The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-28

WI/ There is now in progress an ac- tive exchange of notes between the allied powers. Venezuela and the Uni- ted States respecting the method of sub mitting to arbitration the issues which have arisen between Venezueia and the allies. Questions are being put and an- swers forthcoming, but 1t is said that the z negotiations are in such shape that it would be extremely injudicious and in- discrete to make each phase public, if there really existed a desire to reach a satisfactory settlement. It is explained at the state departi nt that the part of the United States government just now Is that of good friend' to all parties; that it is not undertaking to draw up protocols or impose limitations upon the parties, but Is conhning its offices to getting them together and keeping them so In this view it will not be necessary for our govern ment to prescribe how the Monroe doc- Urine shall or shall not figure in the three protocols. It will judge for itself by results how our interests are affected, and will not indulge in premature or un- called for protests.
 FaIr Way for Adjustment.
 As for the terms of the arbitration of the agreement, 1t is stated that they are in fair way to be speedily adjusted, but nothing can be had of the details It is presumed that the allies will agree to terminate the blockade though no stipulation has yet been entered into on that point. Nothing has been heard re- gently of the part to be taken by Min ister Bowen In the final settlement. and ] 1t begins to appear that after all Ycne- zuela probably will be represented l>y one of her own speonies 1s
 The weight of official opinion here this afternoon was that several days at least must elapse before anything in the na- ture of a preliminary protocol can be made ready for signature, German insist ency upon a prepayment of ten per cent of her full claims before submitting her case to arbitration and perhaps President Castro's residence to meeting what the allies regard as the obligations of honor. are believed to be now the sticking points. But 1t is hoped that these can be passed within the next few days and it is fur ther hoped that some arrangements will be made in the preliminary protocol for the raising of the blockade, though it is intimated that the allied ships will be kept ready to renew it in case of any de- fault on the part of Venezuela in her ob- ligation.
 Washington Central Point.
 Washington having been the pivot, about which all the negotiations have turned up to this point, 1t is surmised that 1t may also be the scene of the final Act In the shape of the signature of the pre-4. liminary protocol. either by the resident representatives here of the powers inter- ested or lg special agents sent to this neutral ground for the purpose
 An erroneous idea has obtained in some quarters as to the functions of the Presi- dent and Secretary Hay in this matter. and they have been represented as en- deavoring to personally conduct the ne- Gotiations. as drawing up the protocol. and generally as taking the leading part in all that is going It is pointed out at the state department that while ordi- narily misunderstanding on this point, would be trifling, 1t happens in the pres ent case that reports of such activity on the part of United States officials, after the President had expressly declined to assume the duties of arbitrator, would surely be i'll received in Europe, and might perhaps lead to some backward steps that would be a matter of regret to this government which earnestly de- SHeS to nave tne pdrlleS Tedcn an nOnOr- able settlement of their difficulties.
 RooseveIt's Note Presented.
 Rome, December 27.-Ambassador Meyer today presented to the foreign office President Roosevelts note on the snb- ject of Venezuelan arbitration. The Pres ident says that although ne Is very much gratified at the confidence the powers have shown in him by choosing him as arbitrator which position he would have accepted if there were no other means of solving the question. he thinks it better to submit the case to The Hague tribunal, especially as all the powers concerned are willing. The President adds that as there Is no question of national honor or cession of territory involved after thor ough consideration and in accord with all the powers concerned. who have shown an honorable spirit of mutual considera- ton and modification, he is glad to be informed that they all have agreed to submit the question to The Hague tribu- nal.
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