The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-08-19

Castro will be spanked 10y pfoxy.
Uncle Sam has consented to alsaw Hol-
land to serve as the prox5. II she cares
to undertake the task. Castro, however.
will not be permitted TO furnish proxy.
The American minister to Holland, on
advices from washington, has assured
the Dutch foreign office that the United
States has no objection TO the spanking
process. provided Holland viii not I'M
dertake TO infringe on Venezuelan terri
tory. just how Holland win get blood
out OF the Venezuelan turnip without
occupying some territory is not very
apparent; but the Dutch have demon
strated a most canny faculty for get
ting returns on their investments. and
there is a calm confidence that if they
send an expedition TO Venezuela they
will not make such a bad investment OF
It.
II is just possible that the Dutch
would not be enthusiastic over the
kindly permission Uncle Sam has given
them II they knew OF some OF the dis
eussions that have taken place in the
Foreign Affairs Committees Of the two
Houses OF Congress Ia the past year.
It is well known here that This problem
Of what to do with Castro has been a
good deal discussed az the state De-
partment, the White House, and In
Congressional committees. The diff
culties seemed so great as hardly TO
warrant the effort
At War Now, in Theory.
Theoretically, Castro is at war with
several countries now; that Is, he has
severed diplomatic relations with them.
II it were not for the Monroe Doctrine,
there Is small doubt that the Castro
regime would end with foreign occupa-
ton and a complete change @ gov
eminent. Germany or Great Britain,
or France. or Italy long ago would have
taken possession OF some sort OF sphere
OF influence. from which the govern
ment % the turbulent republic could be
watched and kept IN bounds But as it
stands, no country can figure where
there is any money 20 be made out OF
attacking Venezuela. The customs re-
ceipts Of the country are largely sub
ject TO q trust or reCeiVership. from
which claims Of Italy. Germany and
France are being paid There are some
minor ports whose RECIPES Holland
might attach: but as the matter is
/ understood here, it would be a slow
J AtNNh'e Va NAA-tso wv E'e-N--'lN~e~N-ff~--
Campaign Is Difficult.
When the castigation Of Castro was
talked about by members of the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee last
| winter. they were given 10 emphasizing
| the difficulty OF a campaign against
that country. Venezuela IS a big region,
and Il has no really vital points ex-
/ posed to attack. The country which
( attacks It must be prepared for a very
| considerable military expedition, In a
| region whose topography Is entirely
/ favorable 10 the defending force.
The effect commercially would be
| more serious on the attacking than on
I the defending force, because the paying
/ part Of Venezuelan commerce is largely
I in the hands Of foreigners, who would
| be the greatest losers At the best, a
war with Venezuela was looked upon
| by members Of Congress as a bOotless
| enterpr.. e which might prove peculiarly
undiEnihed. and possibly disastrous.
once undertaken, there could be no
/ turning back until adequate punishment
| had been inflicted.
just how this punishment could be I'm
| posed. short Of "A species of gOvernme lt-
al trusteeship under American control
I similar TO the situation in Cuba or in
Sauto DomineO-has never been made
U