The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-19
To Submit the Venezuelan Dis
pute to Arbitration.
GERMANY'S ANSWER
Has Been Prepared and viii Be
Forwarded Soon.
Absolute Secrecy Is Maintained
Regarding Their Character.

sent a reply to the United States in re-
gard to the suggestion that the Nene-
zuelan question should be submitted TO
arbitration. The tenor of the reply. II
Is expected here, will tend to bring
about some arrangement for satisfae-
tory solution, while thoroughly safe
guarding the interests of the powers
concerned.
The note to Reuters Telegram com
pany announcing that Great Britain had
sent reply to the United States saws:
The statements issuing from Caracas
to the effect that President Castro has
empowered Minister Bowen to act as
the representative of Venezuela are re-
garded in London as open to question
Any such action the part of Presl-
dent Castro would be considered wholly
beside the mark. The powers concerned
will deal solely with the United States
In the matter of arbitration. The gov
ernment of Venezuela will not be con-
suited in any form. not even as to the
terms on which arbitration might be ac-
ceptabIe to the powers
GERMANY'S ANSWER.
Berlin, Dec 19.-Germay's answer to
Venezuela's proposition for arbitration Is
ready and will be sent to the United
States government in day or two The
officials here maintain absolute silence
regarding the character of the answer.
The foreign office has no informal ton to
the effect that President Castro has be-
slowed on Minister Bowen full power 10
represent Venezuela in the settlement
of the existing difficulties, but such z
step toward a solution would be re-
ceiVed with pleasure.
WILL STICK TO HER PARTNER.
London, Dec. 19.-In a reply made
public today question in parliament
of Gibson Bowles, conservative, Premier
Balfour says no intimation has been re-
ceived from the government OF the
United States that it will object to
American shipping being interfered with
in the event of a blockade of the Ven
ezuelan coast The objections to this
blockade which it is proposed to estab
lish have beens carefully considered.
They can not, however, be altogether re-
moved, as some of them are inherent To
that particular class of naval operations
Mr.. Bowles also asked whether in view
of the destruction by the Germans of
two gunboats and the consequent I'M
possibility of holding them as pledges.
the government proposes to contlnue
joint action with Germany.
The premier replied in the afhrma-
GERMANY SUPPORTS BELGIUMs
CLAIMS.
London, Dec. 19-The Brussels CORES
pondent of the Daily Telegraph says in
a dispatch that Germany is supporting
the claims of Belgium against Vene-
zuela which amount to S1,250000
GERMANS CAPTURE A SCHOONER.
La Guayra, Dee. 19-The German
cruiser Fake. which has been anchored
for the past two days at the entrance
Of Lake Maracaibo captured the Vene-
zuela schooner Pistoria. After cutting
down Der main mast thus disabling her,
the Germans abandoned the vessel. This
action has caused great indignation
among the Venezuelans and excitement
runs high at Maracaibo where the peo-
pie have been parading the streets Ut
tering cries against Great Britain and
Germany
HOLLAND SENDS A CRUISER.
The Hague, Dec. 1e-The Dutch cruis-
or De Runior which it was purposed
to send to the West indies has been
ordered to proceed to Venezuela to pro-
tect Dutch interests there.
HAYS CONSENT CABLED.
Rome, Dec. 19.-Ambassador Myer
visited Foreign Minister Prinetti at the
foreign office today and communicated
to him cable message from Secretary
Hay saying the latter was disposed to
consent to the investment of Minister
Bowen with full powers to settle the
Venezuelan controversy if agreea BILE to
Germany, Great Britain and Italy.
PERUNIANS READY TO HELP.
Lima, Peru, Dec. ia number of
army officers here propose cabling their
names to the president of Venezuela, Of
fering their services in the case of the
situation becoming more complicated.
HER HONOR IS ALL RIGHT.
Guayaquil, Ecuador, Dec. 19.-There
was a large parade in the streets of
Quito last night as manifestation Of
sympathy with Venezuela
President Castro has replied as fol-
lows to President Plaza's message.
Profound gratitude towards the gov
ernment and noble people of Ecuador.
The national honor is saved although
the right of force reigns.'
SAFE AT CIENFUEGOS.
London, Dec. 19.-The owners of the
British steamer Topaze. which was
seized by a mob of Nenezuelans at Por-
to Cabello December 10, resulting in the
bombardment of the forts there by YES
sells of the allied powers. have received
a cable message announcing her safe ar
rival at Cienfuegos, Cuba.
FRANCE MAKES IT PLAIN.
Paris, Dec 19--The foreign office here
desires to have it understood that the
note sent to the French charge d'affaires
at Caracas does not ask Venezuela to
give preferential treatment to French
claims but only treatment equal to that
which the other powers may receive
through their recourse to force. This
applies only to claims which have arisen
since 1889, previous claims having been
submitted to arbitration. Concerning
recent claims France first offered to per
nit the Venezuelan courts to pass upon
them, but since Germany and Great
Britain expect to secure preference by
the adoption of forcible collection the
French charge d'affaires has now been
ordered to inform Venezuela that
France expects the same advantages in
the adjustment of claims as Venezuela
grants to Germany and Great britain
This is not intended as a coercive meas
ure but only to secure for France equal
treatment with the other powers
HAYS COURSE IS APPROVED.
Washington, Dec. 19.-Secretary Hay
laid before the cabinet the latest phases
of the Venezuelan situation as shown by
the correspondence he had had with our
ambassadors and the foreign officers at