davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
ARBITRATION SUGGESTED.
Venezuela Requests Minister Bowen
to Sound England and Germany.

A cablegram received at the State DeIjart-
ment today from Minister Bowen, dated at
Caracas today, stated that the Venezuelan
government had requested him to propose
to Great Britain and Germany that the diff
iculties arising out of the claims for al
legged damages and injuries to British and
German subjects during the Venezuelan
civil war be submitted to arbitration
In conformity with the understanding al
ready reached with the representatives of
the British and German governments here
this proposition from President Castro will
be duly laid before those governments the
State Department acting merely as a
channel of communication. Not much hope
is entertained of the favorable reception of
the proposition, as it is felt that the diff
Guilty has progressed too far for settle
ment by the peaceful methods of arbitra-
ton. The reprfsals made by the Venezue-
lans for the destruction of their navy, in
the seizure of British ships and the arrest
tically developed the relations between the
countries into those of real war although
technically the principals prefer to desig-
nate 1t something less. Great Britain
and Germany are simply following the
course taken during the war with China
when, notwithstanding the fact that the
allied feet battered down Taku and cap
tured and distributed a number of Chinese
naval vessels, no declaration of war was
forthcoming.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12

quite positive. however that to build such
q building within the amount named by the
architect would mean the employment OF
plain brick and a very plain interior as
well. The Commissioners and the building
comm .ssion are desirous that the structure
should be OF stone. naturally, In order to
take it's proper place with the government
buildings of the capital.
The employment OF stone Will increase the
cost to a large degree, and the Commits
sioners Will petition Congress to increase
the available appropriation Of 100000 ac-
cordingly.
The estimate of SSs5. .osI is based upon
the cubic feet in the new building. There
are 40l4.e00 cubic feet; and II Is estimated
the building can be put up for Il cents
cubic foot This would make SS42. go The
architects fees would be S42. .147. making
the total SSs5.0SI. 1t Is said In the building
department that the estimate of 81 cents
cubic foot Is for the plainest of structures.
The District officials believe that Congress
will readily agree to the necessary increase
in the appropriation now that the project
has progressed so far and such a satisfac-
tory plan has been obtained.
The plans chosen are not necessarily the
final working plans for the building. In
fact Col Biddle stated today that they
viii probably have 70 be gone over In many
pa rticdlars to meet local requirements The
Interior arrangements may have to be
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
GERMANY Is INcREDuLo1s
Belief in Berlin That Castro is Merely
Blufinp.

BERLIN, December 12-President Cas-
tro's war preparations and his public utter
ances are regarded in official quarters here
as designed to see how far the allies are
willing to go, a test Of the further atti-
tude of the administration at Washington
and, above all, as efforts to unite his own
people and reconcile them to his dictator
ship"
The foreign Office received q cable mes
sage yesterday from the German charge
d'affaires, Herr Won Pilgrim -Baltazzi, filed
at La Guaira. This is a sure Indication
the foreign office thinks, that the situation
Is not so tense as the press kilograms rep
resent it to be.
Regarding the reports that the Germans
wantonly destroyed the Venezuelan vessels
captured at La Guaira 1t Is said here that
according to the official advices received up
to the present only one vessel was disabled
and none was sunk, and that the British
participated equally with the Germans in
the action taken.
While the marine ministry is not consider
ing the Immediate dispatch of reinforce
marines will be sent. The Navy Depart
ment garrisons the coast defenses and has
at its disposition fifteen battalions of ma
rineS, who are serving on shore.
Later in the day the following dispatch
was received here from Willemstad, Cura-
Goa.
'The German warships have embargoed
three Venezuelan ships and disabled a
fourth near La Guaira."
The dispatch referred to was semi off cial
and was filed at Willefnstad yesterday The
warships engaged In the affair were the
German cruisers Panther and Vineta and
the British cruiser Retribution.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
UNITED STATES MUST MEDIATE.
French Foreign Official Says No Euro
pean Government Can.

