The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1902-12-24
ROOSEVELT was AAnED.
IT is Generally Regarded as
Shrewd Diplomatic Move to
Ensure the Collection
of Claims.

Washington, Dec 22.-President
Roosevelt has not accepted the position
of arbitrator of the controversy in
which the republic of Venezuela is in
yolyed with Great Britain Germany
and Italy. In fact, when the official
day closed, he had not received form
ally or officially request from the
European powers that he act as arbi-
traitor Of the dispute. These state
rnents are made on the highest
authority.
In an informal manner, the presi-
dent has been notified that the Euro
pean powers intimately concerned in
the present South American difficulty
desire that he should undertake the
responsibility of acting, as arbitrator
of the points at issue between them
and Venezuela. Thus far, they mere
ly have been taking 'soundings,
with a view, probably, Of ascertaining
how he would receive formal profer
to act as arbitrator.
It can be said that, in response to
the suggestions he has received, the
president, from the first intimation he
had that he was desired as arbitrator
of the Venezuelan controversy, has ex-
pressed emphatically his Judgment
that the matters to be arbiJrtaed should
be referred to The Hague tribunal.
His view of the suggestions made has
been conveyed to the European powers,
together with strong presentation
of his reasons for the view be holds.
To this latest phase of the Venezuelan
question, no response of formal
nature has been received.
The president and Secretary Hay
had long conference today after the
formers return from his Virginia trip.
They went over carefully the situation
as it had developed since Saturday, but
it is understood that nothing has
arisen during the past 4S hours to war
rant the president in changing his
opinion as to the undesirability OF his
acceptance of the position of arbitrator.
The acceptance the powers of the
principle of arbitration as applied to
the Venezuelan question is matter of
great qualification to the president and
mis- cabinet. That all the powers have
intimated too, that they would prefer
that the president should arbitrate
the present dispute than shat it should
be referred to The Hague tribunal is
taken as notable compliment to the
personality and to his administration.
It is the hope Of the president and
his advisers, however that, while there
| is precedent for his acceptance Of the
post Of arbitrator, the powers will con-
sent to reference of the controverted
matters in the Venezuelan question to
the tribunal at The Hague.
The United States government IS
awaiting the reception of formal ans
wers from the allied governments to
the presidents last suggestion that
the Venezuelan dispute be referred to
The Hague. So far those responses
have not come to hand but it is pretty
we'll understood that they will hold
out for the arbitration of President
Roosevelt himself. Signs point to the
presidents ultimate acceptance Of the
trust though nothing positive is yet
known on this point. The state de-
partment has learned that President
Castro would welcome the selection Of
President Roosevelt as arbitrator, and
as all the parties interested are united
the pressure will be hard TO resist.
Opinion varies as to the termination
of the blockade of the Venezuelan
ports. In some quarters it is assumed
that if President Roosevelt accepts the
duty of arbitraor the allies will call off
the blockade at once. On the other
hand it is pointed out that custom re-
quires TIE terms of the arbitration to
be pretty accurately defined and this
will consume time, pending which the
blockade will continue.
1t is quite evident from the develop
ments here that Germany is the origin
ator and promoter of the suggestion
that President Roosevelt act as arbi-
traitor. Great Britain and Italy. it
is believed, incline toward arbitration
by The Hague Tribunal, but of course
they would not indicate any prefsasn