The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-18
SEES HER MISTAKE.
England Shows Signs of Beng Weary
of the Situation.

London, Dec. 18-The developments in
the Venezuela imbroglio, as revealed by
Premier Balfour's statement in Darlia-
ment yesterday have resulted in bring
ing out in the press this morning strong
er expressions than ever of the desire
to reach some pacific settlement of the
difficulties.
1t is said on behalf of the government
even in last July when German coon
alton was first mooted. the British
government fully recognized the posi-
bility of war with Venezuela and only
postponed action until winter at the
suggestion of the admiralty and in or
der to avoid the unhealthy season. On
the other hand, those who declare that
the government of the United States
forced the government of Great Britain
into a virtual declaration of war are not
lacking.
Certainly a considerable portion of the
British public was rather disagreeably
surprised to find that Great Britain act
ually was at war and that this war
might for many months to come require
the presence of a large naval force in
Venezuelan waters and put stop to all
British trade with Venezuela. Added to
this is the apprehension as to whether or
not Germany would be willing to
cept the status of a belIigerent blockade,
which would entail the stoppage of her
trade also.
Henry Norman, NJ. P, in a newspaper
article published this morning in which
ton into which Germany is dragging
Great Britain contends that the only
safe and dignified course for Great Brit
ain is to seek satisfaction through CO.
operation with the United States. Mr..
Norman asserts that serious and urg-
ent warnings, private in their origin,
but virtually official in their destination.
have been cabled from the United States
during the last few days"
Mr.. Norman's opinion reflects a very
widespread feeling with regard to the
Anglo-German agreement and concern
ing the question of how the United
States would view the existence of a
state of warfare between the powers
and Venezuela The newspapers this
morning ask: What would happen
should Germany choose to seize Marta
island as a base for the blockade?"
The Daily News in an editorial article,
roundly declares that the new European
concert lis not to coerce a bankrupt
republic but is a revolt against the Mon
roe doctrine
The Times this morning gives great
prominence to a letter from Sir Robert
Giffen, declaring that the foreign office
gravely blundered in \associating Itself
with Germany against Venezuela. Sit
Robert contends that a blockade will be
useless against a bankrupt state while
the seizure of the customs will be tanta-
mount to annexation and full of danger
considering the peculiar relations OF
Venezuela to the United States Fur
there" continues the writer. however
much we may bring Venezuela to its
knees. no solvent government will remain
with which to DEAL
Sir Robert strikes his most alarming
note when he refers to the danger OF
Germany embroiling Great Britain with
the United States. He believes Germany
would not hesitate to occupy Venezuelan
territory, and he thinks the less said
about British claims the better. He says
he doubts if Great Britain has any good
moral claims against Venezuela, and
concludes with these words:
THE best course is to cry off at all
hazards and at the utmost exact punish
ment for the injured seamen by getting
hold if possible of the guilty Venezuelan
officials"
The Times, without endorsing Sil
Roberts gloomy views and while il
repudiates his suspicious Of Germany,
says it can not hide from itself either
the actual or the contingent difficulties
involved in this most disagreeable un-
dertaking.
dispatch to the Daily Telegraph
from The Hague says that all runors
/ that Holland is acting against Venezuela
are at least premature The Dutch gov
/ eminent intends TO remain strictly neu-
4 trail N the matter.
| A dispatch to the Daily Mail from
Willenstad. Curacao, dated December
II, says the Venezuelan rebels are ap-
preaching Valencia. 1t is reported
| British marines have landed at Cuidad
Bolivar, on the Orinoco.