Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-14
PROTESTS TO POWERS
Venezuela Notifies Diplomats
of Dutch Aggressions.
CAPTURE OF THE ALX
Surrendered to Cruiser Without
Firing a Shot.
NO DECLARATION OF WAR
Hollands Program Puzzling to Of
ficials Here-Castro Declares
He Is for Peace.
CAPTURE OF THE ALIx
NO DECLARATION OF WAR

CARACAS. Venezuela. Friday. Decem-
Der II, via Port of Spain. Trinidad De-
cember 14.-Foreign Minister Paul today
sent note to the members of the dlpio-
matte corps here protesting against the
repeated violations of the territorial
rights of Venezuela by the three Dutch
warships that have been cruising In ven
ezuelan waters since December =. NO
blockade has been declared. it Is set
forth, and the continual interference with
the coastwise shipping is having oetrl-
mental effect upon the commerce Of the
neutral powers. In conclusion the foreign
minister says:
Venezuela protests with energy against
these aggressions upon the territorial
sovereignty of the republic, and she holds
Holland responsible for all the conse-
quences."
Senior Paul in his communication re-
counts the following facts:
The Dutch cruiser Friesland. December
3. stopped the Venezuelan schooner Vic
toria In Venezuelan waters near Gu
mana by firing a shot across her bow, ana
then sent launch with twenty-five arm
ed men on board and examined the
SchoOner'S papers.
Schooner Is Overhauled.
On the 0tn OF DeCemDeT the CRUISER
Friesland sent a boatload of sailors
armed with revolvers to examine the
papers of the Venezuelan schooner Car
men Josefa. laying at anchor in the har-
Dor of Tucacas: furthermore. a Dutch
warship appeared yesterday at the Mara
caibo bar. took soundings and interfered
with the local shipping by target practice.
the shots being sent in the direction OF
Fort San Carlos
condemns these petty acts of hostility.
which evidently are for the purpose OF
provocation.
Acting President Gomez has determined
to uphold the rights and dignity of Vene-
zuela.
Seizure Of the Alix.
WILLEMSTAD Island of Curacao.
December 14.-The following detailed
story Of the capture Saturday last Of
the Venezuelan coast guardship Alix by
the Dutch cruiser Gelderland was OBJ
tained today from an officer of the
cruiser
At o'clock Saturday morning the
Geiderland was steaming slowly a short
distance Off the fort at Puerto Cabello.
She noticed the Alix coming. and after
taking up a position that prevented the
passage Of the smaller boat she ordered
her to stop. and sent of boat to search
the Venezuelan vessel. It was discov-
cred that the captain Of the Alix had
hidden his Venezuelan pennant in his
pocket, and he pretended that his vessel
was merchant steamer. A passenger
on board the Aix. however declared to
the Dutch officer that the Alix was a
coast guard vessel. A search was then
made. The flag was found in the cap
tain'S pocket. and six rifles and a small
quantity OF ammunition also were dis
covered. The rifles we've in bad condi-
ton.
Gunboat Did Not Resist.
The crew OF the Alix' were given their
choice of coming to Curacao or going
ashore at Puerto Cabello. They preferred
the latter course. embarked In one of
their own boats and pulled into the
harbor.
The Venezuelan gunboat Restaurador
was at Puerto Cabello and the officers Of
the Gelderland could see her getting up
steam. Smoke was pouring from her
funnel. The Gelderland stayed outside
Puerto Cabello for several hours waiting
to see II the Restaurador would come
out. but she did not venture forth.
The Gelderland manned the Alix with
an officer and several marines and towed
her into Curacao. arriving yesterday. The
Alix is now anchored in the inner bar.
Not an "Unfriendly Act"
Naturally the people of Curacao. who
have long been clamoring for activity on
the part Of the Dutch government, are
greatly rejoiced over this evidence that
Holland has at last begun active meas
ures against Venezuela, but the governor
of Curacao. in explaining the incident, had
this to say:
THE capture by our warship Of coast
guards and war vessels is not to be con-
sidered an unfrendly act against the Ven
ezuelans. 1t is merely a reprisal against
Castro's government which refuses to
give satisfaction for his unfriendly acts
toward Holland. The seizure Of these
vessels will make it impossible for the
Venezuelan troops to carry troops or am
munition to and from the various ports.
"A communication to this effect his
been forwarded by the Dutch government
to the German minister at Caracas
Other Seizures Expected.
1t is learned from the officers of the
Geiderland that the battleship Jacob Van
Heemskerk and the cruiser Friesland are
now OF La Guaira, and that further cap
lures may be expected at any time. These
two vessels left here on Friday. cleared
for action. and 1t was believed at that
time that the intention was to make a
forctble demonstration at La Guaira.
The opinion is held here that the Vene-
zueian government in the absence Of Pres
ident Castro. will not 60 SO far as to fire
upon the Dutch warships. which. in view
of the fact that Venezuela Is practically
without a navy. hold the Venezuelan ports
at their mercy
News reached here today from Venezue-
Ia that revolutionists have taken advan-
tage Of the absence of President Castro