THE REVOLUTION.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 210, 11 September 1901, Page 2

THE REVOLUTION.

(By Telegraph.)

(Per R.M.S. Sonoma at Auckland.) San Francisco, Aug. 25. Tho revolution in Columbia, South America, lias reached a critical stage. A train was held up for an hour at a point fifteen miles outside of Panama, and tho officials at Washington became alarmed ro the traffic across the Isthmus of Panama. Several war vessels have been ordered with all haste to tho vicinity. Some aro on the Atlantic side, and tho battleship lowa and coast defence vessels range from tho Pacific Coast. It is not expected that these ships will take any active part in events, but the Americans will carefully observe the situation, and their presence will be salutary. It is hinted also that the action of tho United States Government is a warning of “Hands Oil” to tho European powors, in order to forestall foreign interferouco with treaty engagements between Columbia and United States. Venezuela lias boon invaded by Columbians, and President Castros. The Secretary, by order of tho President, has wired the belief of tho President that the Conservatives of Columbia have resolved to assist in the revolutionary movement against Venezuela and her Government. It is stated that tho frontier of Venezuela was first invaded by six thousand men at one point and two thousand at another. These wero victoriously expelled, and ten thousand men have been massed on the frontier to defend Venezuela. These are apart from active service troops on other parts of the frontier, as well as national troops scattered over the Republic, and a reserve of militia now under arms. Venezuela has not accepted the attack as an international [invasion of the peoplo of Columbia against the people of Venezuela, but recognises it as the work of the Conservative Government of Columbia

against the majesty of the nation of Venezuela. Columbian authorities havo

notified their representative at Washington that they do not desire the landing of foreign forces for the keeping open of the traffic over the Panama railroad, and that they comprehend the responsibilities, and can maintain free traffic.

Berlin papers announce that two or three German cruisers will go to tho Caribbean Sea, and one will remain thoro permanently.

London papers discuss the quarrel between Columbia and Venezuela. The Spectator thinks that “ American interference will have grave results,” and that it is not impossible the United States will occupy the Panama, but it can seo no reason why Great Britain should opposo such a course.

The Saturday Review, which takes tho usual strong anti-American tone, says: “ The time will come when the outrageous Monroe doctrine will produce a deadlock between the European and American Governments. Neither Germany, Spain, France, nor Great Britain will surrender legitimate claims to expansion in South America.” The State Department at Washington has advices that a considerable European fleet is to be ordered to the Isthmus to look after tho various interests ; and, as their presence will give rise to considerable friction, it was deemed wise to havo American representation strong before tho Europeans can arrive. Up to this, tho Government of the United States has not decided upon a policy beyond that of protecting American interests, and keeping the isthmus open, for transportation purposes. There is talk, however, that another Cabinet meeting will soon be hold for tho discussion of South American affairs in detail, and a broader policy may possibly be decided upon.

Statements from Panama, Columbia, and Venezuela regarding the difficulties

there, arc so contradictory that it is difficult to arrive at any conclusion at present as to the actual state of affairs.