Daily Kennebec journal., 1902-08-12
WILL FOLLOW SUIT.
Germans Going Ashore at Porto
CabeIIo, Venezuela.
Minister Bowen Cables Advice That
We Also Land Naval Force.
Will Protect Mutual interests in Revolt
Against Castro.

Washington, Aug. 11.-Minister Bow
| en- at Caracas, today. advised the state
department that the Germans intend to
land naval force at Porto Cabello to
protect German interests there which
are threatened by the uprising now in
progress. The minister advised that
we follow suit. After conference be-
tween the officials of the state and
navy departments, instructions We're
cabled to Commander Nichols of the
Topeka. TO proceed from Laguaira to
Porto Cabello and to land naval force
in case of attack. The Topeka has al
ready left for Porto Cabello.
The following instructions were ca
bled to the Topeka:
BE ready to land force in case of
attack of port for protection of Ameri-
can interests and for protection of for
eign property also if requested. Pre-
vent bombardment without due notice.
(Signed Darling, Acting Secretary"
The Topeka will probably reach Por-
to Cabello. which is only a short sail
from La Guaria, some time today
The trouble at Porto Cabello grows
out of the uprising which has convulsed
Venezuela for some time. 1t is direct
W ciSs'tliisl ieSlueHI AdSITO ana mas
Kept the country in state of ferment
for many months.
Minister Bowen recently sent word
that President Castro was leaving for
the front with the expectation of fight
ing decisive battle with the insur-
gents. The latter have been gathering
strength at Porto Cabello. Our consul
at that point sent word recently that
the lives of some of the American resi-
dents. including members of his fam
lily, were imperilled, and two ladies of
the consufs family We're taken away in
government ship. Since then there
has been no word of critical condition
of affairs. but the advices of today in
dicate that crisis has been reached.
There appears to be no question as
to the right of the German naval forces
to land for the purpose of protection Of
German interests. 1t 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
Venezuelan port in order to compel the
payment of certain German claims. 1t
was then that the German ambassador
at Washington, DR.. Won Holleben,
made inquiry of President Roosevelt
and the state department as to whether
such move by Germany, for the sole
purpose of collecting claim and not
for the purpose of territorial expansion.
would meet with any disfavor by the
American government. The response
Of the United States left Germany free
to act as the assurance that no terri
torial extension was intended removed
the case from the operation of the
Monroe doctrine. The present landing
of German force has no connection
with Gernlany's former move against
Venezuela, although the assurances
heretofore given by Germany serve in
the present case to show that there is
no ulterior purpose behind the protec-
tion of German interests at Porto Ca
bello.
Minister Bowen has cabled the state
department from Caracas, Ven, that
the rNyolutionists have cut the cable
at Do1Dolona.
Minister Bowen says the cable was
cut Immediately after the receipt of a
message stating that the revolutionists
were entering the city.