The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-01-22
Spirit of Assurances Of Mild
COerCiVe Measures Given
to American Government
Violated by BOmbardment
Of Port San Carlos.
Reported in London on High
Authority That Diplomatic
Representations in Regard
to Attack Have Been Made
by State Department.

It is very obvious that the renewal Of
the bombardment OF Fort san Carlos by
a German naval force has created a sen
timent Of indignation throughout Admin
istratIon circles. Some officials do not
hesitate TO say openly that the Germans
have gone too far. and The Times re
porter knows that this view IS shared by
nearly every man OF prominence con
nected with the executive government.
That the Germans have not violated
the letter of their rights in carrying Out
coercive measures against Venezuela IS
practically admitted by the Administra-
tion. It is maintained. however. that
they have violated the spirit of the as
surauces. given 10 this Government in
regard 10 the mild character Of the co
ercive measures 10 be applied to Vene-
zueIa.
The feeling that the United States
Government has been lri1ed with by
Germany is becoming very general
among Administration officials. who see
IN the drastic operations of the imperial
squadron purpose TO defy the prin-
cipIes OF the Monroe Doctrine.
3 Policy of Waiting.
For the present, however, no osaeiaI
action is likely 10 be taken by the Gov
ernment. The situation was Hkened TO
day 10 thaV before the war with Spain.
when the condition OF friction with
Spain and dissatisfaction over its course
IN Cuba was created by the sentiment OF
the American people
It is probable. therefore. that America
VIII remain quiescent until popular sen
timent shows fl the course to pursue
In this connection 1t IS not going too
far 10 say that it viii not take much
Urging to make the Government call On
Germany 10 explain the inconsistency
of her bombardments with the positive
assurances OF q BIoodIess program made
more than a year ago TO the United
States
Confirmation Of The reported second
attack by German war vessels on Fort
san Carlos was received a. the State
Department this morning in a telegram
from Is. ". Russell. charge d'anaires
or the United States at Caracas.
Beyond Mr. RusseITs brief message,
the department has no information on
the subject The German government
has not submitted any explanation. and
there is q feeling here that it viii not
do So
British n-Participation.
The failure Of any British war yes
sci to participate IN the bombardment is
partly explained by the fact that Mare
cafbo IS within the bIockadinE district
assigned 10 the German squadron Un-
der the Joint arrangement effected al
the time the blockade was put into op-
Grafton IT is believed in Washington,
however. that the British government
vas only too glad TO take advantage Of
this condition. In order that its yes
ssls in Venezuelan waters might not De
Obliged 10 take part in The attack on
Fort San Carlos.
No confirmation can be obtained of
the report from London that the United
States Government has made represen-
lztiona 90 The British foreign Office Ia
regard 10 the second attack on the Ven
ezueIan fort some state Department
officials deny that anything of the sort
has been done. while others conserya-