summoned to do right that the government
bad been driven to strong measures.
The liberal leader, Sir Henry Campbell
B~annerman, voiced his strong dissatlsfac-
tion at Lord Cranborne's speech and COM
planned Of lack OF information.
Mr.. Balfour declared there was no JUS
tifation for the assumption that the gov
eminent was prepared to go to war for the
Venezuelan bondholders. The crux Of the
matter was a series of outrages by Vene-
zuela on British seamen and ship owners,
for which not only had compensation been
refused, but Great Britain's remonstrance
had been entirely disregarded.
In so far as the financial claims were
concerned, the government was prepared
to agree 10 a tribunal to assess them
equitably. D.
He added that the United States govern
ment had not suggested arbitration, and II
was unfortunate Venezuela should not have
thought Of the advantages of arbitration
during the long period covered by the con-
troversy, but on the contrary should have
refused all explanation or apology until
actually engaged in hostilities.
LONDON, Dec. 16.-With the exception
Of what ls termed Lord Cranborne's I'M
fortunate remarks about 1t being Great
B%ritain's duty to police the nations, gen.
eral approval is expressed in this morn.
ing's papers, with the tone of the govern
ment's explanations.
Situation in
CARACAS. Venezuela, Dec. I5.-inaction
reigns in government circles here. The
officials do not know what to do and arc
depending entirely upon the United States
to assist them.
A movement is on foot here, headed by
prominent doctors and. lawyers, to request
President Castro to resign and to ask Vice
President Ramon Ayala TO assume the
presidency and form a cabinet without
party tendencies. 1t Is also proposed to
summon congress to appoint a temporary
president and arrange the questions in dis
pute In a manner satisfactory to all con-
cerned.
General Hernandez ell Mocho, who ha,
just been released from prison at Mara.
caybo. is expected at Caracas tomorrow
His partisans are very active and further
trouble is apprehended.
The Venezuelan government announces
that Great Britain has opened the naviga
tion Of the Orinoco river. Two war ships
will patrol the mouth of the river and thf
river itself. This measure applies only to
foreign ships. Vessels flying the Vene-
zuelan nag are excluded.
Forts of M~aracaybO Threatened.
The government reports that the German
cruiser Panther is going to Maracaybo t
destroy the forts there.
Mr.. Bowen, at the request Of the
Dutch minister, DR.. Van Leyden, who IL
sick at Curacao, has taken charge of Dutch
interests here.
The leading merchants Of La Guayra ar,
rived here last night, abandoning that port
owing to fear that 1t will be shelled today
At 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon foul
loud explosions alarmed the city Of Puerto
Cabello. On investigation 1t was found tina
British marines had blown up the sub.
terranean prison cells Of Castle Libertabol
with dynamite. They also burned all thu
wooden buildings surrounding the castl'
and carried away everything that could b
transported:
Italy Joins Allies.
BERLIN. Dec. 15.-The foreign ofhce to
day stated that Italy would participate II
the blockade by agreement with the allie
and that 4 portion Of the coast would b.
assigned to Italian ships. The proceeding
against Venezuela thus become in ever.
respect tripartite.
In ofaeial quarters here II is sat
the Venezuelan vessels sunk OF L
Guayra we're old and worthless reve
nue. cutters and unit to go to sea. and ths
the other ships captured have been sen
to a certain West Indain port to be rehtte
for use during the blockade.
The destruction OF the Venezuelan Graf
It is added. was necessarv in order 1
prevent them from falling into the hand
OF the Venesuelans. as the German vessel
had to leave La Guayra.
Venezuela's proposition, through Nj
Bowen, to submit the questions 4
dispute to arbitration has now been re
eeived here. The Foreign once says thl
will not delay Germany's and Grea
Britain's measures previously decided upoI
The ~oficials here do not indicate whit