The Venezuelan Crisis and the Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine is being tested as never before. The impetuosity of Germany in bombarding the Venezuelan fort and town of San Carlos has caused the deepest anxiety in diplomatic circles. England became allied with Germany in the matter of collecting bills from Venezuela, but is far from disposed to follow up hostilities as far as Germany would like to go. It is now claimed by Venezuela that Germany has been secretly backing the rebellion in that country. The German commodore who bombarded San Carlos claims that his ship was first fired upon from the fort. It looks as tho both parties were a little presumptive,—the Venezuelans because they expect the United States to keep Germany in check, and the Germans because they count on English co-operation. The United States has a strong naval force in Caribbean waters taking note of all operations. Italy is also an ally in the matter of collecting debts, and is also an ally offensive and defensive of Germany in Europe, but is somewhat nervous over the extreme stage of the affair caused by the bombardment. It is said that officers of the German army and navy are anxious for war somewhere; but Italy is in no shape for war anywhere, and Great Britain is especially anxious for peace just now, most of all in any direction that might involve hostility with the United States. The government of Washington sincerely regrets the bombardment, because it will probably complicate the arbitration in which U. S. Minister Bowen is acting for the Venezuelan Government.