New-York tribune., 1902-11-21
THE ORINOCO BLOCKADE,
EUROPEAN NATIONS DECLARE IT TO
BE INEFFECTIVE.
MINISTER BOWEN DECLINES TO JOIN
IN THIS OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
THREATENS ENGLAND

Caracas. Nov. 20.-An effort is being made by
the European diplomats TO persuade the Ameri-
minister Mr.. Bowen, to join in declara-
tion that the blockade of the Orinoco River is
ineffective, which is the position taken UP by
Germany, France and Italy. well as Great
Britain Mr. Bowen has given discreet re-
fusal, and Is avoiding the question with view
not to jeopardize American interests and to
leave the hands of the Washington government
free The secretary of legation, w. w Russell,
in his report. the recent trip Of the United
States gunboat Marietta up the Ornoco holds
that the blockade of Ciudad Bolivar is effective
which is a partial support of the Venezuelan
contention
The government organ, in a statement inspired
by the Foreign Office renews its attack on the
British Minister, Mr.. Haggard, who, according
to the decree issued by the Trinidad Govern
ment furnished evidence on the illegality Of
the Orinoco blockade, and asserts that the Brit
ish Minister is seeking to make effect on the
eve of his departure The paper criticises the
action of Great Britain in occupying the island
of Patos. in addition to her attitude toward the
blockade. and continues
1t is time that Venezuela should take into
serious consideration these attempts against her
sovereignty by power which, while ostenslbiy
1riendly' is really hostile SmaH Peoplgs
through their army and navy have likewise their
strength, and can make II felt Let not THESE
attempts put President Castro under the neces-
sity of acting and proceeding energetiCaly be
cause Great Britain might suffer by it.
The strong stand made by President Castro
is based on confidence that Great Britain viii
not invite compIica tions with the United States
by having to resort force The belief is en-
tertained by shrewd and impartial diplomats
that the ultimate object of Great Britain's ac-
ton in making the issue a serious one is to
bring about arbitration on all the questions
under dispute. Minister Bowen has counselled
President Castro 10 be patient, the new
British Minister, Mr.. Bax-Ironsides will shortly
relieve Mr Haggard, and an amcable agreement
will be reached with him
The German gunboat Panther has arrived at
Maracaibo to protect German interests there.
This port was recently inspected by German
officer. which leads TO the belief that Maracaibo
may be one of the ports seized when Germany
presses her claims
Willemstad Island of Curacao. Nov. 19.-The
strain in the relations between Great Britain
and Venezuela. already great. has been intens-
fed by the refusal of the British Government
to give satisfaction in the Ban Righ affair and
by the publication by the government Of Trn-
dad OF the decree announcing that the blockade
of the Orinoco River ports declared by the
Venezuelan Government. is null and OF no
effect. The Trinidad Government has also failed
to recognize the Presidential proclamation made
the day following the fight OF General Matos.
and President Castro regards this omission
further evidence that the British encourag
ing the revolution. Mr.. Haggard, the British
Minister at Caracas, reiterated a few days ago
to the Venezuelan Government that Great
Britain did not hold herself liable for the action
OF the Ban Righ. that she continues perfectly
neutral. and that indication OF her CON
ciIiatory attitude. she refused to permit the
Ban Righ 10 reht Trinidad This statement
is not acceptable to President Castro, who in
sists on having satisfaction.
The organ Of the Venezuelan Government pub
fishes the aforementioned decree of the Trini-
dad Government. and bitterly attacks Great
Britain on that score 1t says that Trinidad
has been the headquarters Of General Matos's
revolution, that men and munitions have been
sent from that island. and that Great Britain
has melted and prejudiced the world against
President Castro. The journal declares that the
blockade is effective, and that British vessels
will be seized if they violate 1t. Minister Hag
gard declines to make any statement, but in
diplomatic circles It is understood that Great
Britain would release her ships by force. and
that this was one of the purposes Of the recently
reported entrance of one of her warships into
the Orinoco.
Germany is upholdlng Great Britain, and is
threatening a rupture of relations with Venez-
uela, but no action has yet been taken.
1t is considered remarkable that President
Castro has not reassumed the functions of the
President of Venezuela, which he gave over to
the Vice President when he took the field prior
TO the battle Of La Victoria. This delay the
part of President Castro is regarded by the
diplomats as an indication that he is not
satisfied that the revolution is over although
he informed the foreign ministers that It would
be completely ended not later than December.
YALE HEN CRUSH" SPECTATORS.