Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-12-18
FAIRNESS TO GERMANY.

! that arc making in some quarters in this
country 10 represent Germany as a
wicked partner in the Venezuelan :rou-
bic. having sinister Interior and covert
motives. I'VE are not surprised. SUCH an
/ effcgt is plainly perceptible. IN the past
! several days number of prominent jour
ra,s have been using Germany as pipe
on which to play a jingoistic tune, the
keynote OF which is that the Kaiser cher
ishes designs affecting the interests and
I obligations of this country in Spanish
/ America, and hopes through the yenezue-
Ian i,nbroglio to bring about situation
which will array al the European powers
against us in respect OF the Monroe Doc
trine.
II is practically charged that behind the
4 German demonstration against Venezuela
is German hope OF creating breach be-
tween the United States and Great Brit
ain and that the Emperor is manocp-
wiring TO obtain possession OF the Nenezue-
Ian island OF Nargariia as Z coaing sta
ton with view TO further reaching
out'' in this hemisphere when opportunity
shall present Itself
All this impugns German honor. It
questions Germanys good faith and
tricndliness. and that. too. in the face
OF positive Official assurances and other
evidences that she desires to keep on
good terms with us, and has no purpose
Of trcnching on our South and Central
american interests Somewhat over
wear ago there was similar attempt TO
excite feeling against Germany and put
her in the attitude Of working to effect
IN infringement of the Monroe Doctrine.
That caused Or. Won Holleben. German
Ambassador 10 the United States, who
had Just returned TO this country from
a summer vacation trip TO Europe. TO give
ont the following official statement
through q correspondent Of the Associated
Press: you arc without doubt aware
that at regular intervals reports appear
in the newspapers to The effect that Ger
many is trying to acquire coalins sta
tions. or a footlold OF some kind il
South America, or in the West Indian
waters. These reports are started again
and again by our enemies, who don't like
to see US on 100 friendly terms with the
UE!ted states 1 can tell YOU now that
| am Officially authorized to state that
Germany has no such purpose. / want 10
deny now. once for ali. these ever recur-
ring reports in an emphatic and unquaH
fed way ! have told this 10 the Prcs-
dent who was especially grained by III
Nothing coulo be stronger and more
satisfactory than thai. Mark the words,
u an officially authorized" DR.. Won Hol-
lehen pledged the honor Of the Emperor
and his country 10 a recognition Of our
historic policy regarding Central aud
South America and the West 1ncies.
Again. when It was reported that a Ger
man cruiser was surveying the harbor
of Juan GREGG, in The is!onG Of Mar
ga1i1a. this government received renewed
Official assurances from Germany that the
latter had no Intention or desire TO es-
tabiish coaliag station at Juan Grieso.
or any other place on the Island Of Mar
eaYita, or or Venezuelan soil. And later.
as an earnest Of German friendship for
US the emperor sent his brother to the
United states on an Official visit.
Moreover. as 70 TING contention that Ger
many has displayed the mailed hst' and
pr7ceelea in a higi-hanted fashion, we
have lie declaration from Washington
hat ii is generally agreed that thus far
the Monroe Doctrine has not been VIC
'ated by either OF the allies Further, a
calm sitting OF ali the incidents ana events
of The demonstration up to date shows
that in tho matter Of resorting to ex-
irene measures Great Britain is as deep
N The mud as Germany is in the rire.
While Germany sank the two Venezuelan
vessels. the British commander took lie
initiative. III the Commandment CT the forts
at Puerto Cabello The German com
;nander. ii is explained, participating only
as loyal ally.
When the case is examined fairly, there
is 10 more reason 10 question the good
faith of Germany than there is to ques-
tor The good faith of Great Britain. Nor
is there any more reason 10 fear that
Germany Will commit some rash act
than there is TO fear thai Great Britain
VIII There seems to be perfect concert
between the allies. and SO far there has
not besn a development which justitics
the suspicion that either purposes any
thtrg. contrary 10 the understanding viii,
this government. TIC irsinuations
against Germany are as unfair 20 her and
rs unwarranted as the jingoisuc spirit
manifested in making them is uuwise and
inaefensibie.
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