COLOMBIA AND VENEZUELA.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 14 September 1901, Page 3

COLOMBIA AND VENEZUELA.

News by the Mail.

r (Per s.s. Sonoma at Auckland). San Feancisco, Aug. 22. The revolution in Colombia, Somh America, has reached a critical stage. A train was held up for an hour at a point fifteen miles outside of Panama, and the officials at Washington became alarmed tor the traffic across the Isthmus of Panama,

Several United, States war vessels have been ordered with all baste 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 the events, but the Americans will carefully observe the situation, and presence will be salutary. It is hinted, also, that the action of the United States Government is a warning of “ hands off ” to the European Powers, in order to forestall foreign interference with the 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 wired that it is the belief of the President that the Conservatives of Colombia have resolved to assist in the 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 active service troops on other parts of the frontier as well as the national troops scartered over the Republic and the reserve militia, now under arms. Venezuel 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 notified their representative at Washington that they do not desire the landing of foreign forces for the keeping open of traffic over the Panama railroad, and that they comprehend their responsibilities, and can maintain free trade.

The Berlin papers announce that two or three Gorman cruisers will go to the Caribbean Sea, and one will remain there permanently.

The London press discusses the quarrel between Columbia and Venezuela, and the Spectator thinks that “ American interference 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.

The State Department at Washington has advised that a considerable European fleet is to be ordered to the isthmus to look after various interest, and as the presence of the vessels will give rise to considerable friction it was deemed wise to have the American representation strong before the Europeans can arrive.

The statements from Panama, Columbia, 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.

The three Masonic lodges in North Canterbury have adopted a system for the establishment of a scholarship for Freemasons’ children at the Bangiora High School.