New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-30
VENEZUELA MAY SETTLE.
I. y. sELIGMAN CoNsULTs PRESIDENT
ROOSEVELT.
THIS GOVERNMENT WOULD WELCOME AN
ADJUSTMENT, BUT WOULD NOT
GUARANTEE A LOAN.

Washington, Nov. 29-The annearapce IN
washington of Isaac n. Seligman a member
Oh New-York financial house which has en-
sdseu extensively in international syndication
l"heh IN connection with the dispatches from
LONDON relative TO Venezuelan finances print-
ed this morning, was viewed in official circles
mere to-day as indicating the existence of
syndicate with the purpose of floating all of
Nehezueia's many debts and thus ayerting the
imminent danger in which that country now
slanos OF a seizure of her custom houses by for
eish powers. The assumption is that the pros
PectlVe syndicate wishes TO ascertain before
closing a bargain with Venezuela whether or
not the United States will insure the meeting
py venezuela OF the obligations she would as
sGme in regard to repayment of the loan
Mr.. Seligman lost no time in bringing his
business TO the attention of the government
Before noon he appeared at the executive Of
hces with Senator Hanna, and was promptly
admitted to the Presidents room. The CON
ference did not last long. and when he came
away Mr. Seligman declined to make any state
ment as to the reason for his call beyond the
remark that it friendly visit It is un-
derstood, however that he did sound the Presi-
dent on the lines indicated, and that the Presi-
dent could not see his way clear to involve the
United States in the financial difficulties of the
American republics which might follow from
the acceptance of Mr.. Seligman's proposition.
X is possible. however that the matter will
later take a form that will make it possible for
the State Department to entertain it favorably.
Al any rate. Mr.. Seligman returned to his ho-
tel from the executive offices, postponng a visit
he had projected to the State Department He
said tonight that another conference will be
held tomorrow at which Secretary Hay will
be present. and that at its conclusion he would
probably give out a statement.
The United he
said on authority, is extremely desirous that
Venezuela settle her troubles with Great Brit
ain, Germany and other foreign countries with
out mourning the seizure of any Venezuelan
ports, even temporarily. For ii is realized that,
while the United States could not consistently
object to the seizure of Venezuelan custom
houses by a foreign power as means of col
lecting just debts. this is regarded as the
tingency to be avoided if possible, for serious
friction might follow between the foreigners
and the Venezuelans, and what in the begin
ming might be declared to be merely temporary
occupation would end by a claim of permanence.
of which the United States must take notice
and which il must contest. Therefore. If any
responsible financial body is willing to pay off
Venezuela's foreign claims and so relieve the
country from danger of occupation, such
move would be welcomed by the State Depart
ment. But it Is known that any proposal in
Volving a guarantee by the United States Gov
ernment of the syndicate's Venezuelan loan
would be unfavorably considered. The Depart
ment of State objects strongly 10 giving any
guarantee Of this kind, and Its official practice
h2S 9e7a II s-send 70 an American holding for
eign bonds such protection ii would give TO
any other citizen, but to allow him to bear the
risk Of his own venture, holding that he takes
the bonds of a foreign government subject to
the vicissitudes Of that government, and cannot
expect the United States to act his collector
if his speculation does not turn out as well as
he expected.
A representative of J. & W. Seligman & Co
said yesterday, in answer to inquiries concern
ing a rumOr that the government of Venezuela
was about to pay through that firm the claims