The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1902-12-19
ASHINGTON. Dec. 1S.-President
Castro has clothed Minister Bow

H1ASHINGTON, Dec. 1S.-PreSldeht
w Castro has clothed Minister Bow
en- with full powers to effect a
settlement with Great Britain, Ger
many and Italy. Mr.. Bowen simply
awaits the consent of the state depart
ment to assume this task, assuming
that the nations named are willing that
he shall undertake this work. 1t is be-
heved that the critical phase of the
Venezuelan situation is passed.
Whether the consent of these govern
ments can be obtained will, it is said,
depend entirely upon the suffiCiency of
any guarantee that can be given for
the faithful discharge by President
Castro of any obligations ne may as
sumo as the result of Mr.. BOwens eff
forts The allies feel that they must
be assured against the consequence of
another revolution and the reputation
by the president who may follow Cas-
tro.
Probable Outcome.
THE efforts to induce the United
States government to guarantee pay
ment, it is safe to say, will not sue
coed, and it is beginning to appear that
there is likely to be a mixed commits
sion appointed to receive all Venezue-
Ian customs and setting apart a certain
portion for the maintenance Of the Ven
ezuelan government and disburse the
remainder among the powers until their
obligations shall be met.
The government of France has now
entered the field as an active party in
the trouble. The French government
has served notice upon the governments
of Great Britain, Germany and Italy,
and by way of information has also
told Secretary Hay that any provision
made for the settlement of the claims
against Venezuela must recognize the
pre-eminence Of the French claims.
France Given Assurances.
France has received assurances from
the other governments named that any
arrangements made would provide for
the security of the French interests in
the Venezuelan customs.
The state department has learned
that, as reported in Berlin dispatches
a mere money payment will not meet
Germany's desires.
Count Quadt TIE German charge
had a long interview with Secretary
Hay today touching Venezuela. and the
fact is now apparent that while money
will satisfy Great Britain and Italy
Germany must have an apology. The
difference between her case and that
of the other powers is that the German
legation at Caracas was attacked, its
windows broken, the minister's sick
wife terrCrized and the German ma
tional honor otherwise touched in
manner that cannot be healed by
money.
Questin of Guarantee.
y Touching the question of a guaran-
tee of any obligations assumed by Cas-
trO as a result of Mr.. Bowen's good Of
fees, il is suggested that the United
States being without power in the alb
sence of legislation to assume directly
any responsibility for the execution of
Castros pledges. it is still possible for
the state department to give assur-
ances to any parties who might be in
duced TO produce the money to pay the
judgments against Castro. that when
o the time shall come for repayment the
United States would exercise its good
offices to see that the obligations were
kept. 1t is distinctly stated. however.
that no pledge will be made on the part
of the United States 30 forcibly collect
any Indebtedness of this kind
a second call by Mr.. Demargerie, the