Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1902-12-12

Washington, Dec. 12-BOWen cables
the state department today that the
Venezuelan government has requested
. him to propose to Great Britain and
Germany that the difficulties arising
out of the claims for alleged damages
and injuries to British and German
subjects during the civil war be sub
1nitted to arbitration.
Secretary Hay cabled Bowen au-
thorizing him TO use his good offices
to secure arbitration.
Have Little Hope at This Stage
In conformity with an understand
ing already reached with the repre-
sentatives of the British and German
governments here, this proposition
from Castro will be duly laid before
the governments. the state depart
ment acting merely as a channel of
communication. Not much hope is
entertained of the favorable recep-
tiOn of the proposition, as it is felt
the difficulty has progressed too far
for settlement by the peaceful meth
DDS of arbitration.
Bowen as Arbitrator.
Caracas. Dec. 12.-It is stated on
good authority that the Venezuelan
government has asked Minister Bow
en- to act as arbitrator in the contro-
versy with Great Britain and Ger
many. Everyone believes the situa-
tion is desperate, threatening war un-
less Bowen succeeds.
The governor of Caracas issued a
, decree calling upon Venezuelans be-
tween the ages of Is and so TO volun-
teer in the militia or be treated as
traitors.
The government is making defen-
sive preparations at the strategic
points on the heights back of La
Guaira. Everyone capable of bearing
arms is offering his services to. the
government.
Germany Blamed
London, Dec. 12.-The British gov
ernment disclaims responsibility for
the sinking of the Venezuelan vessels,
and attributes it entirely to the Ger
man forces.
Forces the Fight.
Washington, Dec. 12.-At this writ
ing report current yesterday-that
there was fighting going on in the
streets of La Guayra between the al
lies and the Venezuelans-has not been
confirmed.
London. Dec. PA dispatch to The
Daily Mail from Willemstad Island of
Curacoa, dated Dec. II, says: THE
Venezuelan authorities at Puerto Ca
bellO are fortifying that town. They
have seized and imprisoned the Brit
ish and German cOnsuls there, as well
as other Britons and Germans. and
have taken possession of their proper
ty. The authorities also seized u Brit
ish steamer which was discharging a
cargo of coal at Puerto Cabello, the
vessel being unable to escape owing
to break down in her machinery.
The American consul at Puerto CabellO
attempted to intervene, but he was dis
regarded"
The British consul at Puerto Cabello
is X. holster, the German consular
representative is Z. Tiedo, and l.. L.
Ellsworth is> the United States consul
at that port.
Progress of the Trouble Summarized.
Washington, Dec. 12.-The situation
in Venezuela does not improve, and
so troubled have some of the congress
men here become over the matter that
a joint resolution was offered i'm the
house yesterday by ShafrOth of Colo
RADIO, authorizing the president to pro-
pose to Great Britain and Germany to
submit their claims against Venezuela
to arbitration, and to guarantee the
payment of the awards that may be
found. After the capture OIL the Vene-
zueIan ships at La Guayra Tuesday,
for some reason three of them-the
Crespo, Tulomo and Margarita-were
taken outside the harbor and sunk and
Venezuelan diplomats here think this
was entirely uncalled for.
CuIIom Thinks the Allies Wrong.
Senator Cullom saw President Roose-
welt yesterday. AS the senator was
leaving the White House he said: Il
am of the opinion that it was wrong
for two great big countries like Eng
land and Germany to attack little
helpless country like Venezuela in the
manner they did. Had they CAPTURED