The San Francisco call., 1903-01-27
KEEP COOL.

T is well in the Venezuela matter to let others do
the swashbuckling, while Americans keep cool
A deliberate attitude is just OF the most as
sstance to our own Government AS far as the bonn
bardment of San Carlos is concerned question Of
fact is involved and until it is threshed
can decide offhand whether the fort or the Panther
fired the first shot But, after ALL that is not mat
ter OF great moment since such incident might
have been expected in the situation.
The policy OF the concerted powers was laid down
in the note to our Government in 1901 That policy
framed respectfully to rights and in obser-
OF the Monroe doctrine 1t agreed that the
allies might proceed to the extremity of blockade
in order 10 force Castro to keep his often violated
word. The feeling that is reused by the lombard
ment is caused by what unnecessary enforce
ment of her blockading rights by Germany at time
when a peaceful adjustment through Minister Bowen
was in progress about be instituted 1t is there
fore more question Of the necessity and time of Ger
manys action than of the warrant and propriety of
the act itself
There is but little excuse for the outburst Of Ger
man feeling against the United States. The people
of this country act through their Government, and
until the Government subjects itself to anmadver-
sion there is no reason for attacking it. The admin
istration Washington has not dictated the al
1901. They may in accordance Herewith levy war
against Venezuela, and may do all things consistent
with state Of war except interfere with the integ
rity Of Venezuelan territory, or sovereignty The
former have disposition prevent; the latter
absolutely forbid That is our attitude, and there
is no need of any bluster in maintaining it, for all
Europe understands it.
Because it is attitude we cannot afford to waste
anv time ,,oo- II ;e for
the benefit of all parties that position be plainly
understood. Venezuela comprehending that
merely protect her sovereignty and territory leaving
her otherwise subject such punishment as war may
nct is restrained in her evil courses and nclnes her
policy toward peaceful settlement The allies, know
ing that deny to them the ultimate spoil and re-
suit OF war; which is the conquest of territory
reader to reach their ends by the peaceful adjustment
which IS in process.
There is every for believing that Minister
Bowens negotiations are progressing favoraby and
that he has plenary powers which give him complete
command of the situation. There are cheering ndi-
cations that within few days the matter will be so
advanced that the blockade will be raised and there
will be no further occasion for friction
Our position IS unassaiable and will be maintained
with frmness at Washington 1t is perfectly natural
that German politicians should seize upon the sit
uatiOn to divert attention from domestic matters
which for months have made rasping condition in
the empire. There is no such condition here in our
domestic politics, and there is division of opinion
to the duty OF Government, nor is there any
disposition to abate at all the performance of that
duty. The sentiment of representative Germans in
Venezuela is against any display of zeal untney by
the German Government and that sentiment is shared
by the Germans in this country. s.
It is a good time for Americans to go slow and
keep in the middle of the road confident in the JUS
tce OF their position and in the power of their Gov
ernment- The Monroe doctrine viii be upheld and
Venezuela will be compelled to do justice to the ma
tionals OF England, Germany and Italy, who have
been despoiled by her hotheaded and revolutionary
practices.