The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-12-11
MUST RELEASE PRISONERS.
Minister Bowen Makes Demand on
 President Castro.

Washington, Dec. 1n-But one cable gram was received today by the State Department from Minister Bowen at Caracas. That relates to the seizure by British and German vessels of the Ven ezuelan navy at La Guiara. He makes no reference whatever to any seizure of custom houses. Mi. Bowen expresses the opinion that similar seizures may have been made at other ports.
 It was said at the British and German embassies today that the action of Pres ddent Castro in ordering the arrest of all subjects of the British and German Governments in Caracas was without precedent in the history of civilized coun- tries supposedly at peace with each oth- CT, and that such action would be re- garded as sufficient ground for declara- tion of war.
 Men bers of the diplomatic corps here. indeed. regard 1t as being such declara- ton in itself.
 Many years ago when President Soras was at the head of the Buenos Ayres Government, Great Britain became in- volved in dispute with the South Amer . ican country, and Soras issued a decree that all British subjects should be ar rested and their heads taken off at the first shot fired from the British men-of- war then threatening to lombard cities along the Argentine coast. Fortunately, an agreement was reached and the dras- tic order was not carried out.
 Minister Bowen's prompt action in de- manding of President Castro the release of the German and British subjects ar rested in Caracas yesterday Is in accord ance with the plan agreed on between the German and British Ambassadors and Secretary Hay when the former called at the State Department fully three weeks ago. and in anticipation of the present ugly situation in Venezuela, requested that the United States Minister at Caracas be permitted to protect the lives and property of all British and German citi- zens in Venezuela.
 It Is understood that Castro was notified of this action. It was pointed out by a European diplomat of high rank today that in forcing Minister Bowen to demand the release of arrested subjects, President Castro Is acting directly contracy to the desire of the Washington government not 10 become involved in the international dispute.
 Both Germany and Great Britain 1t is said. fully appreciate the position of the United States and are determined that this country shall not be drawn until necessary into the embodiment. It is also stated that President Roosevelts recent interpretations of the Monroe Doctrine were being looked to by both nations as authority for the extent to which they could go In their claims aginst Venezuela without embarrassing the United States The particular utter ance of the President upon which they have their attention is this: This (the Monroe doctiine) has nothing to do with the commercial relations of any American power save in truth it allows each of them to form such as 1t desires. In other words 1t Is really a guaranty of the com mercial independence of the Americas. We do not ask under this doctrine for many exclusive dealings with any other American State. We do not guarantee any State against punishment if 1t mis- conducts Itself, provided that punishment does not take the form of the acquisition of territory by any non-American power.