The semi-weekly messenger., 1903-02-06


tives of the allies here to secure an
early settlement of the Venezuelan dis
pute without referring it to The Ha-
que. In this effort the Italian and
British ambassadors and the German
minister. Baron Spec Won Sternburg
are receiving the endorsement Of Mr..
Bowen, as we'll as the cordial approval
of the government of the United
States 1t is understood that while the
president is in no way connected with
the negotia tions, he is personally in
favor of a final agreement being reach
ed at Washington. This fact, it is be-
lieved VIII have an important bear
ing on the decision OF the British and
German foreign offices.
The British ambassador and the
German minister have both cabled to
their governments the fact that Mr..
Bowen has expressed his Willingness
to give the allies preferential treat
ment for three months. in order that
they may emerge from the controversy
without injury to their honor. The
allies have not yet answered the last
representations of their ENJOYS here,
urging an acceptance of this rlan.
Advces reached here from Berlin
this afternoon of an important ma
ture. but assurances are given that
they were sent prior to the submission
of the last proposition and affected
only detail Of the controversy. Their
purport was not diScouraging. 1t may
be some days yet before a final an
swer reaches Washington. but all the
negotia tors feel hopeful Of a successful
outcome.
At a joint conference at the British
h1c fo1o t1nn tho
position was discussed at length. and
the question of the possible reference
of the case to The Hague was consid-
cred. 1t was declared that the claim
ant nations will suffer far more than
Venezuela if the Washington negotia-
tions fail. Reference to The Hague
would serve only to complicate further
an ugly situation and the negotlatorS
feel that its main effect would be an
increase of unrest throughout the
United States and South America
against the allied powers. British and
German trade, it is pointed out is suf-
fering greatly from the maintenance
Of the blockade.
The British ambassador had long
conference with Secretary Hay today
and in the meantime Baron Sternburg
was calling on Mr.. Bowen. The British
ambassador was desirous of knowing
The attitude Of the Washington gov
dispute to The Hague and the fact
that the administration favors a
prompt settlement by the Washington
negotiators themselves. induced him ia
lay before his government the reasonl
why acceptance Of preferential treat
| ment for three months was desirable.
1t is regarded as fortunate here thai
the negotiators themselves are acting
! in harmony. Early in the Venezuelan
negotiations the British ambassador
pledged himself to do all in his power
to settle the Venezuelan dispute az
soon as possible and all his efforts In
! this direction are receiving the en-.
dorsement of the Washington govern.
ment. 1t is stated in an authoritative
quarter that the president and thu
German emperor are both taking 4
|, keen interest in the early adjustment
Of the dispute, feeling that no good
can come of prolonging the blockade.
: Germans DispIeased With Minister
/, Bowen.
Berlin, February 4.-Some disappoint
ment is felt by the German foreig1
: office officials at Minister Rowen's at
t titude in his conferences with the am
y bassadors at Washington. Mr.. Bowen
, it is said here, impresses the represen
: tatives of the allies as allowing hi
fighting spirit to overbear his desire
for n quick settlement. His demeano
III me conferences Is u9ScTlDeu DIS liza
K of an advocate defending an innocent
g prosecuted client. Besides the foreig
office regards Mr.. Bowen's first pro
position as having been changed afte
it was accepted and it is held that
II was not clearly stated and for tha
e reason was misunderstood.
II is also averred here that NJ
Rowen's powers are not so full az d.
sirable.
The cooperating powers, standin
= by their first condition that the blocl
ade shall not be raised until an adj
- ,Iuate guarantee for the payment
the reserved claims is given, have IL
structed their embassies at Washin,
ton to insist upon such an adequa
- guarantee Otherwisc the blocka
will continue for months, or for yea
:, | IF this is necessary to persuade Pre-
- ident Castro to meet the demands
the allies. Some Of Minister Bower
suggestions are here regarded as bel
"almost trivial" The view is held
al Berlin that he does not realize tn
a. the cooperating powers are in ear
- est in that they cannot and Will
depart from the only stfpulati
er- which they made precedent to arbitl