The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-02-03
ATTITUDE OF VENEZUELA
PREFERENTIAL DEMAND OF THE
POWERS OBJECTIONABLE,
Because II Would Continue the Ali.
ance for Six YearS-BIockade
Must Be Raised.

Bowen. venezuela's representative in the
negotiations at Washington for a settle
ment of the claims against that country.
has sent through the British ambassador at
Washington what amounts practically to
an ultimatum to the allied powers of Great
Britain. Germany and Italy regarding their
insistence for preferential treatment in the
settlement of their claims against venezu-
ella. This note. which the British am
bassador received shortly before o'clock
tonight, was cabled at once to London,
copies of it being transmitted to the Italian
and German embassies for transmission to
Rome and Berlin.
The note is In reply to the proposal SUBJ
mitted at a joint conference of the nego-
tiators this afternoon by the British am
bassador that the allied powers be allowed
two-thirds of 30 per cent of the customs
receipts of the ports of Laguayra and
Puerto Cabello. and that the United States
and the other claimant nations. France.
Norway and Sweden content themselves
with the remaining one-thrd of this per-
centage. that is 10 per cent. of the receipts
of these two ports.
In the note received by the British am
bassador from Bowen tonight Minister
Bowen refuses pointblank the proposal for
o,,I he nd
that to recognize the principle it embodies
would be absolutely offensive to modern
civilization. In view of the fact that the
negotiators are agreed on all save the
question of preferential treatment. the
minister is informed that Venezuela has
decided to submit that question to The
ance of this proposal. Venezuela contends,
carries with IT raising of the blockade.
the general understanding being that the
blockade would end when the negotiations
at Washington had reached an agreement.
1t is understood that in refusing this last
proposal submitted by the British ambas-.
en- takes the ground that he cannot ac-
cept In principle the contention that block
ades and bombardment of forts. and the
consequent killing of helpless men, women
and children. entities any power or alliance
OF powers to preferential treatment at the
hands of a civilized nation. 1t is asserted
<hat h.
blockading powers agree to such principle
they would incorporate in the law of ma
tions doctrine in conflict with the tenets
of all modern-day ethics.
Moreover, Venezuela. it is said, regards
the preferential demand of the powers as
Objectionable because 1T would enable the
continuance Of the triple alliance of Great
Britain. Germany and Italy for period of
six years or more. and in a cepting it
Venezuela would be encouraging and abet-
ting the maintenance of her hostile alliance
against herself. The British ambassador
is informed in the note that Americans
north and south want peace and not al
lisnces.
Venezuela has taken special exception to
the action OF the British government in
initiating this last proposal by which Great
Britain can hold fast to Germany and Italy
In their alliance against Venezuela until
the last cent OF the claim is paid The pre-
diction is made in her response that sur
prise and regret of the keenest sort will
be felt throughout the Americas when IL
Is known that Great Britain has even pro-
posed continuing her present alliance with
Germany and Italy one moment longer
than Is necessary, particularly in view of
her previous representations to the effect
that she was anxious to end the Venezuelan
dispute and call off the alliance at the
earliest possible time.
In suggesting that the question of prefer
entail treatment be referred to The Hague
IL is understood that Mr.. Bowen does so in
view of the fact that that question is the
only one which remains I'm dispute. The al
lies are advised that Venezuela is desirous
that all the negotiations shall stand by
what has been already agreed on.
The British ambassador declined tonight
- make public the text VI the note ad-