The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1902-12-17
VEKEzUELA's APPEAL.
Wants Powers 10 Submit Their
Claims 10 Arbitration.
PRESIDENT CASTRO ASKS
Minister Bowen TO Act as Inter-
mediary Between Great Britain and
Germany and Venezuela---France
Nay be Heard From if Any
ATTEMPT is MADE BY GREAT BRIT.
AIN AND GERMANY TO SEIZE
THE CUSTOM DUTIES.

Washington, Dec. PA cablegram
received at the State department today
from Minister Bowen, at Caracas,
states that the Venezuelan Government
has requested him to propose to
Great Britain and Germany that the
difficulties arising out of the claims
for alleged damage and injuries to
British and German subjects during
the civil war be submitted to arbitra-
tion.
In conformity With the understand
ing alraedy reached with the repre-
sentatiYes of the British and German
Governments here, this proposition
from President Castro will be duly
laid before these Governments, the
State department. acting merely as a
channel of communication. Not much
hope is entertained of the favorable
reception of the proposition, as it is felt
that the difficulty has progressed too
far for a settlement by the peaceful
method of arbitration. The reprisals
made by the Venezuelans for the de-
struction of their navy, in the seizure
of British and German subjects. prac-
tically have developed the relations
between the countries into those Of
real war although technically the
principals prefer to designate it as
something less,
The Venezuelan proposal was COM
municated to the British and German
ambassadors this afternoon and by
them cabled to London and Ber-
lin. II is probable that replies
will be received over night and will be
sent by the State departments to Min
lister Bowen, who will inform the Ven
ezuelan President.
It is certain that the State depart
ment is willing TO go any reasonable
length TO settle the difficulty in Vene-
zuela in any manner that shall be hon.
orable and satisfactory to all parties.
Therefore Secretary Hay today replied
to Mr.. Bowens' cablegram, authorizing
him, in his discretion, to use his
good Offices to secure arbitration. He
was, however, made to understand
that, in the arbitration, if one should
follow, he would represent not the
Government Of the United States, but
that Of Venezuela at its request.
If there is an attempt to possess
Gh6mSelYeS OF all IQ6 CuSGOES fecSlpCS
Hon the part of Great Britain and Ger
many protests might naturally be ex-
pected to follow from nation such as
France, which holds claims aggre-
eating more than the combined claims
Of England and Germany,-andLs which
has, it is understood, already arrang-
ed for their payment upon an install
ment plan out of Venezuela's customs
receipts; an arrangement that might
be disturbed by the British and Ger.
man programme. It is evident here
now that the allies have been obliged
to proceed upon Venezuela far beyond
the point where their original pro-
gramme ceased. The correspondence
shows that there was not the least ap-
prehension that Castro in his resist
ance would make it necessary for
Great Britain and Germany to 90 be-
yond a peaceful blockade, and it is
the understanding that the London
and Berlin authorities are now obliged
to prepare new programme for exc
cution in case Mr.. Bowen's efforts at
arbitration fail.