The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1902-12-13
III AsHINGToN, Dec. PA

VI ASHINGTON, Dec. PA cable
w gram received at the state de-
partment today from Minister
Bowen at Caracas states that the Ven
ezuelan government has requested him
to propose to Great Britain and Ger
many 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 ar
bitration. -
In conformity with the understand
ing already reached with the represent
atives of the British and German gov
ernments here, this proposition from
President Castro viii be fully laid be-
fore these governments, the state de-
partment acting merely as a channel of
communication. Not much hope is en-
tertained 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 reprisaiS made by the
Nenezuelans for the destruction of their
navy, in the arrest of British and Ger
man subjects, have developed the rela-
tiOns of the countries into those of real
war. although technically the principals
prefer to designate it as something else.
In doing so Great Britain and Germany
are simply following the course taken
during the war with China when, not
withstanding the allied fleet captured
Taku and destroyed a number of Chi
nese naval vessels, no declaration of
war was forthcoming.
Proposal Forwarded.
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 immedi-
ately to the cabinet meeting after the
int IF CT g 90 ~
which accounts for the fact that the
proposition to arbitrate has not been
communicated to the German and Brit
fish ambassadors. In the absence of ad-
vices the officials were not disposed to
comment on the likelihood of President
Castro's proposition being accepted.
When Secretary Hay returned from the
cabinet meeting the embassies were
placed in possession of the news from
Venezuela, and II was cabled TO Berlin
and London II is probable that re-
plies will be received over night and
sent to Minister Bowen, who will in
form the Venezuelan government
It 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 today
replied to Minister Bowen's cablegram,
authorizing him in his discretion to use
He was. however, made to understand
that in the arbitration, if one should
follow. he would represent not the gov
eminent of the United States, but that
of Venezuela at its request.
Outcome Is Doubtful.
It is realized here that the outcome
Is very doubtful and the way is beset
with difficulties. If the claims against
Venezuela were those only 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 can
not accept any arrangement which
Great Britain and Germany might force
upon Venezuela which would deprive
them of their right of reclamation.
If there is an attempt to possess
themselves of all the customs receipts
on the part of Great Britain and Ger
many, protests naturally might be ex-
pected to follow from France. which
holds claims aggregating more than
the combined claims of England and
Germany, and Venezuela, it is under
stood, already has arranged for their
payment on an installment plan out of
Venezuelan customs receipts. an ar
rangement that might be disturbed by
the British and German programme.
1t is evident here now that the allies
have been obliged to proceed against
Venezuela far beyond the point where
their original programme had in view.
The correspondence shows that there
was not the least apprehension that
Castro in his resistance would make it
necessary for Great Britain and Ger
many to go beyond a peaceful blockade.
and ii is the understanding that the
London and Berlin authorities now are
obliged to prepare a new programme
for execution in case Mr.. Bowen's ef-
forts at arbitration fail.