The Irish standard., 1902-12-20
THE VENEZUELAN SITUATION

we KNOW about as much of the
Venezuelan imbrogIio and it's origin at
this time as we did Il week ago, for
everything relating to the why and
wherefore of the outrage committed
on the South American republic is kept
in the dark. How much Venezuela
owes either Germany or England or
their subjects is Il conundrnm. Differ
cnt figures lluve been given in the pa
prrS, but which of them. if any. is
| official. we have no means of deter
mining.
! 1t appears that the .\nYlo-Grrmi,n
allies had had an understanding with
the State department at Washington
before starting on II cruise of nrStrllc-
tion into South American waters: but
they took an ell when given an inch.
they sank the Venezuelan vessels de-
Strnycl IL custom house and fort nnu
are evidently bent on the acquisition
of territory though they diS;lvow that
intention. John Hay has given ont
that the understanding WAS that there
would he no territorial aggression by
England and Germany-nothiny but
peaceful blockade" and the seizure
ana occupation of the Venezuelan GUS
tom houses until the claims should he
satisfied. But the two bullics have
seized and destroyed the little rcpub-
lies vessels without any excuse or
justification, for no resistance was Of
fcrrd
What is the object of this wanton
destruction of property? DO they now
hope to cOcrcc Venezuela, to pay their
paltry claims-some $4,000, according
SatinS the Venezuelan government for
the destruction of its navy. before any
war was declared? Have not these
great powers violated international
law? Can they do it with impunity
because Venezuela is weak and in the
throes of revolution?
We blame the pro-EliiSh secretary
of state for permitting these powers to
do as they pleased. and we blame
ships OF war in Venezuelan waters to
prevent it, The European allies should
be compelled to adhere strictly to the
understanding with Washington. In
stead of having an American fleet
right there to enforce the Monroe Doc
trine. if necessary, it was away from
the scene as il afraid to come in con-
nict with the allied fleets of England
and Germany.
These two European powers have
levied war against Venezuela whether
they have violated the Monroe Doc
trinc or not. They have captured the
war ships of the little republic and
then sunk them beneath the waters
That is different from peaceful
blockade" for the mere purpose of col
lecting debts. 1t is territory these
powers are after. and in spite of all
their fleets they cannot get any on
this continent without fighting the
| United States as we'll as Venezuela.
The people of this country, prospect
i've of politics. are solidly united to
maintain the Monroe Doctrine in its
integrity. ana are ready to fight for it
at the drop of the hat. Senator Col
lum speaks for the American people
when he says:
"'ro seize and operate the customs
is one thing: to engage the Venezuelan
troops and to stir up conflict would
be another and different question.
If. for instance. the troops of the allies
should start overland toward Caracas,
or seek to invade the country. even
though the expedition he declared
merely punitive in character. l would
deem it the duty of this government
promptly to call Il halt on the ground
that this would have all the appear