The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1903-01-25
TIME TO CALL \ HALT.

The policy which is actuating Ger
many In her dealings with Venezuela is
certainly difficult to understand, says
the Post -Intelligencer. 1t has been
substantially agreed on all sides to sub
NIT the matter to arbitration. Negoti-
ations to that end are under way and
there is no hint of their possible inter-
ruption. Great Britain is accepting
the situation in apparent good faith,
Minister Bowen, armed with fun pow
ers from Venezuela to make arrange
ments for the settling by arbitration
Of all claims which either Germany,
Great Britain or any other country has
against Venezuela, is now on his way
to Washington, at which place, it has
been understood, all parties have
agreed to discuss and settle the terms
of arbitration.
Yet, under these circumstances. when
there is every prospect of a peaceful
settlement of the whole matter and the
satisfaction in full through the decision
of a competent tribunal of all legiti-
mate claims which Germany or her
subjects may have against Venezuela,
Germany persists in acting as though
war were raging in which it was in
cumbent upon her to take and maintain
the aggressive. Twice within the past
week, and without any apparent provo
cation, necessity or inducement, have
vessels of the German navy attacked
and shelled Venezuelan forts, and in
one case the German attacking force
has been ANONYMOUSLY routed and
forced to seek shelter in fight. e..
What is it all about? Why has Ger
many attacked the Venezuelan forts
under such circumstances? Is she de-
liberately designing and intending To-
arouse such feeling of antagonism and
resentment in Venezuela as to make 1t
impossible to conclude peace? Or is
it true that Germany is really seeking
TO aid to the extent of her ability and
opportunity the revolutionary force
which Castro has defeated every time
that it has taken the field against him;
even with his ports closed by the hos
tile actions of the German fleet?
If is Great Britain which should ask
these questions of her German ally.
The present interest of the United
States is merely to secure a restoration
Of peace, If possible; failing that, to in
sure that the success Of the allies in
war shall not result in the loss of ter
ritory on the part of Venezuela. But
the British government is responsive
"a n,,blic sentiment at home. The al
lance with Germany has not been pop
ular. If Great Britain should seriously
antag onize the United States by any
action which she takes in concert with |
Germany and against Venezuela, that |
fact alone would be fatal to the pres
ent British ministry; for neither the
British people nor the American people
want any difficulties created between
the two countries which by the remot-
est possibility might bring about war.
Germany's actions have been and are
irritating to many people in the United
States. The prospect of peace and ar
bitration was hailed with unfeigned re-
lief by everyone in the United States;
because the situation was one not with
out peril to this country; and we GER
tainly are 1esirous above all things Of
living in peace with all other powers.
Under all of these circumstances it
would be the part of sound policy for
Great Britain to intimate to her ally
that If a peaceful settlement of her
claims is what she really wants, she
must refrain from the amusement Of
firing upon Venezuelan forts and burn
ing Venezuelan towns; and if this is
not what Germany really wants, that
Great Britain has followed Germany's
lead along that particular road 50 far
as she desires to go.
rrITIs rncT OE utAUc