Omaha daily bee., 1902-12-23

CARACAS. Dec. 22-(New York World
Cablegram-Special Telegram. Two more
Venezuelan gunboats have been found and
seized by the blockading fleet on the gulf
OF Paria They were taken to the British
island of Trinidad by the English sloop Of
war Alert.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 22.-PresIdent
Roosevelt has not accepted the position Of
arbitrator Of the Venezuelan controversy
In fact when the official day closed he
had not formally received any request from
the European powers to do SO.
In an informal manner the president has
been notified that the European powers in
umately concerned in the present South
American difficulty desire that he should
undertake the responsibility Of arbitrating
the points at issue. Thus far they merely
have been taking "soundings," with a view,
probably, of ascertaining how he would re-
ceive formal proffer.
Roosevelt Confers with Hny
The president and Secretary Hay had q
long conference today. They went care
fully over the situation as it had developed
since Saturday, but 1t is understood that
nothing arose during the past forty eight
hours to warrant the president in chang
Ing his opinion. So Ear as can be learned
no specific reasons have been advanced by
the European powers for objecting to The
Hague tribunal. It is held by the admin
istration that The Hague court was consti-
tuted to arbltrate Just such controversies
as that which has arisen between Venez-
uela and the powers and that It would be
desirable from every point Of view that
the present dispute should go to that tFi-
bunal for adjudication.
The acceptance by the powers OF tho
principle of arbitration Is a matter of
great qualification to the president and his
cabinet. That all the powers have inti-
mated, too, that they would prefer the
president to act is taken as a notable COM
pliment to the president personally and to
his administration.
While It is recognized by his closest ad-
vfssrs and BY the president himself that
some unpleasant possibilities might at
tend his performance OF the duties, his
friends assert that he will shirk no respon-
sibility that he may deem 1t his duty to
undertake
Opinion varies as to the termination OF
the blockade OF the Venezuelan ports. In
some quarters 1t is assured that II Presi-
dent Roosevelt accepts the duty of arbi-
traitor the allies will call off the blockade
at once.
On the other hand, 1t is pointed out that
custom requires the terms of the arbtra-
tion to be accurately defined and this will
consume some time, pending which the
blockade will continue.
blockade Goes Into Enect.
The following cable has been received
from Commander Diehl of Marietta, which
lies at La Guayra. The message comes by
way OF Hayti and is dated yesterday:
The British vice ADMIRAL established an
effective blockade from and after Decem-
Der 20 of La Guayra, Carnerno. Guanta
Cumana, Garupano and the mouth OF the
Orinoco. Vessels sailing from the United
States and West Indies before date of
notification were allowed grace-steamers
ten days; sailing vessels twenty days.
Other ports: Steamers twenty days; sail
ing vessels forty days; vessels in blockaded
ports, fifteen days. Full text. II desired.
Ambassador Tower has notified the State
department from Berlin that he has re-
ceived official notification from the Ger
man government that the German squad
ron has blockaded Maracaibo and Puerto
Cabello. effective December 20.
Lieutenant Marbury Johnson, the oficcr
detailed by Admiral Dewey to go to the
relief Of Minister Bowen at Caracas, has
advised the Navy department OF his ar
rival there.
II le ~ ute tNlutul lTOul lnt u6NeiOpMenI8
here tnat Germany is the originator and
promoter of the suggestion that President
Roosevelt act as the arbitrator Great
Britain and Italy, 1t is believed, inclined
toward arbitration by The Hague tribunal,
but OF course they would not indicate any
preference oficially in the matter II Presl-
dent Roosevelt gave the falntest intimation
Of accepting the charge. Indeed, oficially
the allies stand on record as supporting
the German lead in this matter.
Advices have been received here from
Rome that the former Italian minister at
Caracas, Mr.. Riva, will return to Italy at
once and that Baron Aliotti, who was
formerly attached to the Italian embassy
here. will remain on board the Italian war
ship Giovanni and in the event Of a re-
newal OF diplomatic negotiations between
Italy and Venezuela will become charge
d'affaires.
Secretary Hay was informed Of this fact
today by Sig Mayor Desplanches, the
Italian ambassador. Baron Aiiotti made
many friends during his stay in Washing
ton and is regarded thoroughly competent
for his new charge.
Blockade win Continue.
BERLIN, Dec. 22.-The blockade Of the
Venezuelan coast will continue until def
mite arrangement for arbitration has been
reached. Germany will be satisfied II
President Roosevelt undertakes the task
His acceptance would be considered a suf-
hclent guarantee that Venezuela would pay
II 1t lost.
The blockade OF the Venezuelan coast
will continue until a definite arrangement
for arbitration has been reached. Ger
many will be satisfied II President Roose-
welt undertakes the task. His acceptance
would be considered a sufficient guarantee
that Venezuela would pay II Il lost.
Asking President Roosevelt TO arbitrate
was the emperor's suggestion. An in
direct inquiry. three or four days ago, not
eliciting a refusal from the president, a
request has now been made in direct form.
Although Germany Is ready 10 submit IT'S