The L'Anse sentinel. (L'Anse, L.S., Mich.) 18??-current, 1902-12-20
APPEALS TO BOWEN.
Castro Asks Minister to Present Re-
quest for Arbitration.
II N Feared, However, That Affairs
Have Reached n Point where They
Cannot be settled without
q Connict.

n Connict.
Washington, Dec. IA cablegram
received at the state department FRI
day from Minister Bowen at Caracas
states that the Venezuelan govern
ment has requested him to propose
to Great Britain and Germany that
the difficulties arising out of the
claims for alleged damages and in
juries to British and German subjects
during the civil war be submitted to
arbitration.
In conformity with the understand
ing already reached with the repre-
sentatives 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
channel of communication. Not much
hope is entertained of the favorable
reception of the proposition, as it is
felt that the difficulty has progressed
too far for settlement by the
peaceful methods of arbitration. The
reprisals made by the Venezuelans
for the destruction of their navy, in
the seizure of British ships and the
arrest of British and German sub
jects, practically have developed the
relations between the countries into
those of real war, although technical
ly the principals prefer to designate
it as something less. In doing SO
Great Britain and Germany are sim
ply following the course taken dur
ing the war with China, when, not
withstanding the fact that the allied
fleet battered down Taku and cap
tured and distributed number of
Chinese naval vessels, no declaration
of war was forthcoming.
1t is realized here that the outcome
is very doubtful, and the way is beset
with difficulties. If the claims against
Venezuela were only those of Great
Britain and Germany, the adjustment
might be easier, but France and Italy,
the United States, and perhaps, other
nations, also have claims, and they
cannot accept any arrangement which
Great Britain and Germany might
force upon Venezuela which would de-
prive them of their right of reclama-
tion.
Cable Station Captured.
Berlin, Dec. 13.-The cable station
at La Guayra has been captured by an
Anglo German force.
Refuse to Surrender.
Caracas, Dec. I3.-The demand for
the surrender of Puerto Cabello to the
Anglo-German fleet has been refused.
The German flagship Vineta and the
British cruiser Ariadne have cleared
their decks for action and their COM
manders have served notice that unless
the port is surrendered within "a hours
the town will be bombarded. All Ger
man and English residents of the town
have been released by order of Presi-
dent Castro. They have taken refuge
on board the foreign warships.
VenexueIans to Resist.
Venezuelan troops have been hurried
to Puerto Cabello since Thursday, and
every preparation made for active re-
sistance. 1t is believed that the Vene-
zuelan force can defeat any landing
party from the Vineta and the Ariadne
even if the foreign guns reduce the
town to ashes.
Germany IL Blamed.
London, Dec. 13.-The foreign Office
informs the press that the British gov
eminent disclaims responsibility for
the sinking of the Venezuelan vessels
off La Guayra, which it entirely at
tributes to the German forces.
The foreign Office officials also said
they had not received information to
the effect that Venezuela had request
ed Mr.. Bowen to act as arbitrator.
They think it is not likely that the
proposition has been made, but IL such
is the case they do not consider that
arbitration at this stage would be ac-
ceptable to Great Britain.
British Weasel Helped Sink ships.
Berlin, Dec. 13.-Late in the day the
following dispatch was received here
from Willemstad, Curacao: 1.-THE Ger
man warships have embargoed three
Venezuelan ships and disabled
fourth near La Guayra."
The dispatch from Willemstad re-
,eived in Berlin probably refers to the
Venezuelan ships seized December 0
and reported to have been sunk early
the next morning off La Guayra.
Not Ordered to Sink Vessels.
As the result of fresh inquiries made
regarding the reported sinking Of
Venezuelan vessels of La Guayra It is
learned that the orders given to the
German and British commanders were
to capture the vessels before beginning
the blockade. No orders were given
to sink them. If, however, any vessel
has been sunk there was military
measure necessary in carrying out the
foregoing orders. No report has yet
been received from Commodore
Scheder, the German commander.
The foreign Office here refuses to be-
lieve the vessels were sunk and will not
credit the report until conarmatory
news Is received officially from the Ger
man representatives on the spot.
| Barrett Declines Appointment