Venezuela.

Manawatu Herald, 27 January 1903, Page 2

Venezuela.

THE BOMBARDMENT OF SAN CARLOS. Further news from Lake Maracaibo states that it was the German cruisers Gazelle, Panthe and Yineta which engaged Fort San Carlos.

The Panther ran to within five yards firing a shot per minute. The fort replied rapidly and effectively. * The latest message says that the village of San Carlos is ablaze. An explosion has occurred within the fort.

The Germans twice, ineffectually attempted to land close to Forte San Carlos on Wednesday. The fort was terribly battered. Twelve of the garrison were killed and fifteen wounded.

The Yineta’s erratic firing killed two Venezuelan children and scores of native fishermen in the village, The Germany fired twelve hundred shells. Many did not explode. Two hit the magazine, nearly penetrating the walls.

The Venezuelan commandant states that though several of his guns were disabled, others are still available, and he will resist to the end.

The Government at Maracaibo has summoned the militia.

• President Castro has protested at Washington at Germany’s brutality in bombarding without notice, ruthlessly killing non-combatants, and wantonly destroying property.

The bombardment was resumed at daybreak on Thursday Officials at Berlin suggest that the allied commanders decided upon the bombardment of San Carlos and a new effective blockade leaving its execution to the Germans because it was within the sphere assigned to then.

Commodore Schoeder, commanding the German fleet ot Venezuela, has cable that as the Panther was passing Maracaibo bar she was unexpectedly attacked by Port San Carlos, and replied, but subsequently desisted, owing te difficulties of navigation. With a view of exacting immediate punishment for the attack, especially as the Venezuelan Government had proclaimed it, the Victoria and Vineta bombarded and destroyed the fort Another message states that the blockade had prevented the Venezuelans provisioning the island of Los Roques, and when the cruiser Deruyer visited it it was discovered that twelve men and five women had died of hunger and thirst. liis stated at Washington that if the allies are satisfied of President Castro’s desire loyally to fulfil his obligations, coupled with the profered guarantee in the shape of Customs revenue, the blockade will be raised at the earliest possible moment. All foreign claims will be considered on an equality. FIGHTING WITH THE REBELS. Venezuelan rebels under General Riewa attacked the town of Goro, and ten hours’ street fighting followed Ten of General Castro’s troops and thirty rebels were killed, including General Navas. The wounded numbered 115, among them being General Riewa. The rebels eventually retreated from the town. GERMANY AND BRITAIN. “ The Times,” commenting on theapeech made in the German Reichstag by Count von Bulow, the Imperial Chancellor (in which,-he said the allies were co-operating loyally in Venezuela), says that Britain’s dislike to co-operate with Germany is very strong, and there will be general relief when the Venezuelan trouble is ended. The Times adds ;—“ Britain is determined not to be dragged at the tail of any nation. She must adopt the German policy of looking first after her own great paramount Imperial interests.”