The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1902-12-16
AGGREGATE MORE THAN GER.
MANY'S AND ENGLAND,S,
OWNS CUSTOMS RECEIPTS
Willy Venezuelan Executive Fixed Mat.
tiers Before Kings and kaiser's
Collectors Came.

Washington, Dec. 12.-If there is an
attempt to possess themselves OF all
the customs receipts on the part of
Great Britain and Germany, protests
might naturally be expected to follow
from France, which holds claims ag-
gregating more than the combined
claims of England and Germany, and
Venezuela, it is understood, already
has arranged for their payment on an
lnstallment plan out of Venezuelan
customs receipts, an arrangement
that might be disturbed by the Brit
ish and German program.
It is evident here@now that the al
lies have been obliged to proceed
against Venezuela far beyond the
point where their original
had in view. The correspondence
shows that there was not the least
apprehension that Castro in his re-
sistance would make it necessary for
Great Britain and Germany to 20 be-
yond a peaceful blockade and it is the
understanding that the London and
Berlin authorities now are Obliged to
prepare a new program for execution
in case Mr.. Bowen's efforts at arbitra.
ton fail.
up to noon no communications on
the Venezuelan situation had been re-
ceived at the state department either
from the Berlin or London govern
ments. Secretary Hay went imme-
dlately to the cabinet meeting after
the receipt of Minister Bowen's cable.
On his return the British and German
embassies were placed in possession
of the news from Venezuela, and it.
was cabled to Berlin and London. It
is probable that replies will be re-
ceived over night and SEN to Minis
ter Bowen, who will inform the Vene-
zuelan president.
1t is certain that the state depart
ment is willing to go any reasonable
length to settle the difficulty in any
manner honorable and satisfactory to
all. Therefore Secretary Hay replied
to Minister Bowen's cablegram, au-
thorlzing him in his discretion to use
his good Offices to secure arbitration,
If one should follow, he would repre-
sent not the government of the Unit.
ed States, but that Of Venezuela at it's
request.
1t is realized here that the outcome
is very doubtful, and the way is beset
with difficulties. If the claims
against Venezuela we're those only of
Great Britain and Germany the adj
justment might be easier, but France
and Italy, the United States and per-
haps other nations also have claims
and they cannot safely accept any ar
rangement which Great Britain and
Germany might force upon Vene-
zuela which would deprive them of
their right of reclamation.
The president is showing particular
interest in the situation. This morn
ing he called Secretary Hay away
from his regular Thursday diplomatic
reception to confer respecting Vene-
zuela. The chairman of the two con-
gressional committees charged with
the care of foreign affairs also called
at the state department during the
forenoon to talk over the Venezuelan
developments.
Senator Cullom, chairman of the
committee on foreign relations, ex-
pressed regret that England and Ger
many had destroyed, by breaking up
or sinking, the vessels of the ,Vene-
zuelan war fleet. They might bet
ter have left them for toy houses as
against a formidable squadron. They
were fit for little else," he remarked. |
He believed if it were considered nee
essary to seize The vessels they |
could have been kept intact until af-
-er the I:eanlt trouble was s"t'i"d
and then restored to Venezuela
Senator i'u..t m expressed the opin-
that the United States would not
become involved seriously in the pres
ent disturbances, as he was satisfied
that neither Great Britain nor Ger
many had any intention of acquiring
Venezuelan territory.