The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-27
Position of United States in the
Venezuela Trouble.
Negotiations Probably VIII Be
Carried on in Washington.
GERMANY'S REGRETS.
Sorry That the President
Wouldn't Arbitrate 1t.
Believes 1t Would Have Saved
Vast Amount of Time.

Washington, Dec. 27.-There is now
in progress an active exchange of notes
between the allied powers. Venezuela
and the United States respecting the
method of submitting to arbitration the
issues which have arisen between Vene-
zuelan and the allies. Questions are be-
ing put and answers are forthcoming,
but It is said that the negotiations are
in such shape that it would be extreme
~ iniudicious and indiscreet to make
each phase public if there really exist
ed a desire to reach a satisfactory set
tlement. 1t is explained at the state
department that the part of the United
States government is that of good
friend" to all parties; that it is not I'M
dertaking to draw up protocols or inn
pose limitations upon the parties, but Is
condning it's Offices to getting them to-
gether and keeping them so. In this
view it will not be necessary for our
government to prescribe how the Mon
roe doctrine shall or shall not figure in
the protocols. 1t viii judge for itself
by results how our interests are affect
ed and will not indulge in premature or
unealled for protests.
AS for the terms of the arbitration
agreement it is stated that they are IN
q fair way TO be speedily adjusted. but
nothing can be said of the details. It
Is uIneu that Inc ailleS Will agree
TO terminate the blockade. though no
stipulation has yet been entered into
on that point Nothing has been heard
recently of the part to be taken by
United States Minister Bowen in the
final settlement and it begins to an
pear that. after all, Venezuela will
probably be represented by one of her
own people.
Berlin, Dec. 27.-The German govern
ment is disappointed by President
Roosevelt's declinatiOn to be arbitrator
IN the Venezuelan dispute. but in pur-
Euance o. its decision will correspond
once with Great Britain and Italy on the
subsidiary questions that must now be
agreed upon, such as raising the block
ace and the definite form of request
whereby Venezuela on one side and
Germany, Great Britain and Italy on the
other Will ask The Hague tribunal to
adjust the dispute. The interchange of
views on these and other requirements
will probably take place at Washington
where the ambassadors can confer free
~ with Secretary Hay and obtain
through him President Castros assent
TO the precise propositions. The German
foreign Office considers Washington 4
convenient place for further negotiation.
Foreign Secretary Won Richthofen regrets
the long delay which is likely to ensue
before the final adjustment OF the coll
troversy. He has relied upon President
Roosevelts personality to take up the
case and rec On a decision quickly
Baron Won Richthofen recognizes the
declination is in strict accord with his
message OF December >. in which, re
ferrlng to The Hague tribunal. he said:
Tt is far better where possible to in
woke such q permanent tribunal than to
create special arbitrators for a given
purpose"
When Baron Won Richthofen received
Secretary Hays note this morning ne
had in his desk the summary of the note
transmitted from Washington by the
Associated Press.
A NOTE FROM HAY
officials say n note from Secretary Hay
similar to those presented at Rome and
Berlin has been received here. Nothing
has yet been done regarding the cessa>
ton OF the blockade Or the terms OF the
arbitration or the protocol.
ltDCSfN EFT DECLINES.
Rome. Dec 11.-Ambassador Never today
presented TO the foreign office Presldent
Housewife note or the subject of Nenezue
Ian Arbitration The president says thai
although he is very gratifed at the conf.
choosing him rs arbitrator. which position
he would have accepted II there were nc
other means OF solving the question. hl
thinks il bettsr 90 submit the case to Til.
Hague tribunal. especially as all the pow
ers concerned are willing.
The president adds that there are No
questions or national honor or cessIOn @
territory involved. after thorough consider
alton end in accord with all the powers
concerned. who have shown an honorable
spirit of mutual consideration and mOdera
riOn. he is glad 10 be informed that tJsl
all have agreed to submit the question IL
The Hague tribunal