America For Americans

Venezuela's appeai for protection from the threatening encroachments of Great Britain upon the territory of that little republic, which was made in vain to this country in 1887, when Secretary Bayard was at the head of the state department, has been answered by President Harrison. The situation is one which will undoubtedly give an opportunity for the emphatic assertion by the president of the famous Monroe doctrine - an assertion which wasevaded by President Cleveland's adininistration, despite the pathetic appeai of the Venezuelan governruent. The sealed instructions which were delivered to Admira) Walker on board the Chicago intrusted him with a mission more important, it is believed, than any that has been confided to an Ainerican naval offieer in recent years. Agents of the governmentof Great Britain have taken possession, unduly and forcibly, of the port of Barima, at the mouth of the Orinoco, which up to that time 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 Emopean ïnaritime power has once obtained a foothold at Barima it absolutely controls the Orinoco river and its numerous affluents. Through that artery it may penétrate as far as the Rio de La Plata. Venezuela is therefore not the only American republic that is at the mercy of the naval power that gets control of the Orinoco river. Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, the Argentine Republic and Uruguay are likewise at its mercy. Much interest is feit in President Harrison's instruction to Admiral Walker. It is believed they will be found to be in his usual vigorous and firm tone, which has more than once in the past brought a prompt recognition from Great Britain and other foreign powers.