The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-18
For This the Kaiser's Govern
ment Demands ReparatiOn.
TO BE NO ARBITRATION
Although Venezuela and Eng
land Seem to Be Willing.
Citizens of Caracas Ask Castro
to Make a Settlement.


Germany expects some form of apology
from Venezuela for the diplomatic in
suits. which the foreign office holds are
more serious and more gross than those
of which Great Britain complains. The
foreign office officials point out that Pre-
mier Balfour's remark yesterday even
ing in the British house Of commons
about Germany having other than finan-
cial claims, must be understood as ap-
plying to diplomatic reparation for the
insults and not to a material indemnity
like money or territory.
The foreign office is again calling at
tention to the suspicious in the United
States regarding Germany effecting Ii
landing in Venezuela. 1t says a refu-
tation of such suspicious ought to be
perceived in the slender forces at tho
disposition of Germany. There are
scarcely 300 men who could be spared
from the squadron, not a sufficient num-
Der to take La Guayra, let alone form
an expedition into the interior. 1t is
not settled whether the notification of
the commencement of the blockade will
be made public in Berlin and London
simultaneously or take the form of :.
communication from the two command
ers Of the squadrons to the Venezuelan
authorities. The publication VIII appar-
entity be delayed a day or two.
liz O4litldlS bL llIt lOiSlSH Olllt6 Sdy
that the replies to the Venezuelan arbi-
tration proposal have not yet been sent.
The foreign office is still exchanging
views on the subject with London. Al
though the foreign office does not give
the least hint of Germany's reply, it
seems certain that arbitration will not
be accepted though the refusal be ac-
companied by fresh suggestions.
New York, Dec. 1S.-According to a
Rome dispatch to the Tribune all who
have spoken with Foreign Minister
Prinetu regarding the Venezuelan stu
alton including the American, Austrian
and French ambassadors, have been as
sured that he was not at all disturbed
by the fact that Venezuela had rejected
the Italian ultimatum. Asked about the
Italian statements he shrugged his
shoulders. saying:
Who has not claims against vene-
zuela?"
The general opinion here is that Ven
ezuela VIII end by giving way to the
inevitable. Much is hoped for from the
influence of the United States, which it
is thought will certainly be the power
ultimately to decide the question
ITALY'S INSTRUCTIONS.
Rome, Dec. 18.-Instructions have
been sent to Signor de Riva. the italian
minister to Venezuela. who is on board
the Italian cruiser Giovanni Bausan, AT
La Guayra to be guided by circumstan-
ces and the best measures to take al
ways. however. bearing in mind the
agreement with Germany and Great
Britain and the neCesSity for uniform
ity of action. The Italian government
considers the Giovanni Elba and Agor-
dat are sufficient to Cooperate in the
tripartite blockade of the Venezuela
coast.
BELGIUM'S CLAIMS.
Brussels, Dec. 1S-The Belgian ella inns
against Venezuela amount to seven mil
lion francs. They arise chiefly from the
nCnDa yment of interest on Venezuelan
bonds hos
money for the WaterWOrkS at Caracas,
which was promoted by a Belgian COM
pany.
THE OSSIJN is HANDED OVER.
La Guayra. Dec 1S.-Signor De Riva,
the Italian minister. who left Caracas.
has arrived here. He was accompanied
by the personnel of the Italian legation.
and Immediately proceeded on board the
Italian cruiser Giovanni Bausan Thu
crowc at the railroad station when the
minister arrived was very orderly.
The correspondent of the Associated
Press spoke with Senor Laicibabaza.
prefect of La Guayra, on the subject Of
the Italian ultimatum The prefect said
he could not understand Italy's DreciDi-
tare action, but thought that country
had been Influenced by Germany and
Great Britain. There are a great many
Italians in La Guayra. They all show
signs of being afraid and do not uphold
the action Of their government.
The German cruiser Gazelle arrived
here this morning, but left at II o'clock,
steaminS to the west.
The French steamer Ossun. which waN
captured December 10 by British ma
rines when the allies took possession OF
the Venezuelan gunbOats. was handed
over to her owner today md tOwed into
La Guayra. The delivery cf the Ossun
was obtained by the French charge
d'affaiTeS. NJ. QuivrOux The caDtain of
on his ship, the property of himself and
his crew have been wantonly destroyed.
He has lodged a complaint in the mat
ter. The steamer is leaking badly.
Italian interests in Venezuela are NJ
present in the hands Of the American
minister
LOOK TO BOWEN FOR WAY OUT.
Caracas. Dec 1S.-It has been learned
that the Venezuela difficulty is to b.
arbitrated and the discussion of terms
of settlement is now going on. United
states Minister Bowen undoubtedly will
be one of the arbitra tors.
The awakening of the Venezuelan peo-
pie to the present situation Of their
country is accompanied by feelings of
bitterness and sorrow Their fleet has
been destroyed and their pride has been
deeply wounded, but they are resigned
to accept the affront which they con
slider has been offered them by the
allies
During the last ten days President
Castro has acted with extra ordinary
energy He has transformed the entire
country INTO vast camp having raised
more than 10000 men. whom he has
well armed. equipped and transported
from every direction to La Guavra and
Puerto Cabello in the expects tfon that
the allies would attempt to land at one
or both of these points
But there has been a change Of feel
ing and the prominent men of Vene-
zuela who were at one time reao-r to
lead the people in defense of their coun-
try now consider that Justification to
take the men OF the republic away from
their families and their work does not
exist They have resolved to discover
n means to bring about arbitration or