The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-02-10
Strained on Not Warlike.

St. Paul Globe.
There is no question that the diplo-
matte relations of the world powers are
badly strained. At no time in a genera
ton or more have the relations of SO
many nations been affected to an acute
stage, as they are just now: and it is
all over the petty claims, many of them
mere trumpery, against Venezuela.
The rejection in toto by the allied
powers of Minister Bowen's proposition
in behalf of the Venezuelan government,
namely. that the 80 per cent OF Venezue-
Ian customs revenue shall be applied to
the settlement of all nations alike ar
rays Germany, England and Italy. who
set up the claim of preferred creditors,
against the United States, France, Bel
GUM, Holland, Denmark, Spain. Nor
way and Sweden, who demand that the
rights of peace shall not be set aside
and sacrificed to the claims Of war
The rejection of the proposition for
settlement on an equal basis makes the
situation acute. The United States
France and the other five nations out
size of the blOckading powers cannot
submit to the forcible destruction Of
their interests by the war measures of
the allies. France already by treaty ne
gOtiatiOn has secured a settlement of its
claims on the basis of u per cent of
~ submit to an act on the part of Ger
many, England and Italy to Confiscate
its treaty rights and interests by the APP
preparation of Venezuelan revenue and
property The claims of the United
States have been satisfied by a judg
ment which also antedates the war
measures of the allies. and the subse-
ouent belligerent measures of the allies
cannot be permitted to suDersede and
intervene. Belgium, Holland, Spain,
Denmark, Norway and Sweden have
claims as meritorious at least as those
of the allies and do not propose to stand
idle and see the war powers appropriate
all the resources Of Venezuela.
But the rejection of Minister Bowen's
proposition implies that the allies win
continue their blockade, and this in it,
self is an act of war against the coun-
try blockaded. 1t is also notice to neu-
trail nations to keep off. It also implies
that further war measures may be put
in force to accomplish the purpose Of
the belligerent movement If this pur-
pose is to enforce immediate payment
of the claims of the allies, which is the
nominal purpose announced, and the
Venezuelan government has no cash to
pay the claims, which appears to be the
case, what will be the next step of the
allied powers?
VIII they seize Venezuelan property or
prechance territory2 In the latter event
the United States must intervene to
defend the Monroe doctrine.
VIII the powers take forcible posses
sion Of the collection of Venezuelan
which is considered their most probable
programme In that case France and
the United States with the other five
peace nations are certain to protest and
make good their protest for the protec-
ton of their own equal interests
Strict logic would point to the latter
as the natural resultant of the act of
the allies in rejecting settlement on a
non preferential basis But there are
other considerations which here intrude
Can Great Britain be depended upon to
follow the German emperor's Warlike
lead and indorse his appeal to force2
Probaly not. The british press, which
undoubtedly represents British popular
sentiment in this matter. is Outspoken in
its condemnation of the tactics of the
German warshiDs and in its criticism
Of the British government for being en-
tangled and in a measure responsible
and the government viii be slow to well
come an overturn at the hands of an
indignant British public. Without Brit
ish support and Endorsement. Germany
viii be slow to proceed to a point that
viii precipitate hostility with the seven
peaceful nations
Nevertheless. the situation is extreme
ly delicate, and it is difficult to Under
stand how the allies are going to back
down gracefully. The activity in the
United States army and navy depart
ments suggests that the government
proposes to take no chances on future
possibilities.