The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-01-24
While Not Seeking War, He Wants
to Get U. S. Involved in
y, Venezuelan Affair.
The Situation Is Most Embarrassing
for Great Britain Who Wants
Our Friendship.
Monroe Doctrine Not Involved as
Yet by the Crafty Game Will
helm Is Playing.
From The Journal Bureau, Room 45, Post Build

From The Journal Bureau, Room As, Post Build
ing, Washington.
Washington. Jan. 24.-It does not ap-
pear thus far that the United States IS to
become involved in any serious trouble
with either Germany or Great Britain over
the Venezuelan situation, although that
situation just now presents some inter-
esting and even serious phases. owing to
Germany's persistence in continuing the
warfare. The state department is keep
ing close watch on things and the presi-
dent is being advised to what is 60
ing on. Should any just cause for action
arise. 1t is assumed here that he Will
quickly lay the situation before the reo-
pie and in advance Of a statement from
him 1t Is believed there is no occasion
for alarm. D.,
Congress seems to feel that way about
1t, for thus far no member of either house
has felt called on to take the Venezuelan
situation In it's latest development serl-
ously. It should be borne in mind that
the Monroe doctrine does not mean that
the United States shall police the South
American countries, in any way shield
them from proper punishment for offenses
against the laws Of nations or abet them
in their efforts to defraud their creditors.
Monroe Doctrine Not Involved.
For instance. there is nothing in the
doctrine calling on. this country to pre-
vent collection by European governments
of debts in South America. and from Wag-
ing war to that end Nor would the char
scter of that war or the length of it's
continuance necessarily constitute cause
FOR action. All that the Monroe doctrine
guarantees is that European countries
shall not establish permanent footholds
in South America by coming into the
possession Of territory acquired by the
present government before President Mon
roe made his famous declaration Ihat
being the case. this country is not inter-
ested. so far the Monroe doctrine is
concerned, in the fact that Germany has
renewed active hostilities or In whether
the war isato be long or short. or at
tended by unusual severity. 1t Is believed
however that Germany is willing, and
perhaps anxious to draw the United States
into the controversy, for what purpose is
not yet known. but it cannot be a friendly
one. and is taking advantage of the fact
that Great Britain is her ally to play a
rather stiff game. Great Britain made the
alliance with Germany to- collect Nenez-
uelan debts rather against the judgment
of the British. ministry at the request OF
the king, who was anxious to be OF fserV-
ice to his energetic and ambitious nephew
Put Up a Job on Uncle. -
Since the alliance the British press re
fiecting a we'll established English con
viction. has charged that the nephe"
played a shrewd game on the uncle anc
in consequence SIIedI pl lIdIA 10 AZ 81
awkward position SO far as this country
is concerned and one which it may EN-.
barrass her to abandon The kaiser seem:
inclined to press the Venezuelan ques
ton taking advantage Of his alliance WIZ
his uncle, and it is not yet known tt
what lengths he will go. But that he will
violate the Monroe doctrine by attempting
to seize for permanent possession any
Venezuelan territory, is not believed here
,,o1, could have but one re
sult-war.
AS If further to embarrass Great Brit
ain Germany has recalled her ambassado
from Washington and, the diplomatic ne
ROTATIONS between the United States an
the allies must therefore be conducted
through the British embassy. Sir M1chae
Herbert Is said to feel that the situation
is one demanding great caution and in
teIligence on his part and he is acting &C
cordingly. Among other things, he ha
issued an order that member Of hi
official household shall discuss the Vene
zuelan affair outside the embassy-al
unusual proceeding and tending to sho1
that Great Britain regards the situatio
rs one of discomfort so far as she /
concerned
Great Britain Is Embarrassed.
The fat and good-natured English SOY
ereign is no match in statecraft for hi
has been made, Great Britain feels tina
she must see it through. But at tn
same time she is especially DESTROYS tina
nothing shall occur during Its contln
nance to give serious offense to this cour
try which. no matter what may be sal
to the contrary. is her natural and In
evitable ally. Should the Venezuelan al
fair reach an acute stage, it will not
through anything Great Britain will d.
and it is believed here she would not III
dorse any effort on Germany's part to vic
late the Monroe doctrine or embarras
the United States because Of it. TIL
reason for this is not far to seek, apa,
from the idea of logical friendship ju.
referred to. Great Britain already has {
much territory as she can well manas
and war with the United States won
probably mean the loss of Canada. Ge1
many, on the other hand, must hay
larger territory If she is to continue
develop az great commercial and wor
power South America Is the only III
exploited field remaining, and the MOI
roe doctrine is the only obstacle in tt
way.
How far the kaiser will feel justified
going remains to be seen, but nobo6
credits him with an intention to do an.
thing that would bring on a war at tn
time. Aside from this view of the cas-
however: there are many who believe II
German emperor is actuated by a. stror
desire to prevent Great Britain and tt
United States from more firmly cemen
ing their friendship, which is a menace :
certain purely European policies, and TIL
he regards the Venezuelan affair as o
fering a way. of accomplishing that r.
suit.
-. .s..- w. w: Jermane.