The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-02-03
Must Accept His Compro-
mise Offer or Submit En-
tire Dispute to The Hague.
Counter Proposition Was
Promptly Rejected.
South American Diploma
lists Here Suspect Double
Game in Venezuelan Af-
fairs-Castro Playing for
intervention.

Minister Bowen has given the allies
the choice between sending the Vene-
zueIan dispute TO The Hague and accept
ing his offer OF preferential treatment
for a period of one month.
After two hour consultation with
him this morning. Sir Michael Herbert
and Baron Speek Won Steruburg went %
the British embassy. where they we're
Joined by SignOr Mayor des PIsnehes,
the Italian ambassador. There the three
dipIomatists entered into conference
upon this stand of Minister Bowen.
which Is regarded as practically an ultI-
matum.
The minister made further represen-
tatioas 10 his callers. this morning.
upon the proposition Of the allied pow
eTs that tWo-thtrds OF the 90 per cent Of
customs collections at Puerto CabeIlo
and La Guaira be turned over to them.
showing that It was impossible for Ven
ezueIR to corsent to this arrangement
in the light of her obligations 10 other
foreign governments.
German Charge at Caracas Here.
Herr Won BaItazzi. German charge
d'anaires at Caracas, Venezuela. who
was compelled to retire from that city
at the beginning Of the present troubles,
arrived in Washington today and is reg
istered at the Arlington he is expect
ed TO assist Baron speck in the negoda-
tions with Minister Bowen by imparting
such Information as he possesses bear
ing on the situation.
J. J. Hill Anxious for Information.
This morning Mr.. Bowen received Sen
ator Hanna and James J. Hill. president
OF the Great Northern Railway The
latter was very anxious 10 ascertain the.
exact situation regarding Venezuela.
Among Ihe questions be asked Minister
Bowen was whether q reference Of the
slfaiE 70 The Hague was BoB probable
Mr. Bowen replied that in his opinion 1t
was not probable, but he regarded thu
outcome extremely doubtful, owing 70
the many complications that have arisen
in the negotiations during the past week.
Allies Recede From Origina. Demand
The allies. yesterday. without making
any formal reply TO Mr.. BoweH's compro-
mise proposition. submitted a counter
proposal which. however sure 10 be re-
jected, possessed one virtue, in that It
marked a disposition to recede from the
position they had assumed
that Of insisting upon being regarded N
the light of preferred creditors
Counter Proposal Rejected.
Ignoring Minister Bowen's PROPOSE
tion to give them so per cent Of the Gus
toms receipts at Puerto CabeUo and La
Guaira for a period of one month, after
which all claimant nations should be
treated on an equal basis. the allies
suggested that they be given two-thirds
Of the 80 per cent until their claims are
settled, leaving only 10 per cent 10 be
divided among the non-aIIied powers
who also have claims.
The Dr0mptness with which Minister
Bowen rejected this proposition appar-
emily surprised the representatives, Of
the three allied powers Within four
hours from the tine they made it, his
formal rejection was on its way to the
foreign Offices at London. Berlin and
Rome,
Double Game Suspected.
SoNLh american QiDlQEl1IlStA IN thlS
city believe that a double game is be-
ing played in Venezuela. on the one
hand hey say President Castro has nam
ad eonditiors OF settlement which he
knew would not be acceptable to the
powers, for the purpose OF inviting ag-
Gession and thus inducing the United
States to interfere, and become sponsor
.or the debts of Venezuela On the
3ther hand, tEey say. Germany. wanting
an outlet for colonization. which is de-
lied her in other parts of the world.
s itching for q chance TO test rhe Non
'oe Doctrine in South America
In the meantime arms sa4id supplies are
1eing constantly Unfinished From some
mysterious source to the iusurrents in
Venezuela. # tshey should succeed In
2verthrowinE Castro, it is reasonable 10
suppose thSst the new government they
would establish wouId be disposed 10 be
more f-liendly, and grant more conces-
'ions Ito the foreigners who had aided
hem