The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-09-23
Representatives of Both Countries
May BE Given Their Passports mt
Almost Any Hour.
BRITISH CABINET wRoTH
THINKS VENEZUELA Is BANKING ON
AMERICAN PROTECTION
Series of Disputes eliminating I'm
Trouble over Possession Of Goose
Island, I'm the Dragons Mouth.

LONDON, Sept. 22.-The Associated Press
Is in a position TO announce that diplomatic
relations between Great Britain and Vene-
zuela are on the verge Of being severed.
Any day. almost any hour, may bring the
announcement that the British minister
at Caracas has been given his passport
with corresponding action toward the Ven
ezuelan representative in London. The
cause of the crisis does not seem to be
confined to any particular incident. but
consists in various differences which cul-
minated in Venezuela assuming such an
angry attitude as TO leave Downing street
fully impressed with the belief that the
Venezuelan government intends to force
matters to a crucial ISSUE
That a diplomatic rupture would result
IN hostilities is a contingency thus far
scarcely contemplated. The present d.
plomatic relations are so strained that.
to quote q responsible British official, it
would make really very little dinerenece
II the fact became public property by the
absence OF the diplomatic representatives
from Caracas and London.
The view OF the Foreign Office is that
affairs have reached a stage where 1t is
impossible to deal satisfactorily with Ven
ezuela in any matter which may come up.
In proof of this contention the Foreign
Office instances the report Of the United
States minister at Caracas, Herbert w.
Bowen. announcing that the Venezuelan
government has protested against the
British flag being raised over Patos Cor
GOose) island, over which the Venezuelan
government claimed sovereignty. Accord
ing TO the British governments under
standing Patos island belongs TO Great
Britain lust as much as Trinidad, and so
far as known question as TO its own
ership has ever arisen. Inhabitants or the
island have recently been shot or otherwise
endangered through the action of VeneZue-
lans, whether government or revolutionary
partisans Is not known For purposes or
protection the local West Indian authori-
ties ordered the British flag to be promi-
nently displayed on the island, hence the
protest, which the Foreign Office says Is
only one of many.
An exceptionally prominent official said
this evening: Affairs in Venezuela are so
hopelessly muddled that we can get nothing
done. There is no concealing the fact that
the Venezuelan government has made heat
ed protests to our minister. The chief
grievance appears to be the allegation that
the British government Is aiding the reyo-
lutionary army. 1t is needless to say this
is perfectly baseless. We wish the United
States would take over the whole country,
and then. perhaps, We could get some peace.
OF all the disturbances of the last decade
the present seems to be the worst. This.
combined with the attitude OF the nominal
government, makes us somewhat Indifferent
to any action which may take place. The
Venezuelans appear inclined TO be rather
reckless, thanks chiefly to what L presume
is the mistaken notion that Washington
will protect them from the results OF their
own folly. however inimical that might be
to the lives and property of British sub
Jects and those of other Europeans. AS
we understand Monroeism. Venezuela Is
quite mistaken in this matter, though, APP
parently, the impression has much 10 DO
with her present action.