Rensselaer Republican, Volume 25, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 September 1892 — AMERICA FOR AMERICANS. [ARTICLE]

AMERICA FOR AMERICANS.

Venezuelan Matter. Venezuela's appeal for protection from the threatening encroachments of Qfer. Britain upon the territory of that little republic, which was made in vain to th 1 country in 1887, when Secretary Bays • d was at the head of the state departnsnt, has been answered by President Harrison. The situation is one /wbic'i will undoubtedly give an opporti 1 ity for the emphatic assertion by the uresideEt_flf the famous Monroe doctrine—an assertion which was e vaded by President Cleveland’s administration. despite the pathetic appeal of the Venezuelan government 5“ The sealed instructions which were delivered to Admiral Walker on board the Chicago intrusted him with a mission more important, ifcis believed, than any that-has been confided to an American naval officer in recent years. Agents of the government of Great Britain have taken possession, unduly and forcibly, of the port of Barima, at the mouth of the Orinoco, which up to that tune had been possessed by Venezuela, whose title to it was indisputable. It is only necessary to cast a glance at the map of South America in order to see the vast importance of this aggressive step of Great Britain. When a European maritime power lias once obtained a foothold at Barima it absolutely controls the Or-inoco-river. and its numerous affluents. Through that artery it may penetrate as far as the Rio de La Plata. Venezuela is therefore .not the only American republic that isat_the mercy of the naval power that gets control of the Orinoco river. Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, the Argentine Republic and Uruguay are likewise its mercy. Much interest is felt in President Harrison’s instruction to Admiral Walker. It is believed they will bo found to be in his usual vigorous and firm tone, which has more than once ip the past brought a prompt recognition from Great Britain and other foreign powers.