The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1902-01-02
SIGNS ARE WARLIKE.
Indications of a Clash Between GER
many and Venezuela.


of German warships in the vicinity OF
Venezuela, and the presence In the
same locality Of many American, Brit
ish, French and other foreign warships,
is directing attention to the imminence
of the naval demonstration Germany
is about to make against Venezue-a.
Thus far the German government has
not made known the exact details Of
her proposed move, the official commu-
nications to the United States being
confined to an inquiry as to the at
titude of this government on the ques-
tion of demonstration in view of the
purpose on the part of Germany not
to acquire any permanent foothold
in Venezuela. The answer of this gov
eminent was entirely satisfactory to
the German authorities, who since have
proceeded with the execution Of their
plans for coercing Venezuela.
May Establish blockade.
1t is said to be probable that the
first move by Germany win be the
zuelan ports so as to prevent the in
PRODUCTION of food products into Vene-
zuela, and thus starve the besieged
into submission. Venezuela, is is said,
is entirely dependent on the outside
world for its supply of corn, which is
staple among the Venezuesans. The
Germans are expected to occupy one
or more of The main ports of Venezuela,
probably La Guaira and Maracaibo. In
this connection most positive assur-
ances have been given to the United
States government that the occupa-
tion is to be temporary, and only for
such length of time as will permit the
collection of the debt due to Germans.
Castro Prepared.
On the part of Venezuela, it is
semiofficially understood that Presi-
dent Castro has made known that he
is prepared for any eventuality.
There is complete silence, however,
as to the defensive measures Venez-
uela is adopting, but there is no in
dication that she is laying mines or
preparing in any way to resist an
occupation of La Guaira or Mara
caibo, which are such open ports that
they are practically defenseless
against such powerful armament as
the Germans can bring to bear. The
reliance of Venezuela appears to be
on the practical difficulties Germany
will encounter. With reference to
German occupation of one or more
ports, it is thought to be likely that
Venezuela will rely on harrassing the
invaders. The fresh water supply Of
La Guiara and Maracaibo is drawn
from interior streams and lakes,
and these are expected to be cut off.
The interior of Venezuela is regard
ed as safe, as it is said that it would
take at least 100000 German soldiers
to make Roadway through the wild
and uneven country against guerrilla
tactics.
Rely ON Sympathy.
There appears also to be much re-
lance on the part of Venezuela in
the sentiment and sympathy which
can be aroused within the United
States when an European invader IL
actually operating on American soil
and Venezuela issues declaration of
war. Venezuela, it is understood,
also relies largely on the fact that
foreign capital is invested in the
large Venezuelan ports and would be
the heaviest sufferer from any de-
struction wrought by the Germans.
Money from France, England, Ger
many and the United States has
built up La Guaira, Maracaibo, and
the other large places and little
Venezuelan capital, it is said,
is at stake. A German block.
ade, Venezuelans declare, will prove
quite as onerous to American, Brit
ish and other foreign shipping as it
will to the internal interests of Ven-
ezaela, and these shipping interests
are expected to appeal to their sew
eral governments.
Clash May he Averted.
There are few hopeful signs on
both sides that at the last moment
q clash may be ayerted. The German
minister to Venezuela is still at his
post, and there is some hope that he
may still bring about settlement.
The outlook for cash settlement,
however, is rather meager, since
Venezuela's treasury is empty, and
all of the Venezuelan officials are on
half pay Another possible means OF
settlement is through the diplomatic
Offices of prominent Venezuelan Of
fetal now on foreign service, who las
been summoned by cable to return
to Caracas, probably for the purpose
of going on special mission to Ger
| many.
The presence of the North Atlantic
squadron and many other American
warships in West Indian waters is
the source of much speculation in
Germany and Venezuela. The Berlin
officials are assured the presence of
American ships has nothing to do
with Germany's plans against Venez-
uela, but at Caracas the presence OF
American ships in the neighborhood
! &c lOnGad npop with co Abstraction an1