New-York tribune., 1903-01-27
PROSPECTS OF PEACE.

Work for peace and settlement in Nenezueia
goes auspiciously on in spite of the fnexpilcapie
wacing of war which has occurred during lhe
last week Apparently neither Venezuela hui
any of the powers is inclined TO let the poli-
bardnent of San Carlos thwart or delay tue
negotiations which are in progress. news Iloiii
London from Berlin and from Parls Is all "
tba affect that as soon as sufficient guarantees
of settlement are given by Venezuela the biock-
ada will he raised and of course, the war
against Venezuela will end. 1t is further ln'i-
mated that Mr. Bowen-who must for the time
be regarded as a representative OF the NeheZ-
uelan Government and as in nowise loentlneo
with the United States-has practically con-
cluded arrangements for guarantees Wnlcn VIII
be satisfactory to the powers. In such case
the next few days should see the biockade anu
practical state of war ended, and Venezuela put
in the way of getting, through her custom
houses. the revenue needed to pay her debts
This nrospect is gratifying to the United
States as we are sure it must be TO all con-
oorned These last few weeks have been
time of no little anxiety. We shall not say
There has at any time been any fear that TINS
country would become involved in a war Win
any nover But it is not agreeable to have IN
ternational amity and confidence menaced III
fine least degree We have hitherto frequently
expressed the opinion that while the OmIeu
States should cultivate honest friendship WIN
all nations" and while it has speclal reasons
for friendship with various other nauons' Tue
ties of race and blood and the lnhuelces ol
community of interests and similarity OF ann
bosneol. n narticular rawing together of this
nountrv creat Britain and Germany. 1t has
therefore been cause of profound regret that
racan+ incidents should have been such AS TO
give rise in this country 10 some questioning or
Germany's conduct and intentions, and to an III
clination to regard that country with less oI
confidence and cordialfty than hitherto NOT
can we regard such sentiments as groundless OF
unjust Officials at Berlin are reported TO nave
protested against the criticisms of the German
Tonhardn,ent of the Venezuelan coast, and
some German residents of this country nave
ioined in those protests, while the German Min
lister for Foreign Affairs has put forth de-
tailed statement designed TO show with what
natience and forbearance his government has
proceeded for the collection of its just claims
against the South American State. Such ef-
forts while worthy cf respectful and sympa-
tbetic consideration, do not seem to us to be
convincing Germany has, SO far as we can
perceive not been injured, and she is not alto
gefher innocent Of blame. We say this with
regret but without hesitation, for the reason
that The Tribune at all events must be held
free from all reproach Of precipitancy in cen
suring Germany. From the outset Of this I'M
happy embodiment The Tribune has pointed
out the culpability of the Venezuelan Govern
ment and has striven TO vindicate the good
faith and benevolent intent of Germany, re-
calling for the latter purpose the noteworthy
inspired" utterance of the German Ambas-
sador year ago 1t will be pleasant TO record
the vindication of that faith and that intent by
Germany herself.
The German Foreign Minister'S story of the
case is to be accepted as correct so far as it
goes Let us now have the complement The
Venezuelan Government some days ago pro-
posed to refer the whole controversy to i'm
partial arbitration, to tribunal constituted
not by herself but by her opponents, and to
turn over her entire customs system to the
powers, for them to control and administer
until their indemnities were paid in full. She
also asked that the blockade of her ports be
raised at once, so that the receipt of revenue
might be resumed. To that reasonable proposal
the powers replied that they must first have
satisfactory guarantees that Venezuela would
pay the claims adjudicated against her, and
particularly some small claims the validity of
which appears to be practically agreed upon.
It is now reported that Mr. Bowen is able TO
give such guarantees. If he does it will be in
cumbent upon Germany and the other powers
to accept them and TO let law finish the work
so rudely begun with arms In such outcome
of the case there will be much cause for gratifi-
cation not the least Of it being that danger,
however slight, of misunderstanding or dis
agreement with some Of our European friends
will be thus averted.