Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1902-12-13

gram received at the State Department
Caracas states that the Venezuelan gov
ernment has requested him to propose to
Great Britain and Germany that the diff
culties arising out of the claims for al
legged damages and injuries to British and
German subjects during the civil war, be
submitted to arbitration
In conformity with the understanding
already reached with the representatives
of the British and German governments,
here, this proposition from President Cas-
tro will be duly laid before tIose govern
ments. the State Department Acting mere
ly as channel of communication. Not
much hope is entertained of a 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 reprisas made by
the Venezuelans for the destruction of
their navy, in the seizure Of British ships
and the arrest Of British and German sub
iects, practically have developed the re-
lations between the countries into those
of real war. although technically the
principals prefer to designate it as some
thing less.
Proposal Submitted.
The Venezuelan proposal was comnuni-
Gated to the British and German ambassa-
dors this evening. and by them ca abled to
London and Berlin. It is probable that
replies will be received overnight and
will be sent by the State Department to
Minister Bowen, who will inform the Ven
ezuelan president.
It is certain that the State Department
Is willing to go to any reasonable length
- AZ
any manner that shall be honorable and
satisfactory to all parties. Therefore,
Secretary Hay to-day replied to Mr.
Bowen's cablesram. authorizing him in
his discretion to use his good Offices to
secure arbitration. He was, however,
made to understand that in the arbitra-
ton. If one should follow, he would re-
present not the government of the United
States, but that of Venezuela. at its re-
quest.
Position of France.
IT there is an attempt to possess them
selves of all the customs receipts on the
part of Great Britain and Germany. pro-
tests might naturally be expected to fol-
low from nation such as France. which
holds claims aggregating more than the
combined claims of England and Germany.
and which has, it is understood already
arranged for their payment upon the in
stalment plan. out Of Venezuelan customs
receipts. an arrangement that might be
disturbed by tue British and German pro-
sramme.
It is evident here now that the allies have
been obliged to proceed upon Venezuela
far beyond the point where their original
programme ceased. The correspondence
shows that there was not the least appre-
hension that Castro in his resistance
would make it necessary for Great Britain
,f,,I
blockade and it is the understanding that
the London and Berlin authorities are
now obliged to prepare a new programme,
for execution in case Mr.. Bowen's efforts
at arbitration fail.
Fortifyins Being Pushed.
LA GUAYRA.. VENEZUELA, Dec. ~
The defensive preparations at the
strategic points on the heights back of
the town are being vigorously pushed
forward. The deposits OF powder in the
fortresses Of LaVigia and San Carlos have
been removed. Great patriotic demon
stratons are being made, and every one
capable of bearing arms is offering his
services.
Railroad Closed to Allies.
CARACAS (Thursday), Dec. 1.-THE
government has taken preservative
measures DIT LID quay AL Tue NcpoSttS
Of coal at the navy-yard and all the
British cars on the La Guayra railroad
have been brought here. rendering i'm
possible the transportation of the allied
troops by rail. General Ferrer, the min
lister of war, spent all day in choosing
spots in the mountains where trenches
are to be dug.
The governor OF Caracas has Issued
the following decree:
i;,.:o
district. between the ages OF eighteen and
fifty years, must enroll themselves In the
militia Any such person refusing to
enroll voluntarily, as patriotism demands.