COLOMBIA AND VENEZUELA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7200, 11 September 1901, Page 1

COLOMBIA AND VENEZUELA.

* . THE OUTBREAK OF HOSTILITIES. (Per San" Francisco Mail.) SAN FRANCISCO, August 22. The revolution in Colombia, South America, lias 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 <md the coast defence vessel Ranger from the Pacific coast. It is not expected that the-je 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 the ' United States Government is a warning of'' "hands off " to Europea.ii; 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 Casinos, tie secretary by order of the President, has wired thab it is the belief of the President that the Conservatives of Colombia have resolved to <as?ist in a) revolutionary movement against Venezuela and'her Government. It is stated that the frontier of Venezuela was first invaded by .6000 "men at one point and -2000 at another. These were victoriously expelled, and 10,000 men have been massed on the frontier to defend Venezuela. These are apart from the active service troops on other parts of the frontier, as well as the national troops scattered over the Republic, and leserve- 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 Germain cruisers will go to the Caribbean Sea, and one will remain there permanently. -,' ' ■■■.-.• The' London papers discuss the quarrel between Colombia and Venezuela, and the "Spectator" thinks that "American intervention- will* ; have grave results," ami/ that .it is not impossible 'that the United Slates will, occupy Panama, but it can! see no reason why Great Britain srhoiild oppose such a course. The "Saturday Review," which takes the usual strdhg 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." . ' . • The State Department at Washington has advdees that -a considerable European fleet is to be ordered to the- Isthmus to look after : their various interests, and,as^tkettf*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 baa 'decided upon no policy beyond that of protecting American interests arid keeping the Isthmus open for transportation. There is talk, however, that another Gabinet 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 at 19 difficult to arrive at any conclusion at present as to tihe actual state of affairs. . . •