PARIS. December PA foreign office Off
cial made the following statement today
to the correspondent of the Associated
Press:
mo exchange of views has occurred be-
tween the European powers concerning the
Venezuelan situation and no such ex-
change is intended, as 1t is definitely held
that the affair is one in which the United
States should be left free to take the initia-
tive in mediation"
This statement was called out by the
suggestion of the Temps that it was time
for Europe to speak in the interest Of uni
versal peace. The official added:
"It is fully recognized here and at the
other capitals that the United States is the
only power in position to act as an inter
mediary. Hence there is no intention on
the part Of the European powers to take
concerted or individual action.'
The release of the French steamer Ossun,
seized by the Germans at La Guaira, has
not yet been reported to the foreign office,
but the officials accept the unofficial re-
ports Of her release, thus relieving the Incl
dent of its gravity.
After an exchange Of cable messages 1t
has been agreed to appoint distinguished
Spanish jurdst as referee in the Franco
Venezuelan arbitration. His name will not
be announced until the arbitrators assemble
at Caracas.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
GERMANY ALONE RESPONSIBLE.
England Disclaims Having Any Part
in Sinking Ships.

LONDON, December 12.-The foreign Of
flee informs the Associated Press that the
British government disclaims responsibility
for the sinking of the Venezuelan vessels
off La Guaira, which it entirely attributes to
the German forces.
1t is understood that nearly all the Ven
ezuelan news which the British government
gets comes through the State Department
at Washington and is based on Minister
Bowen's messages.
The foreign office here so far, however,
has received no trace of the reply to the
demands of Great Britain and Germany
which Venezuela is reported to have trans
mitted to those powers through the United
States consul at La Guaira, though it has
officially received copy of President Cas-
tros proclamation
The foreign officials also said they had
not received information to the effect that
Venezuela had requested Minister Bowen
to act as arbitrator. They think it is not
likely that the proposition has been made,
but If such is the case they do not con-
slider that arbitration at this stage would
be acceptable to Great Britain.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12

hcitations was that acEprd ed. her, and the
interview, which lasted but few moments,
took place in the preseice of her mother.
At every place where he viafted theater
the prince was offered Opportunities to go
behind the scenes and make the acquaint-
ance OF the players. IN every instance he
refused, save in San Efanctaeo. where he
saw Mr.. Barnabee. an hid fitnd. and also
in New York. where he ytsided to the desire
or Mr. Gillette, whom he called upon in his
dressing room; but in neither case nor In
any American theater did he meet any ac-
tress behind the scenes Summing up, Mr..
Peiree declares that he never has encoun-
tered a young man Of purer morals and
Chowfa.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
GIVEN LOWER POSITION.
Pettiford Must Take Place With $3.50
Less Salary.

Elmer Pettiford, the colored clerk in the
office of the auditor of the War Department
who has refused to work on Saturday be-
cause it is against the teachings of the
Seventh Day Adventist faith, will retain a
place in the government employ, but suffer
a reduction of $3.50 yearly for his religions
sake. Assistant Secretary Allies today or
dered Pettiford removed from his clerkship
and transferred to the place of money or
der sorter" In the Office of auditor for the
Post Office Department His new office will
pay only $40 a year. He is drawing at
present $1,000, but as he announced his de-
termination to resign altogether rather than
break faith with his duty he sees It, he
will probably accept the reduction.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
STRICKEN IN HIS OFFICE.
Mai. John Hancock Has a Paralytic
Attack This Morning.

Maj. John Hancock, chief Of the sta
tionery division of the pension bureau, was
stricken with paralysis this forenoon and
was removed from the office to his home,
1908 10th street northwest. He was in
serious condition when taken from the
office. The major was in the medical d.
vision conversing with one Of the clerks
when he was stricken. He was attended by
physicians in the bureau before he was
removed. Maj. Hancock Is nearly seventy
years old and has a highly creditable war
record. He was related to Gen. Winfield
Scott Hancock, and is the father-in-law OF
Mr.. w. r. Merriam, director of the census
In April, 1895, he was appointed super1n-
tendent of the pension building, and two
years later he was promoted to the position
he now nolds.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12

