The Indianapolis journal., 1902-08-12
Commander OF the Cruiser Topeka In
structed to Protect Interests Of
United States Citizens.
CAPE HAITIEN BL0CKADED
NAVY DEPARTMENT SO INFORMED
By COMMANDER MCREA.
Latter Ordered to Maintain the Rights
of Cuban, American and other
Innocent Neutral Vessels.

WASHINGTON Aug u.-Minister
Bowen has cabled the State Department
from Caracas. Venezuela, that the revolu-
tionists have cut the cable at Barcelona.
The cable cut Immediately after the
receipt Of a message stating that the rev.
olutionists were entering the city. Min
lister Bowen also advised the State De-
partment that the Germans intend to land
naval force at Porto Csbello to protect
German interests there which are threat
ened by the uprising now in progress.
The minister advised that we follow suit.
After a conference between the officials
OF the State and Navy Departments, in
structions were cabled to Commander
Nichols of the Topeka to proceed from
Laguayra to Porto Cabello. and to land
naval force in case of attack Acting Sec
retary Of the Navy Darling's instructions
TO Commander Nichols follow: BE ready
to land forces in case of attack for pro-
lection of American interests and for pro-
lection of foreign property also IL re-
quested. Prevent bombardment without
due notice" The Topeka probably will
reach Porto Cabello, which is only a short
distance from Laguayra. some time to-day.
The trouble At Porto Cabello grows out
OF the uprising Wnlcn mas CONFUSED ven
ezuela for some time. II is directed against
President Castro and has kept the country
in a state Of ferment for many months.
Mr.. Bowen recently sent word that Pres
ident Castro was leaving for the front
with the expectation Of lighting a decisive
battle with the insurgents. The latter
have been gathering strength at Porto
Cabelo. Our consul al that point sent
word recently that the lives of some OF
the American residents. including members
Of his family, were imperiled, and two OF
the ladies of the consul's family were
taken away in a government ship Since
then there has been no word OF a critical
condition Of affairs, but the advices OF to-
day indicate that crisis has been reached.
There appears 10 be no question as TO
the right of the German naval forces TO
land for the protection of German in
terests. II in no way involves the Monroe
doctrine Germany has been keeping close
watch on Venezuela for some months, and
at one time contemplated taking a Ven
ment Of certain German claims. IL was
in that connection that the German am
bassador at Washington, DR.. Won Hoi-
leben. made inquiry of President Roose-
whether such move by Germany for the
sole purpose Of collecting a claim and not
for the purpose Of territorial expansion
would meet with any dsfavor by the
American government. The response OF
the United States left Germany free 10
act as the assurance that no territorial ex-
tension was intended removed the case
from the operation Of the Monroe doctrine.
The present landing of a German force
has no connection with Germanys former
move against Venezuela, although the as
surances heretofore given by Germany
serve in the present case TO show that
there is no ulterior purpose behind the
protection Of German interests at Porto
CabellO.