The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1902-12-25
GUARANTEES ASKED
Powers Are Willing to Trust
Matters to United States.
REFUSE TO DEAL With CASTRO
Replies to Hays Notes are Received
from Britain and Germany-kai-
ser Reluctant and De-
mands Safeguards.

Friday Secretary Hay received par
tial responses from the governments
of Great Britain, Germany and Italy
respecting the proposal to arbitrate
the Venezuelan difficulties.
Great Britain is favorable to arbi-
tration with proper safeguards.
Germany accepts arbitration in
principle, but finds multitude OF
small adjustments to be made before
entering into the agreement.
Italy, as the Junior partner Of the
allies, declares that she Is favorable
to arbitration, but will be bound by the
action Of the senior partners.
Look Only to Uncle Sam.
The note to Reuters Telegraph
company, announcing that Great Brit
ain had sent reply to the United
States, is as follows:
"The statements issuing from Ca.
racas to the effect that President Cas-
tro has empowered Minister Bowen to
act as the representative Of Venezuela
are regarded in London as open to-
question. Any such action on the part
of President Castro would be consid-
cred wholly beside the mark. The
powers concerned will deal solely with
the United States in the matter Of ar
bitration. The government Of Vene-
zuela will not be consulted in any
form, not even, as to the terms on
which arbitration might be acceptable
to the powers"
To secure these American ambas-
sadors at London, Berlin and Rome
have been working energetically to
carry out the instructions Of Secretary
Hay to ascertain how the proposal
would be received. IS
As far as England is concerned the !.
safeguards referred to are believed to
relate to the questions Of guarantee,
which is full of difficulties. In this
connection, as indicated in previous
dispatches some consideration is again ],
given to the feasibility Of assumption
of responsibility of any award as
sessed against Venezuela by fesponsi-
BILE private agencies, but the United
States government is determined
not to allow itself to be drawn into the
position of a guarantor in this case,
for the precedent, once established,
might require the United States to be-
come financial backer of all South and
Central America. However, If private
concerns can be induced to enter the
field, the United States will do what
it can to reduce their risks. Secre-
tary Hay, Sir Michael Herbert, the
British ambassador, and Senator De-
pew were in conference Friday, and #
is suspected that Ills phase OF the
case was touched upon, although no
confirmation can be had at this time.
Knotty German Problem.
The German position presents the
greatest difficulties, for not only
does it involve demand for apon-
gies, which are extremely repugnant
to Venezuela, but also presents SO
many points requiring adjustment that
it Is evident that many days, or
perhaps weeks, must elapse before the
adjustment can be effected and the
case prepared for arbitration. And
the danger of delay in the face OF
blockade, which seriously cripples
neutral commerce, and invites hostile
collisions with the Venezuelans, cafl,.
not be overestimated.
The efforts of the United States,
therefore, must be directed toward
fastening Germany's action on the ar
bitration proposal.
The italian position is, of course, OF
less concern than that of the other al I
lies. The Italian ambassador at Wash
ington In his intercourse with the state
department, has been extremely mod.
crate and considerate, giving Secre-
tarv Hay the impression that he fs
well disposed to second any effort OF
the United States to terminate the
present dangerous situation.