The British consul at Puerto Cabello is
r. HOLSTER. The German consular repre-
sentative is P. Tiede L. T. Ellsworth is the
American consul at that port
Up to late hour last night the foreign
office was still without further official news
regarding the situation In Venezuela.
Situation Regarded as Serious
While there is no confirma ton of the
rumor of fighting in La Guaira, the news
papers this morning are beginning to show
keener appreciation Of the serious possi-
bilities involved by President Castro's con-
tinued defiance. This feeling will hardly
be lessened by a report that British ves-
sci has been seized at Puerto Cabello and
1t is shown In the eager demands upon the
government to present in parliament docu-
ments explaining the grounds for its action
so that the country be no longer in doubt
as to what provocation the government has
received Questions as to how 1t will be
possible to enforce the payment of Great
Britafn's demands on Venezuela without
costly military operations, and whether
even the occupation Of the capital of that
country would achieve the desired result.
are being asked.
Gratitude to Mr. Bowen.
While 1t Is recognized that President Cas-
tro has nothing to lose, and that the
Venezuelans are incensed at the sinking of
their ships and may set aside their internal
diSsensions and make stout resistance hop
Ing for some assistance from the United
states or France. much gratitude is ex-
pressed at Minister Bowen's prompt inter
ventlon in behalf Of the British and German
residents. Considerable alarm is expressed
at the possible fate of British subjects. not
only In the coast towns, but In the interior
of Venezuela
Through all the editorial articles pub
l1shed this morning there runs a strong
vein OF hope. more or less openly expressed,
that the United States will interfere in some
way TO- secure an adjustment of the diff
Guilty acceptable to both sides. either by ar
bitration or other means and thus avoid
hostilities Some newspapers even go so
far as to argue that it is the duty of the
United states to coerce Venezuela into
satisfying foreign claims
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
Personal Mention.

Rev. c. Ernest Smith, DID,, D. c. L., rec
tor of St. Thomas Church, left yesterday
for Quebec, Canada, where he has gone to
preach the ordination sermon for protege
of his who is entering the ministry, Mr.. J.
Henning Nelms, formerly Of Baltimore.
Mr.. Hilary B. Hancock. an attorney of
Minneapolis, Mimi, and brother of the late
Maj. Gen. Winfield s. Hancock, will arrive
here Saturday in the private car of Presi-
dent James j. Hill on a visit to his brother.
Col. John Hancock, chief of the stationery
division of the pension office, who resides
at No. 1905 10th street northwest.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
NEW MUNICIPAL HOME
District Building Plans Ex-
amined by Committee.
WORK OF ARCHITECTS
RESULT OF THE INSPECTION NOT
MADE PUBLIC.
The Structure Estimated to Cost $780,
OS7-An Imposing Building
to Be the Result.

The board of award selected to judge the
twelve plans submitted by competing archi-
tects for the new District building this
afternoon decided in favor of the plans
designated as No. g. The name Of the
successful architect will not be known
until the board reports officially to the
District building commission.
This commission will probably meet late
this afternoon to receive the statement
The report of the board of award will deal
with the various plans entirely by num-
bers. The envelope bearing the number 3
on the outside and designating the success
full architect will be sent to the commission
unopened Thus the board of award will
not know the name of the architect until
the commission makes it public.
The board of award readily announced
the plan it favored, but to avoid any
chance of a suspicion of unfairness decided
not to open the sealed envelopes itself,
leaving that duty for the building COM
mission. The author of the design will
readily recognize ii from the description
which The Star prints.
An Imposing Building.
The plans chosen by the board of award
show a building of imposing appearance. 1t
is treated in columnar style Throughout and
the rear eleVatlOn OF the structure Is pTdC-
tically the same as the front. The columns
extend on either side as well as the front
and rear. The idea in treating the rear ele-
walton in such an elaborate style is in view
OF the proposed adoption of the plans of the
Senate parking commission which contem-
plate a parkway along the entire southern
side of Pennsylvania avenue from the treas
ury to the Capitol, extending far back
as the mall and joining that reservation.
Thus the rear of the new District build
ing will be brought into almost equal prom
inence In future years as the front
The building is five stories in height, with
basement, a sub-basement and attic. The
program of competition required that the
competing architects should forward with
their plans a brief description. The author
of the successful plans sent the briefest of
all these descriptions
He said he believed the plans explained
themselves. and would be found to follow
approximately the requirements of space
called for in the program. Other assign
made without essentially cL .nging the gen.
eral plan. so al to meet more nearly the
wishes of the local officials. The elevators
run TO the basement floor on the street
level close to the four entrances, making
all parts of the building readily accessible.
The entrance to the diSbursing officer
room Is from a vestibue In the basement
thus providing his Independent outside en-
trance called for in the program.
Estimated Cost
The architect estimates that the cost of
this building will be sSS5.OS7. He does not
specify the material to be used nor the
style of the interior finish. 1t Is stated
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
AVOIDED THE GREEN ROOM.
siamese Crown Prince Saw No Ac-
tresses Behind de Scenes.

