Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-10
The Situation the Same.


The optimistic feeling cherished in Berlin
touching the Venezuelan negotiations does
not find reflex here, where today the stu
alton is precisely as it was yesterday. with
Mr.. Bowen and the German and Italian
representatives far apart, though certainly
it has never been felt that the gap could
not be closed by the exhibition Of modera-
ton on both sides.
While waiting to hear from their home
foreign offices the allied representatives
here are Din constant communication with
Mr. Bowen, the German and Italian repre-
sentatives calling frequently at his hotel,
while Mr.. Bowen has insisted upon going
personally to the British embassy. to re-
lieve the ambassador from further en-
dangering his health while his attack Of
grip lasts ~
In fact, is it evident that the personal re-
lations between the negotiators could not
be better, and 1t Is matter OF regret to
them that they cannot make better head
way in their effort to finally adjust the
Venezuelan trouble.
The United States Keeping Aloof.
Again 1t Is stated on the highest author
ity today that the United States govern
ment Is absolutely free from participation
in the negotiations. The President has
made no concealment of his earnest
desire that aney shall result success
AuiAys buI A0 0d0 ASd1AAC0 oaA0s Sness
consummation will be defeated in all prob
ability by any Intervention from outside
parties. And besides, a nice sense of honor
impels the United States government to
stand aloof, in view Of the fact that WASH
ington has been chosen as a neutral ground
for the negotiations.
Therefore Mr.. Bowen Is working out this
great problem alone, SO far as his own side
Is concerned,Jbu Notwithstanding ne IS op-
posed by three exceedingly capable diplo-
ffCfa hnra h0N Iod w
offices at their homes, it Is still believed
that he will succeed In making terms hon
orable and satisfactory to Venezuela II he
is not crossed by some influence in Caracas.
Former Trade Treaties.
As tending to remove friction between the
allies and absolutely refute the idea that
preferential treatment has been shown in
other matters. than cash payments, the an
nouncement Is now made that Mr.. Bowen
has agreed that upon the conclusion of the
controversy between Venezuela and the
allies all of the trade treaties and others
which existed between them shall come
again into force without further negotia-
tons. 1t is expected that this concession
will go far toward. relieving an apprehen-
sion on the part of the allies that they
would suffer from commercial retaliation
after the war.
What the Allies Want.
1t is repotred that Germany asks that
she receive in addition to the $27 500 cash
that Mr.. Bowen has agreed to pay a GER
tain percentage Of the customs receipts
until the remainder Of the $34O, 900 demand
ed in the original ultimatum addressed by
Germany to President Castro last autumn
is paid Italy, 1t is believed, Is Insisting on
a similar demand though the amount
asked for in her ultimatum was over $780,.
OOO
Both Germany and Italy suggest that this
money be paid in monthly installments out
Of the customs duties but even under this
arrangement it would require eight months
for the payment OF the entire sums.
1t is the principle, however, to which Mr.
Bowen so strenuously objects and which
he has Informed the German and Italian en-
voys he cannot subscribe to.
Until their protocols are relieved Of these
demands Mr.. Bowen says that they must
remain unsigned. He contends that Ger
many and Italy are insisting on preferen-
tial treatment, question which they agree
in their protocols shall go to The Hague.