New-York tribune., 1903-01-21
BOWEN IN WASHINGTON.
ACTING FOR TENEZUEL4.
Ready to Begin Negotiations zfath
lilies Representatives.

Washington, Jan. 20.-Minister Bowen. ac-
companied by Mrs Bowen arrived here shortly
after noon to-day. They were met at the station
by their nephew, Hamilton Holt, of New-foTk
and drove at once to the Arlington Hotel I'M
mediateiy after luncheon Minister Bowen called
at the State Department, where he had q long
conference with Assistant Secretary Hill. He
then went to the home of Secretary Hay to re-
port his arrival He received a hearty welcome
from the officials at the State Department to
whom his tactful conduct of affairs at Caracas
has given great satisfaction Assistant Secre-
tary Hill and Second Assistant Secretary Adee
congratulated him the diplomatic ability he
had shown.
Until have reported to the officials here
said Mr.. Bowen. of course. it will be impossible
for me to discuss my mission or announce
any programme for the conduct of the negotia-
tions. I have not seen paper in five days. and
therefore am not posted any developments
since left Caracas. so that for the present L
cannot say just when my conferences with the
representatives Of the powers will begin
Mr.. Bowen is a man Of great energy, and has
undertaken the important and delicate duties
connected with the settlement of the Venez-
ueIan difficulty with an earnest desire to dis
charge them with the greatest degree of speed
consistent with safety. It Is expected that the
representatives of the allies who. so far as IS
n.
unfortunate situation on the Venezuelan coast
will lend him every aid in his task. There must
be frequent exchanges between the ambassadors
here and their home governments. but it is ex-
pected that frequent recourse will be had to the
cable and that this method in large part Will
take the place formerly occupied ny the mall
exchanges Mr.. Bowen. as soon as - had paid
his visit of ceremony to Secretary Hay, started
out to call on the British and Italian ambassa-
dors and at the German Embassy. where in the
absence Of Count Quadt. he saw Baron Ritter
the acting charge d'affaires
Mr. Bowen. above all things. is anxious to
secure the removal of the blockade, which Is
the heaviest charge laid on him by President
Castro, so when he called on the representa-
tives of the allies he urgently requested them to
name an early moment for the beginning of the
negotiations. The results of his requests nave
not yet developed, but It is h0red that Mr..
Bowen will receive answers in the course ot A
day or two The absence of Baron Won Stern
burg and of Count Quadt the charge d affaires
of Germany, who is in New-York, in the opinion
Of the other allies. need not prevent the initia-
ton of negotiations with Minister Bowen. In
fact It is not certain that there Will be a joint
meeting of the negotiators at any stage. Mr.
Bowen is not clear himself on this point, and if
the allies representatives here prefer to discuss
the issues separately he is perfectly willing to
do so
II is expected that the Italian and British
ambassadors and the German Charge d'Afaires
will return the calls Of Minister Bowen to-nlor-
row. when they will take occasion 70 present
the formal thanks of their governments for his
services in caring for the foreign interests IN
Venezuela Throughout the troublesome period
there.