Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-12-11

that he was acting within his rights
and President Castro consented with
reluctance to release the principal pris-
oners. Mr.. Bowen will insist upon the
release OF the remainder.
Mr.. Bowen wishes to play the part
of peacemaker between the principals
in this dispute and the state depart
ment has decided that he may do this
only upon application from Venezuela
for his good offices and their accepta-
bility to the British and German rep
resentatives.
The latest report from Mr.. Bowen to
the department confirms the press dis
patches relative to the seizure of the
Venezuelan navy in the port of Cara
cas-. yesterday. 1t is expected that the
next step will be the announcement of
formal blockade of that port by the
British and German warships.
The gunboat Marietta is at Curacao.
few hours distant, in readiness to re-
spOnd to any call. 1t is said at the
navy department that it would not be
safe for any warship to lie off Laguai-
IA at this season when the winds set
in shore. as there is no anchorage until
almost on the beach. 1t is presumed
that the blockading fleet must either
go alongside the slip or stand far off
shore.
But one cablegram has been received
today, by the state department from
Minister Bowen at Caracas. That re-
lates to the seizure by British and Ger
man vessels of the Venezuelan navy at
L.asuaira. He makes no reference
t., S.nt1I
houses. Mr.. Bowen expresses the opin-
ion that similar seizures of vessels may
have been made at other ports.
1t was said at the British ana Ger
man embassies. today, that the action
of President Castro in ordering the ar
rest of all subjects of the Britisp ana
German governments in Caracas was
without precedent in the history OF CIV
ilized countries supposedly at peace
with each other. and that such acton
would he regarded as sufficient ground
for a declaration of war. Members oi
tho diplomatic corps here indeed regard
| II as beinc such a declaration in 1t
self.
Minister Bowen's prompt action II
demanding of President Castro the re-
lease Of the German and British SUD-
| iects arrested in Caracas, yesterday, Is
i'm accordance with the plan agreed OF
between the German and British am
bassadors and Secretary Hay when TN
former called at the state depadtmen'
fully three weeks ago. and in antici-
nation of the present ugly situation II
Venezuela, requesting that the unitee
| States minister at Caracas be permitted
| to protect the lives and property OF al
| British and German citizens in NeheZ
uela, 1t is understood that Presiden
| Castro was advised of this action.
1t was pointed out by a European
| diplomat of high rank, today, that ii
| forcing Minister Bowen to demand TN
release of the arrested subjects, Presi
| dent Castro is acting directly contrar.
| TO the desire of the Washington gov
| eminent not to become involved in tn
| international dispute. Both German!
| and Great Britain, it was said, fulI!
appreciate the position of the United
States and are determined that thi
country shall not be drawn until neces
| sary into the embodiment. 1t was ais
stated that President Roosevelts re
cent interpretations of the Monroe doc
| trine were being looked to by both ma
lions as authority for the extent Z
which they could go in their claim
against Venezuela without embarrass
ing the United States. The particula
utterance of the President on who
they have set their attention is TINS:
This the Monroe) doctrine ma
| nothing to do with the commercial re
lations of any American power, say
that in truth it allows each of them I
form such as it desires. In other word
it is really guaranty Of the CONNER
cial independence OF the American:
We do rot ask under this doctrine y
any exclusive commercial delegate
with any other American state. We
not guarantee any state against pun