Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-12-23

Powers and South America Has
Been Taught Thut the United
States Are the Power Between
Them and Europe.
WASHINGTON, .. c., December o.
President Roosevelt has not accepted the
position Of arbitrator of the controversy
in which the republic of Venezuela is
involved with Great Britain, Germany,
and Italy. In fact, when the official day
closed, he had not received. formally or
officially. request from the European
Powers that he act as arbitrator of the
dispute. These statements are made on
the highest authority.
In an informal manner, the President
has been notified that the European Pow
ers intimately concerned in the present
South American difficulty, desiye that
he should undertake the responsibility of
acting as arbitrator of the points at issue
between them and Venezuela Thus far
they merely have been taking sound
ings," with view, probably. to ascer-
proposition to, act as arbitrator. It can
be said that, in response to the Sugges-
tons he has received, the President,
from the first intlmation he had that he
was desired as arbitrator OF the yenezue-
Ian controversy, has expressed emphati-
cally his judgment that the matters TO
be arbitrated should be referred to the
Hague tribunal. His view of the sug
gestions made has been conveyed to the
European Powers, together with strong
presentat alton of his reasons for the view
he holds. To this latest phase OF the
Venezuelan question, no response OF a
formal nature has been received.
No Fresh Development.
The President and Secretary, Hay had
long conference to-day, after the form
er's return from his Virginia trip They
went carefully over the situation, as it
had developed since Saturday. but it is
understood that nothing has arisen du-
ring THE past forty -eight hours to war
rant the President In changing his opin-
ion as to the undesira big Of his accep-
tanoe of the position Of arbitrator.
The acceptance by the Powers OF the
principles of arbitration. as applied to the
Venezuelan question, is matter Of great
qualification to the President and his
Cabinet. That all the Powers have init
mated, too, that they would prefer that
the President should arbitrate the pres
ent dispute, than that it should be re-
ferred to the Hague tribunal, is taken as
q notable compliment to the President,
| personally, and to his administration. It
is the hope of both the President and
his advisers. however, that. while there
| is precedent for his acceptance of the
post of arbitrator, the Powers will con-
| sent to q reference of the controverted
matters in the Venezuelan question to the
! tribunal at the Hague
All Want Roosevelt.
| The United States Government is
| awaiting the reception of formal answers
| from the allied governments to the Presi-
| dents last suggestion that the Venezue-
| Ian dispute be referred to the Hague
| tribunal. So far, these responses have
| not come to hand, but it is pretty well
| understood that they will hold out for
| the arbitration of President Roosevelt
| himself. Signs point to the Presidents
ultimate acceptance Of the trust. though
| nothing positive IS yet known on this
| point.
| The State Department has learned that
President Castro would welcome the Sc
| lection of President Roosevelt as arbi-
| traitor, and as all the parties interested
are united. the pressure will be hard to
resist.
Opinion varies as TO the termination
OF the blockade of the Venezuelan ports
| Il, some quarters it IS assumed that II
| President Roosevelt accepts the duties
| of arbitrator, the allies will call of the
| blockade at once On the other hand, il
| * pointed out that custom requires the
| terms of the arbitration to be pretty ac-
! curately defined. and this will consume
! some time pending which the blockade
will continue.
| Germany the. Leader.
| II is quite evident from the develop
! n1ents here that Germany is the orig1-
| nator and promoter of the suggestion
| that President Roosevelt act as arbl-
| traitor. Great Britain and Italy. it is
! believed incline toward arbitration by
the Hague tribunal, but, Of course, they
| would not indicate any preference ofnclai-
1v in the matter If President Roosevelt
| gave the faintest intlmation OF accepting
| the charge Indeed, officially. the allies
! stand on record as supporting tne 6er-
| man lead In this matter
| II. Johnston Reports.
| CARACAS. December 23-Lieutenans !,
| Marbury Johnston, attached to the Onlteo
states cruiser Montgomery, has reported
! ha wing been landed at LaGuayra Saturday
| hv the United States cruiser. Albany,
| which is under instructions to proceed TOT
| Mava guez. Lieutenant Johnston Will ad-
| wise Mr.. Bowen with respect to naval
questions. particularly with reference TO
I the blockade. His arrival here has arouS-
! ed keen interest.
Declaration of War.
PORT OF SPAIN. TRINIDAD, .Decem-
! her ae-Ofcial announcement IS made
| here that Sir Courtney Knollys, the acting
governor, will issue to-day speclat hoSal M
! Gazette. containing declaration OF war
! against Venezuela. This act is one or
formalty, taken with the intention to la-
galize the proclamation of the blockade.
The Mirror. in an inspired article. says:
can commercial. intercourse between the
| two peoples is interdicted. When hostile
vessels capture a neutral, the property on
board is not affected. A free snip ma kes '
free goods. They may capture the enc
/ my's ships and the enemys property on
/ board, but they must spare neutral yes
i sells and all goods therein, whether be-
longing to the enemy or to neutrals' and
/, also neutral goods found in the enenys
lS