VENEZUELA.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 809, 26 January 1903, Page 2

VENEZUELA.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

Now York, Jau. 23. It is stated in Washington that if the Allies are satisfied with Castro’s desire to loyally fulfil obligations, coupled with tho professod guarantee iu tho sliapo of Customs revenue, the blockade will be raised at the earliest possible momont. All foreign claims will bo considered with equality.

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

The Vineta’s erratic firing killed two Venezuelan children and scores of nativo fishermen in tho village. Tho Germans fired 1200 sholls. Many of them did not oxplode. Two hit the magazino, nearly penetrating the walls. The commandants stato that though several guns wore disabled five were still available, and they will resist to the end. The Governor of Maracaibo has summoned the militia.

Castro protested to Washington at Germany’s brutality in bombarding without uotico, ruthlessly killing non-combatants, and wantonly destroying property. Tho bombardment was rosumed at daybreak on Thursday.

GERMAN COMMODORE’S EXPLANATION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 5.30 p.m., Jau. 25. Berlin, Jan. 24.

Schroedor, Commodore of the Gorman fleet at Venezuela, cablos that as tho Panther was passing the Maracaibo bar sho was unexpectedly attacked by tho fort at San Carlos, and replied, but subsequently desistod owing to the difficulties of navigation. With a view of exacting immediate punishment for tho attack, especially as the Venezuelan Government proclaimed it, tho Victoria and Vinota bombarded and destroyed tho fort.

MEN AND WOMEN STARVED TO DEATH,

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Berlin, Jan. 24.

Another message states that the blockade prevented Venezuelans provisioning the island of Losroques. When the cruisor Derayer visitod the island it was discovered that twelvo men and live women had died from hunger and thirst.