The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-12-16
A Formal Declaration of War
Only Can Turn Them
Back.
SHELlING The FORTRESS
An Ancient Fortifcation Gualding Puerto Ca
bsIo Knocked to Pieces by British and
German Bombs -Avenging Insult
to British Flag.
to British Flag.
(By the Associated Press.)

Washington, Dec 15.-Minister Bowen
has confirmed the press reports to the
effect that the guns of the allied fleets,
which bombarded Puerto Cabello Satur-
day, were directed entirely at the forti-
fications and not at the town.
Regretable as it was, this statement
relieves the affair of the first suspicion
that it constituted violation of inter
rational law, in the fact that twenty
four hours notice was not served of the
bombardment. The requirement as to
notice applies to unfortified or fortified
towns where the fire must be directed
upon the inhabitants, and this was not
the case at Puerto Cabello, so that while.
the officials here regret that the firing
took place they have as yet no cause to
protest.
But it is now probable that the United
States will break it's attitude of inactivity
In the event that an attempt is made to
enforce the peaceful blockade" toward
an American ship. When the allies We're
considering ways and means of bringing
Venezuela to terms and a blockade of
this character had been decided upon
the German government informed the
United States that when the blockade
was established it would turn back all
shipping, though no effort would be made
to seize the ships.
The United States government made
no response to this statement at the time
last year,, not feeling called upon to do
so before the presentation of an actual
case. But now that, the blockade is
sought to be established, Secretary Hay
has informed the German government
that American ships should not be inter
fered with in their trading, except the
inhibition applies to all shipping; and
further, the note intimates disapproval
of any stoppage at all.
is within the legal right of the allies
to close these ports, but probably this
can be accomplished without protest on
our part only after formal declaration
of war. The hope is growing here that
such a declaration can, after all, be
avoided owing to the energy with which
Mr.. Bowen has acted. 1t has developed
that the reason for the delak in the con-
sideration of President Castro's proposal
to arbitrate the dispute with Great
DTlIdlH anu was the absence
from London of Lord Lansdowne the
British Minister for Foreign Affairs. 1t
appears that this proposition had more
than a perfunctory endorsement by the
United States government. Mr.. Bowen
having asked permission to endeavcr to
settle the matter by arbitration, Secre-
tary Hay not only promptly accorded
the permission but went to the length
of himself dispatching the proposal,
which, up to that point, had been rather
vague and informal to the British and
German governments.
Secretary Hay was in conference at
the White House for short time with
the President today regarding Venezue-
Ian affairs. Senator Cullom and Repre-
sentative Hit, the heads of the two COM
mittees on affairs of Congress, also saw
the President, but it was stated that
little attention was given to Venezuela
Among Senators and Representatives
who have discussed the Venezuelan mat
ter with President Roosevelt the situa-
tion is regarded as serious, but it is not
generally believed to be likely that the
United States will become involved in
the controversy