In view of the widely. printed reports In
the newspapers of today connecting the
name of the Crown Prince of Siam with an
American actress, Mr., Peirce, the third as
sistant secretary of state, who was di-
rectly in charge of the distinguished visitor
during his tour of this country, has felt it
to be only just and proper that he should
absolutely deny the stories that reflect upon
the character of the young prince. Mr..
Peirce is in position to do this effectively,
having been in the closest possible contact
with his royal charge. He asserts that the
actress named saw the prince but once dur
ing his stay in the United States and that
was in New York. She applied at his hotel
for an interview and only after repeated So
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
ON PRIVATE PENSIONS.
The Day Given by the House to Their
Consideration.

This was private pension day in the
House of Representatives. Before the reg
ular order was demanded some minor busi-
ness was nsacted and the bill to appro-
pirate 81, 600, 600 for the extirpation of the
epidemic of foot and mouth disease among
live stock in New England was called up.
Mr. Maddox (Ga) objected to the con-
sidera ton of the bill until he had had an
opportunity to examine it.
The house then proceeded to the consid-
era tion of private pension bills
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
ACTIVITY AT PUERTO cABEL1o
Venezuelans Seize British Collier
Fortifying the Town.

Z LONDON, December PA dispatch to
the Daily Mail from Willemstad. Island Of
Curacao dated December IL, says:
The Venezuelan authorities at Puerto
Cabelio are fortifying that town. They
have seized and imprisoned the British and
German consuls there, as well as other
Britons and Germans, and have taken pos
session OF their property. The authorities
also seized British steamer which dis
charged cargo Of coal at Puerto Cabello.
This vessel was unable to escape, owing
to a breakdown in her machinery. The
American consul at Puerto CabelIo at
tempted to intervene. but he was disre-
garded."
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
PRONOUNCE IT MURDER.
Dispositions Of Witnesses Of the Shoot
ing of Fitzgerald.

Mr.. William Alden Smith. representative
of the Grand Rapids district in Michigan,
where reside the parents Of William Fitz-
gerald. who was killed in Guatemala City
by Godfrey Hunter, jr.. called at the State
that tragedy. Being cabinet day he was
unable to see Secretary Hay, but he intends
to follow the case to the end and will call
again. He has two depositions by Ameri-
can residents IN Guatemaia City, who al
iese that they were eye-witnesses of the
shooting and declare soIemnly that Fftz-
gerald was murdered,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
GENERAL ARMY STAFF.
Secretary Root Will Give His Views to
House Committee.

Secretary Root will address the House
committee on military affairs at the Capt.
tol tomorrow morning at 1890 o'clock in
support of the bill providing for general
staff for the army in lieu Of the present or
ganization. The heads Of the staff depart
ments of the army have been invited to be
present and the hearing promises to be an
important one.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12

