The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-12-16

Washington. December 1l.-Minister
Bowen, at Caracas, in a cabiegram to
the state department dated today, con-
Arms the press reports that all the
German and British prisoners have
been released.
This was the only advice that came
to the state department as to the sit
uatioR in Venezuela, but it was well
come, for the officials felt that by re-
leasing these civilians, President Cas-
tro had diminished greatly the most
dangerous factor in the problem
Had he insisted OIL retaining them IN
jail. the allies must have dispatched a
force to the capital of Venezuela and
war outright would have ensued. AS
it is. the officials here prefer to regard
the status as not one of war, providing
the allies adhere to their original pro-
sramme of a peaceful blockade" per-
haps followed by the temporary seiz-
ure Of Venezuelan custom houses.
Details of the sinking of the Vens-
zNeban navy by the allied naval forces
are awaited with interest here AMI
the officials could not but express
their regret and surprise that it had
been necessary TO proceed to such ex-
tremes. Nothing. has yet occurred to
induce the state department to change
the policy Of non-interference which it
has adopted. The president $ showing
particular interest in the situation and
called secretary Hay from his regular
Thursday diplomatic reception to con-
fer respecting Venezuela. The chair
man OF the two congressional commit
tees charged with the care of foreign
affairs also called ut the state depart
Hient during the forenoon. to talk
over the Venezuelan developments.
Senator Cullom, chairman Of the
committee on foreign relations. ex-
pressed regret that England and Ger
OF sinking the vessels of the Venezue-
/ Ian war feet.
J There have been no orders issued TO
any OF our naval vessels to go to Vene-
zaeian ports and it is not intended to
. issue such orders unless an emergency
BHOOlO dIiSe, DIS tile pIeSSHC1 VI lOI-
egn men of war in such cases as this
is apt to cause useless friction. There
is, of course. always danger that the
attempt of an American vessel to pass
the peaceful blockade" may in the
end call Cor the presence Of American
nea of war upon the scene.
Reported Seizure of French Vessel.
Paris, December IA lengthy Off
sinl dispatch has been received at the
foreign office here from Caracas. say
\ships in Selling the vessels supposed
to beloag to Venezuela also captured
French merchant steamer. the o.
sun. These advices reached here ST
ate today that the officials were uH-
able to say what steps would be taken
in the matter. but ii is believed that
unless the Germans promptly rectify
the mistake and release the OsSun rep
r~esensations on the subject will be
maud TO Germany. This is also taken
to Indicate the delicate state OF tbs
situation and the possibility of inter
national complications beyond those
involving Venezuela alone.
-Fhe Ossun vas owned by = French,
NAN who used her in the Coastwist
trade of South America About eigh'
months ago tho Ossun was seized ~
the forces of President Castro on tn
ground that the step vas y military
necessity and the Venezuelan flag wa!
hoisted on board the steamer.
The advices from Caracas further in,
dictate that some tension - arisin:
tive the German and British nava
commanders over the methods of en-
forcing the demands. The German
authorities insist On decisive actio!
and the advices received show tina
they have landed q small German
force, besides seizing the ships. TIL
British commander desires to procee,
slower and more in accordance wit
the usual course Of diplomacy. As
svkesuIt OF this friction, some of tn
leading diplomatic representatives a
kCAracas have reported that it is no
likely that the British will participat
ia the seizure OF the custom house. ]
This is borne out, the officials here COZ
slider that the joint character of tn
operations will be considerably inter
rupted-
Venezuelan ships Captured.
Kingstown, Island Of st. Vincent
; December 1.-THE Venezuelan troop
ship Zamora and the Venezuelan coas
guard vessel veinte Tres de May
were captured in the Gulf Of Pari
and taken to Port Of Spain, Trinidad
this morning by the British sloop {
war Albert.