The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1905-02-11
Venezuela is Chinese puzzle.

Venezuela is Chinese puzzle
To understand what is happening
there or what may happen, it is
necessary to have some kind of a
key to the puzzle. This key may be
found by knowing that there are
three phases of Venezuelan affairs
This three fold aspect concerns Ven
eZuela's relations with neighboring
South American countries, her atti-
tude toward the European powers,
and her position with reference to
the United States.
1t may also be said that Cen Cas-
tro, the ruler of Venezuela, is the
strongest man that has been in power
for 20 years, not excepting Guzman
Blanco, who was known as the il
lustrious American.
Gen. Castro got into power by fight
ing his way and he keeps his author
ity by his readiness to fight those
who want to GUST him.
The relations between Colombia
and Venezuela have not been very
friendly for many years. Their ter
ritory adioins and they have vari-
Gus causes of friction. Three or
four years ago they were at the
point of actual warfare, but the good
offices of Secretary Hay secured peace
Since then there have been occa-
sional mutterings Of histility and
uneasiness has been caused by the
closing of frontier custom houses
However, Gen. Rafael Reyes, the
new president of Colombia, believes
re visited Caracas and was we'll re-
ceived
So, while the possibility of COM
plications between Venezuela and
Colombia is sometimes dicussed,
especially since the United States is
as anxious now to maintain peace
as 1t was three or four years ago
when Secretary Hays good offices
were eXerted.
The attitude of the European pow
ers towards Venezuela and of Ven
ezuela toward the European pow
ers is much greater moment.
Since President Cleveland interviewed
in the boundary dispute between
Great Britain and Venezuela and Sec
rotary Olney declared that the Monroe
Doctrine was a living force, the Euro
pean countries have been jealous Of
the United States and at the same
time willing to put as much RESPONSE
bility as possible on this country.
They brought the issue to a head
in the fall of 102 when Great Britain,
Germany and Italy combined and
blockaded Venezuelan ports in or
der to force the payment of the
claims of their citizens, who were
creditors. Before doing this they
filed a disclaimer in Washington of
any intention to seize or permanent
ly occupy Venezuelan territory. At
that time the United States, France
and half a dozen other countries were
also pressing the claims of their
citizens. but were contenting them
selves with doing it through diplo-
matte channels.
After much display of ill-feeling a
proposition was made on behalf OF
the Venezuelan government that 80
per cent of the customs receipts of
the ports of LaGuayra and Puerto
Cabello should be applied to the pay
ment of the claims. Great Britain,
Germany and Italy were unwilling
that they should be placed on the
same basis as the nations which had
not engaged in the blockade. Final
ly, the yhole subject was referred
to The Hague This was on the
theory that it was a proper subject
for international arbitration.
Arbitrators were appointed in ac-
cordance with the provisions of The
Hague tribunal. The Venezuelan
government was represented by Unit
ed States Minister Bowen. This was
through a diplomatic arrangement
which enabled him to represent Ven
ezuela without being the official rep
resentative of the United States. The
position of the United States was rep
resented by Solicitor Penfield, of the
state department, by Wlyne Mac
Weigh and by others.
There was no dispute about Vene-