pritchard. The fact that Wick voted
against the republican ticket in North
Carolina in November is not held against
him by the adminiskr alton, which feels that
the provocation Of Wick as negro was con-
siderable, his race. having been refused par
ticipation in the councils Of the republican
party of the state and practically invited to
dispose Of their ssd6rage as they desired.
The question in the Presidents mind is as
to whether Wick is acceptable to the people
seem to indicate that, aside from his color
he is not objectionable
Presidents Many Callers.
Although this was cabinet day and the
cabinet officials assembled at the White
large number of callers In the hour. and
more that he was in his office. Among these
were Representative Dick Of Ohio, accom-
panied by Aaron Wagoner and e. A. Her
shey of Akron; Representative Bates of
Pennsylvania, accompanied by State Sen
ator Ballard and Colonel Richmond, re-
publican county chairman Of Meadville;
Delegate Flynn of Oklahoma and number
of constituents who are here whooping up
things for statehood for the territory; Rep
resentative William Alden Smith and
friends, Representative Livingstone and
friends, Representative Jones of Washing
ton and friends, Senator Mfllard and a
friend, Timothy -BuTIS anu a IrlenQ, state
Treasurer Jae excl Of New York and num-
Der of others.
Gov. Odeu Coming.
Governor odel of New York will be in
Washington today and will be the guest Of
the President at dinner tonight. visit
from the governor has been expected for
some time.
Representative Lacey, chairman Of the
public lands committee of the House, dis
cussed proposed changes In the land laws
with the President He called to ascertain
In detail the Presidents views on the land
questions.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
IN CLOSE CONFERENCE.
Secretary Root and Vice Gov. Wright
Discuss Philippine Currency.

Secretary Root and Vice Governor Wright
were in close conference at the Arlington
Hotel this morning WITH special reference
to the enactment of legislation to provide
stable currency for the Philippine Islands
on the lines indicated In the Secretary's
latest annual report.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
New York Bank Consolidation.

NEW YORK. December PA banking
consolidation was announced today which
win bring into harmony the large insurance
and financial interests Of the Mutual Life
Insurance Company. the Equitable Life As
surance Society and the Morton Trust Com
pany. This result was brought about at
meetings OF the directors Of the National
Bank Of the United States. which was ac-
quired some months ago by the interests
which control the trust company and of the
Western National Bank,
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12

varied good deal and other details attend
ed to- The plans were the most satisiac-
tory to the board of award submitted IN
the competition, and were thought to De
capable of the best manipulation.
The board of award met at the Dlstrict
building this morning shortly after 10
o'clock and remained in session until nearly
I clock. The board was composed OF Col:
John Biddle, the Engineer Commissioner OF
the District; Mr.. ]. Knox Taylor, the super
vising architect Of the treasury; Mr.. D. H.
Burnham of Chicago, member OF the
Senate parking commission; Mr.. George b.
Post of New York and Mr.. r. 8. Peabody
of Boston.
Messrs. Peabody, Burnham and Post VIII
receive the sum of $50 each for their
services. The other members Of the board
of award being in government employ,
serve without compensation. The arch1-
tects who took part in the invitation COM
petition and who will each receive $500 are
as follows: Glenn Brown, Hornbiower &
Marshall, Marsh & Peter, William A. Poin-
dexter, Robert Stead, Wood & Deming
and James G. Hill Of this city; Ed. P.
Casey. Helms & LeFarge and Albert R.
Ross Of New York: A. W. Longfellow Of
Boston and Cope & Stewardson Of Philadel-
phia.
Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-12
COMMITTEE CHANGES.
Announcement to the House Of Resig-
nations and Assignments.

nations ana assignments.
Just before the House adjourned yester-
day afternoon the designations of Mr.. Jen-
kins CWis) from membership on the COM
nittee on the District of Columbia and on
irrigation, Mr.. Hill Comm from the COM
mittee on expositions and Mr.. Powers
(MassD- from the committee on elections
No. . were announced and the following
committee assignments were made: District
of Columbia, Mr.. Powers (Mass); coinage,
weights and measures, Mr.. Brandegee
Comm; on expositioris. Mr. Gardner
(MassD; elections committee No. 2, Mr..
Dwight, On. V; expenditures in the War
Department, Mr.. Brandegee; irrigation of
arid lands, Mr.. Dwight and Mr. Brandegee,
and on census, Mr.. Gardner.
The following members were appointed to
compose the committee on accounts during
the coming recess: Messrs. Hildebrandt
(Ohio), Hughes CIV. Va) and Bartlett GA }.
January % was set aside for the delivery
of eulogies on the late Representa- tives De-
Gyaffenreid and Sheppard of Texas.