Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1902-12-22
FROM WASHINGTON.


European allies, provided the latter
cannot be induced to refer their differ
ences to the Hague international tri-
bunal. Diplomatic exchanges are now
passing between Washington and Lon
don and Berlin with this end in view.
There is no official confirmation here of
the report published in London that the
President has already accepted the posi-
ton of arbitrator. Neither is the story
denied. There probably will be no Off
cial announcement until the matter is
definitely decided. Officials of the adj
ministration say that indirectly the pro-
posal will establish precedent by which
the United States will become kind OF
bad-debt collector for European nations.
II is this suspicion which leads the
President to prefer that the case be sent
to the Hague tribunal. The Hague
court has judiciary powers but is entirely
without authority to enforce its DEGREES.
For this reason, the allies aver that they
do not wish the case tried there as Vene-
zuela may refuse to accept the decision
and more likely refuse to pay the money.
Should President Roosevelt act as arbi-
TRAITOR the refusal of Venezuela TO pay
after she had once bound herself to abide
by his decision could be regarded as an
unfriendiy act to this country.
Since the allies purpose to continue
the blockade even while negotiations for
arbitration are pending, some question
of the nature of that blockade is likely
to arise and form the basis of further
diplomatic exchanges between Washing
ton and London and Berlin. The proc
lamations show that while Germany is
guarding two ports and Great Britain
six, the coast in general is unprotected
and merchandise may be landed without
hindrance at any non-blockaded point.
The allies will probably be asked to de-
clare their intentions on this matter, for
under such conditions the blockade can
scarcely be considered effective.
1t was announced at the State De
partment this morning that the formal
detailed reply of the European allies to
the arbitration proposal in the Vene-
zuelan matter had not yet been re-
ceived by this government Until 1t is
received, the formal reply of the Presi-
dent to the suggestion that he act as
arbitrator will not be sent to those gov
ernments. The diplomatic exchanges
that have thus far been communicated
between this country and Great Britain
and Germany have been of an Informal
nature.
Charlemagne Tower, U. 5. Ambas-
sador at Berlin, informed the State De
partment by cable this morning OF the
official announcement by the German
qovornn,ent of tho blockade~ of Puerto
Cabello and Maricaibo, Venezuela, TAX
ing effect from December 20. Ambas-
sador Meyer, at Rome, cabled the State
Department today that he received yes
terday from the Italian Minister for
foreign affairs an official note, annOunc-
ing that Italy had decided to participate
with her naval forces in the blockade
of Venezuelan ports, which had been
declared by the British and German
governments.
Secretary Hay was summoned to the
White House this afternoon by President
Roosevelt, presumably for a consultation
to the preparation of the formal reply of
the President to the arbitration proposal
made by Great Britain and Germany.
Things were quiet about the Capitol
today. The Senate chamber was closed
and not member was on the floor. On
the House side a few members were
looking over their mail. The only Vir-
ginia member to be seen was Mr.. Hay,
who will leave for his home in Madison
this evening. Senator Martin and Mr..
Swanson will spend the holidays here
but Senator Daniel and all the other
Virginia members have gone to their
homes. 1t is said that in the next Con-
gress Mr.. Hay will be appointed a
member of the appropriations commit
tee. He is one of the best equipped
members of the House and had the
democrats won he would have been
formidable candidate for the Speaker
ship of the next House. 1t is also said
that Mr.. Flood, of Virginia, will prob
ably be a member of the District of
Columbia committee of the next House.
The streets and stores are crowded
with shoppers and present a scene Of
animation. About the market the
streets are filled with all kinds Of ever
greens for Christmas decorations.
Military hOnOrs were accorded the re-
mains of the late General Wager Swayne,
of New York, whose funeral was con-
Quoted from st. Johns P. E. Church
this morning. Interment was made at Ar
lington. The body was carried to Ar
lington on a caisson, the casket draped
in the national flag and followed by the
mourning CARRIED horse of the late officer.
Many prominent people attended the
services at the church.
Relative to the reciprocity treaty with
Cuba submitted to the Senate by Presi
dent Roosevelt for approval Representa-
tive Dalzell said this morning: "This
is a very unfortunate matter. If the
Senate can originate tariff legislation, a.
contemplated in this treaty, the House
might as we'll abdicate. 1t is unfortu-
nate, also, as it will array the House
against the Senate and against the execu
tive department of the government. D."
President and Mrs. Roosevelt and the
children who accompanied them to
Rapidan, Va. returned to Washington
at j 25 a. m. Their special train left
Rapidan at o'clock and the run north
was made without incident. None of
the family was any the worse for the
three hours ride in . the rain yesterday
afternoon as is his usual custom at the
end of trip. The President shook
hands with the train crew when he passed
| the locnnnnfirn On The uav out of the