Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-12-18
DEWEYS FLEET
Will Be Within Easy Reach Of
Venezuelan Coast.
In View Of Strained Situation This
Course Seems Necessary.
Little Change in Matter, Venezuela Re.
naming Stubborn.


Washington, Dec. 17.-DispOsitiOn of
the men Of war of Admiral Dewey S
fleet during the holidays is to be made
under the direction of the secretary of
the navy. in view of the increasing
complications arising in connection
with Venezuela and the wishes of this
government not to arouse suspicion I'M
necessarily by dispatching a large
naval force to Venezuelan waters. Ad-
miral Dewey cabled the department,
Mnoday, in regard to the orders for
his fleet during the Christmas holidays.
Orders are now in preparation for the
various vessels and will be forwarded
to the admiral in the next day or two.
No reflection upon Admiral Dewey Is
intended by the department in deciding
to draw up the orders for his ships In
stead of giving him free hand. That
there may be a thorough cooperation
of the navy with the state department
during the handling of the Venezuelan
situation. however, it seemed that the
question could be more satisfactorily
settled here.
1t is unlikely that men-of-war will
be sent to La Guaira, the feeling being
that the presence of American men-of-
war at this time might cause uneasi-
ness among the allied powers, as well
as offer encouragement to President
Castro to maintain his defiant attitude.
On the other hand, the situation has
grown so acute within the past few
DAYS that both state and navy depart
ment officials are agreed that it will not
be unwise to rendezvous the fleet in
ports within easy range of the Vene-
zuelan coast.
President Roosevelt and his cabinet
had one of the most extended and I'M
portant meetings, Tuesday, that has
been held this fall. Foreign affairs
practically consumed the entire time of
the session. The Venezuelan situation
was discussed i'm all its phases, but no
conclusion was reached different from
that which has actuated the President
and his advisers throughout the con-
sideration of the troubles between Ven-
ezuela and Germany and England.
From an authoritative source the in
formation is obtained that there will
be no recession on the part of this gov
eminent with respect to questions in
ernments of South or Central America
as laid down by the President in his
message to Congress. Every detail of
the developments in the Venezuelan
situation is being scrutinzed with the
utmost care.
1t can be said authoritatively that no
apprehension exists in the minds of
any of the administration officials that
serious trouble growing out of it will
accrue to this country. 1t is believed
that both Great Britain and Germany
will act within the arrangement which
was originally presented to this gov
eminent and to which the United
States passively assented.
The treaty with Cuba negotiated in
Havana by General Bliss as presented
to the cabinet and considered in detail.
1t will probably be transmitted to the
Senate within "a hours. 1t is regarded
as highly important it should be rati-
fled promptly. for as the present Nene-
zuelan situation emphasizes the neces-
sity for coaling stations in Cuba. De-
finate action upon the treaty is scarce
~ expected before the holiday recess,
but the administration is hopeful of
prompt consideration when Congress
recOnveneS.
The Italian ambassador called at the
state department, Tuesday, and advised
Secretary Hay that Italy has Joined the
allies in the operations against Nene-
zuela. He requested that MG- Ijpwen
assume charge of the Italian inter-
ests in Venezuela. The secretary
granted this request subject to the ap-
prevail of Venezuela. Italy enters the
combination on the same basis as to
abstention from territorial 'sei1lres as
Germany and Great Britain.
The Italian ambassador explained. to
Secretary Hay that it had been the
hope of the Rome government at first
to reach satisfactory settlement of
her claims against Venezuela such as
France had secured To this end a po-
lite but firm note was addressed to the
Caracas foreign office after the ulti-
matums of Germany and Great Britain
had been sent. Pending a reply the
Italian authorities did not resort 10
drastic measures. When the reply
came 1t was found to be not only re-
lection of all Italy's demands, but It's
tone was wholly displeasing and it was
therefore necessary for Italy to follow
suit with Germany and Great Britain
and Join in the naval demonstration.
The Italian ambassador gave Secre-
tary Hay every assurance that his gov
eminent wished to act strictly in ac-
cord with President Roosevelt's inter-
probation of the Monroe doctrine. One
of the comforting features of the days
developments. to the official mind was
the reception of an intimation that so
far as Great Britain was concerned,
she was disposed to accept the view of
the state department here as to the
limitations of a peaceful blockade"