COLOMBIA AND VENEZUELA.

Lake County Press, Issue 980, 19 September 1901, Page 7

COLOMBIA AND VENEZUELA.

THE OUTBREAK OF HOSTILITIES

[Per San Francisco Mail.]

The revolution in Colombia, South America, has reached a critical stage. A train was held up an hour at a point fifteen miles outside of Panama, and the officials at Washington became alarmed for the traffic across the Isthmus of Panama. Several war vessels have been ordered with all haste to the vicinity, some on the Atlantic side, and the battleship lowa and the coast defence vessel Ranger from the Pacific coast. It is not expected that these ships will take any active part in events, but. the American's will carefully observe the situation, and their presence will be salutary. It is hinted, also, that the action of the United States Government is a warning of "hands off" to European Powers, in order to forestall foreign interference with treaty engagements between Colombia and the United States. Venezuela has been invaded by the Colombians, and President Castro's secretary, by order of the President, has wiredthat'it is the belief of the President that the Conservatives of Colombia have resolved to assist in a revolutionary movement Venezuela and her frontier of Venezuela was first invaded by 6,000 men at one point and 2,000 at another. These were victoriously expelled, and 10,000 men have been massed on the frontier to defend Venezuela. These ere apart from the active service troops on other parts of the frontier, as well as the national troops scattered over the Republic, and reserve militia now under arms. Venezuela has not accepted the attack as an international invasion of the people of Colombia against the people of Venezuela, but recognises it as the work of the Conservative Government of Colombia against the majesty of the nation of Venezuela. The Colombian authorities have informed their representative at Washington that they do not desire the landing of foreign forces for keeping open traffic over the Panama Railroad, and that they comprehend their responsibilities, and can maintain free traffic. Berlin papers announce that two or three German cruisers will go to the Caribbean Sea. and one will remain there permannently.

The London papers discuss the quarrel between Colombia and Venezuela, and the 'Spectator' thinks that "American intervention will have grave results," and that it is not impossible that the United States will occupy Panama, but it can see no reason why Great Britain should oppose such a course. The ' Saturday Review,' which takes the 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 their legitimate claims to expansion in South America."

lae State Department at Washington has advices that a considerable European fleet is to be ordered to the Isthmus to look after their various interests, and as their presence 'will give rise to considerable friction, it was deemed wise to have American representation strong before the Europeans can arrive. Up to this time the Government have decided upon no policy beyond that of protecting American interests and keeping the Isthmus open for transportation. There is talk, however, that another Cabinet meeting will soon be held for the discussion of South American affairs in detail, and a broader policy may possibly be decided upon. The statements from Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela regarding the difficulties there are so contradictory that it is difficult to arrive at any conclusion at present as to the actual state of affairs.