The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-12-24

That fTeSldent castro mas some ftdSoi'
to fear action by the United States that
will force him TO meet his obligations
is shown By number OF incidents,
The presidents recent message alluded
TO the duty OF the United States in re-
ouiring South American republics pro-
tected by the Monroe doctrine to perform
their International obligations. and Elihu
Root former secretary OF war. In speech
In New York last night. reiterated that
statement Of policy
II has been freely stated At the state
department that the time cannot be far
distant when the United States must face
the alternative Of permitting European
powers 10 enforce their righteous claims
against delinquent South American gov
ernmcnis or OF enforcing them itself.
JUGGLING WITH CUSTOMS.
Information from Venezuela is 10 the
effect that fiscal affairs are I'm ~" de
plorable condition The receipts Of Gus
toms have fallen far below the esti-
mates. thereby postponing the payment
Of installments TO the allied powers now
collecting the awards against Venezuela
according 90 the judgment OF the mixed
commission.
II Is suspected that there has been
q juggling with customs receipts in order
10 make IL appear that the income OF
the government is actually much less
than was estimated.
The three powers concerned-Great
Britain Germany and Italy--are reported
10 be impatient and II would not he sur
prising II they were To make urgent Of
fetal presentations TO the United States
on the subject.
The attitude Of the people Of Vene-
zucia toward the United States is said
Ia he intensifying into bitterness and
suspicion President Castro is reported
II he doing what he can TO stir up this
feeling.
Though Venezuela declared herself to
be highly pleased with tho work of Min
istcr Bowen IN acting AS arbitrator IN
her disputes with European powers.
venomous feeling has developed against
him I'm that country. unquestionably in
spired by Castro.
He has publicly declared that MIR.
Bowen Is persona non grsta and news
papers controlled by the government have
savageiy attacked him. Yet President
Castro so far as can he learned has not
animated to the state department that
nc desires Mr.. Bowens recall.
so generally was II known in Vene-
suela that MIR. Bowen was out of sym
pathy with the Venezuelan government
that great surprise was expressed when
II was announced that he had sailed from
New York recently to resume his duties
af Caracas.
The public in Venezuela did not expect
him 10 rcsurn. The feeling against MIR
Bowen is said TO be more I'm the nature
Of a concrete expression Of hatred of
Che United States than personal ll-wi
The state department Is fully informed
Of this state Of affairs. but will take no
action in the absence OF oficial init
nations from Venezuela
The deiay in the settlement ~ the
asphalt controversy in the federal high
court Of Venezuela. promises 10 add to
the friction between the two govern
Jnenfs.
The United States has already requested
president Castro IN see that speedy just
ice IL done 10 the American interests in
Venezuela. Apparently the request has
fallen upon deaf ears. II there should
be unreasonable delay. or IL the decision
cf the court should be grossly In Castro's =
favor as is apprehended. the crisis in
the relations Of the two coun tries may
be reached
The state department. however regards
the growing delinquency of Venezuela
toward the European powers 10 be much
more serious t,ian the asphalt affair. as
II wcsild be far less susceptible Of
diplomatic setnomen1
The faii1re Of vsnexuela 10 pay her
debts. after q solemn gagement 10 do
so. might leave no alternative 10 the
United States government IN order TO
prcven< the use OF force by European
powers. than To undertake itself 10 bring
venexreia 10 terms.
Although this policy would be extremely
distasteful IN the United States. II IL re
garded as the Lesser Of two evils and
az frsuxht with fewer possibilities Of
complications.