Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-21
WARSH|P OFF TO VENEZUELA
REPORT THAT THE MAINE HAS
BEEN SENT THERE.
Unusual Secrecy Manifested in All
omcial Circles Regarding the
Ships Destination.

NORFOLK, Va, December 21.-A spe-
cial to the Ledger-Dispatch from Fort
Monroe, Va, today says: THE United
States battleship Maine. flagship Of the
third squadron of the new Atlantic fleet.
with Rear Admiral Arnold aboard, sails
today under sealed orders for the south.
She is presumably bound for Venezuela.
The armored cruiser North Carolina sails
today for Charleston bay The cruiser
Montana is expected to sail Wednesday to
join the North Carolina
The unusual secrecy manifested in all
Official circles regarding the destination
OF the battleship Maine has served to
give the impression that her mission Is
of International Importance, possibly in
volving a reversal Of the administration S
policy of ron-intervention in the Vene-
zuelan affair. Certain officials regard ii
Is essential that the United States should
be represented by a warship in Vene-
zuelan waters, with view to the pro-
lection of the interests of this country
In the possible event of an attempt to
overthrow the Castro regime
1t has been represented that a large
element of the people of the republic are
tired of the so-called Castro misrule and
will readily take advantage of his alb
sence in Europe to get control of affairs.
In that event they could undoubtedly look
to the Willemstad camp for encourage
ment. 1t is stated that an expedition is
being fitted out in the United States in
the interests of the asphalt company to
aid in the movement against Castro.
Regardless of rumors there is undoubt-
frn, hi virey iy, I, "
ezuelan republic. Many reasons are ad-
vanced why the United States should be
in position to Immediately assert its au-
thority In case OF necessity. Owing to the
strained relations between the United
States and Venezuela 1t is too much to
expect that an American warship will be
cordially welcomed by the existing gov
eminent officials of Venezuela 1t is
pointed out that the present situation re-
sembles somewhat that existing in Cuba
when the original Maine went down to
Havana to its destruction.
The omcials of the State and Navy De-
partments will not admit that the new
Maine Is bound for Venezuela. but neither
will they throw the least light on hel
mission or even her probable destination
The Maine. which is the flagship Of Rea,
Admiral Arnold's squadron, was undo,
orders to proceed with the squadron tc
Havana to participate In the ceremonies
attending the re-establishment of the
CuDdn TepuOllc on the IStf instant.
Her present cruise may not interfere
with her presence in Havana harbor or
that occasion. but then again 1t may
especially If the belief that she Is going tc
Venzuela Is verified.
Although it is reported that the United
States is not opposed to the hostile opera.
tons of the Dutch warships in Venezuelan
waters. 1t is not uncomfortable that they
might easily reach a stage in which the
United States you'd feel compelled to
interfere. Any attempt to seize VENUE
Ian territory would undoubtedly be re-
sisted as a violation Of the Monroe doc
trine.
Admitting that the Maine is bound for
Venezuela, it is difficult to understand
Why large battleship was chosen for the
mission instead of cruiser or gunboat.
several Of which were just as available
for the purpose
Rear Admiral Arnold was at the Navy
Department Saturday and was fully in
structed as to his duties on the present
cruise. For that reason not much stock
Is taken in the Norfolk report Of sealed
orders" The secrecy concerning the or
ders to the warship has only served to
increase the mystery surrounding its mis-
sion.