The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-17
Secretary Hay Demands TO
Know What She Means
By a "Peaceful Blockade of
Venezuelan Ports.
NO SUCH THING KNOWN.
First There Must Be a Declara-
tiOn of War
Or American Merchant Vessels
Will Disregard 1t.
NO SUCH THING KNOWN.
Any Attempt at Interference
Will Call for Dewey.

New York. Dec .17.-secretary Hay
has cabled to Ambassador Tower at
Berlin. says the Worlds correspondent
at Washington, to ask the German gov
ernment to define for this country ex-
actly what is meant by a peaceful
Blockade
The dispatch was couched in the
suavest of diplomatic language, but it
was insistent that Germany should re-
ply.
This inquiry was decided upon at the
cabinet meeting where it was discussed
fully.
Although it has not yet been put into
public expression, this government con-
tends that there is no such thing as a
peaceful blockade"
If state of war does not exist this
government will contend at the proper
time that the United States ships must
be allowed to pass.
The test Will come when the Red D
line steamer Caracas arrives at La
Guayra, probably next Saturday. If
that ship goes through, as it is said it
will, other ships from other nations win
also demand to go through and the
peaceful blockade" will become a
farce.
If Germany insists on its right to
blockade peaceably and refuse to let
American ships through. then Admiral
Dewey's fleet will be sent to Venezuela
to convoy the American ships through
the German and English lines.
Admiral Dewey has been told to keep
his fleet together The reason this gov
eminent makes this demand of Ger
many is because it has in writing, in
NH he fs4TT CT ,n.F,f
OF Germany's intentions in Venezuela
1t has no such statement from England.
The diplomats of that country were
shrewd enough to make only a. verbal
statement of intent
The administration is waiting Ger
many's answer with some anxiety. The
situation is now more critical than it
has been since the trouble began.
ITALY'S UJLTIMATUM.
Caracas Dec. 17.-Signor de Riva, the
Italian minister presented Italy's ulti-
matum to Venezuela at 3 o'clock yester-
day afternoon.
Italy demands the immediate pay
ment of S542, 900 to meet the Italian
claims arising from former revolutions
AS it is known the Venezuelan govern
ment can not pay the amount demand
ed the communication to the minister
includes orders to leave Venezuela at
once. The ultmatum from Italy IS
couched in stronger terms than those
used in the ultimatum presented to
NtHbLuela DE AIleaL britain and Ger
many. Italy will take part in future
demonstrations against Venezuela The
interests of Italy in Venezuela will be
placed in the bands of United States
Minister Bowen. The Italian colony in
Caracas is a very numerous one The
Italian shield over the legation door will
be removed from the building and in
stTuction will be sent to all italian con-
suls in Venezuela TO remove the shields
over their cOnsulates. This step will be
taken in order that the rupture between
Italy and Venezuela may be apparent
The governement official remarked to
a representative of the Associated Press
today that the United States and France
are the only powers which do not attack
Venezuela.
WILL NOT LAND MARINES.
Puerto Cabelo, Dec 1.-THE America n
vice consul here, Mr. Volkmar: the Ger
man consul. p. Rede; the British CON
sui. r. holster, and a number of leading
citizens of Puerto Cabello have had an
interview with the British and German
cOmmOdOres. This step was taken bv
the eonsuls and the citizens al their own
Vohtion. As a result of the conference
the foreign navy officers have desiste1
from their plan to disemhark marines
and seize the cannon in Fort Solauo and
ask for the caDitulation of Puerto Ca
bello. Fort SOlanO IS situated on the
hills back Of Puerto Cabello in position
dominating the town. The British and
German cOmmOdores have released Gen.
Bello, who was made a prisoner in
Castle Libertador after the lombard
ment, and they have promised to re-
lease the other prisoners in few hours
A number of criminals who were con-
fined in Castle Libertador have beer
turned over to the Venezuelan civil au-
thorities.
1t has been arranged that Fort Solanc
and Castle Ltbertador on the water
front. are not to be garrisoned by Ven
ezuela as long 5 the present difficulties
continue. This is done in order to avoid
another bonn bardment. The lives and
property Of the British subjects here are
to be guaranteed. There is no blockade
at Puerto CabeIlo.
AS COSTA RIGA SEES IT.
San Jose. Costa Rica. Dec. 1.-THE
cuSS the Venezuelan situation. but it car
be said on good authority that the min
listers favor President Castro's attitude
Public feeling here is bitter against tbs
British and German action The United
States is much criticised and the Mon
roe doctrine is ridiculed Finally. Pres
ident Castro IS looked unon as settins
a good example to Snani~h America
A GERMAN OFFICER WAS KILLED
Puerto CabellO Dec. lit has beer
learned here that during the bormbard-
ment of Puerto Cabello December 13 nv
the British cruiser Charybdis and the
German cruiser Vineta. the Charybdis
was struck in the bow by shot firec
from a cannon on the Plaza Rrusual
The Vineta was struck twice by the
Venezuelan cannon fire
The report which has been in circula-
ton here that an officer of the Vfnets
was killed during the bomba rdment by
a rife bullet fired from the shore an
pears now to be true. The Vineta LEFT
this port suddenly. although 1t was sup
posed she would return here to protect
German interests. She is at present al
FVfIleT17sfad C11ra Goa where F7e .-rixrof