Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-02-19
Results of the Venezuelan Trouble.


The Venezuela affair, which has been
so prominently before the people of
three continents for several months, is
now taken from the center of the stage.
The long negotiations which have
seemed at times hopelessly complicated
have resulted in a notable triumph for
American diplomacy, and the details
of Strengthening out the tangle are now
in the hands of the Hague tribunal.
vasion and occupation by foreign forces
and the possible partition of its terri
tory; arrangements are made for the
payment of its just debts; South
America has been shown where to look
for the only great nation that is really
friendly to it, and the powers of Europe
have been offered several things for
their serious consideration.
The United States comes out of the
affair with much gained and nothing
lost. The danger of complications in
volving war was avoided by careful
diplomacy, and at the same time the
position of this country was MAIN
tanned with the greatest consistency
and skill. It is worth much to have
received such ,outspoken and UNI
equiyocal recognition of the Monroe
doctrine as has been forced from the
powers of Europe. That doctrine has
been much strengthened by the affair,
and the effects of the settlement Of
the Venezuelan question will be fai
reaching. Not the least of the al
vantages to the United States from the
inbroglio is the warmer friendship
now felt for this country by
Venezuela and the republics of South
America. 1t has dissipated any sus-
picion on their part that this country
was reserving the southern continent
for its own exploitation.
England and Germany will secure
satisfaction OF their claims in
Venezuela, which was the only ac-
knowlcdged reason for their demon
stration off its coast. and in that
respect the outcome of the affair
should please them, but there are rea-
sons to believe that they are not par
ticularly happy over the outcome of
the trouble. Italy will also get it's
money without having to work for it,
as the others did. England was drawn
into an alliance with Germany which
proved most unpopular at home. Both
England and Germany will suffer no,
a little in the loss of Venezuelan trade. |
Germany is particularly Inundated by |
the loss of prestige of it's navy, caused |
by The very poor craftsmanship of its |
The discreditable exhibition |
will no doubt give an impetus to EN-
peror Williams policy of a stronger
and better navy. Especially unpleas-
ant to the German government. we
doubt not, was the fact that it was
and overmatched by Ameri-
cttH HioloHla ". Europe, however, is no
longer throwing sneers at what it once
called 'the shirtsleeves diplomacy of
America.
As for Venezuela, it is very lucky to
get out the trouble as it does The
prestige of President Castro is much
strengthened. His master stroke was
IN making United States Minister Her
pert w. Bowen his agent to conduct
he negotiations with the allies and Mr..
PoW1en. gets more individual glory out
ofsit ali than any other man. Mr.. Bowen
achieved signal diplomatic victories.
obtaining the restoration of the
venezuelan navy, preventing the i'm
position of impossible demands and
ettling all questions between
'ehezuela and foreign powers. The
'afacas government will, therefore.
nJoy for the first time in it's historv
reedom from international complica-
ions. With his foraipr, raIa +;1,,- 11.-