The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-04-03
They VIII Both Represent J,
 5, at The Hague
OTHER PROTOCOLS SIGNED
Venezuelan Congress in Secret Session Authorizes Castro to Fulfill obllga- tions in British and Italian
 Protocols-No Precedent.

Washington, April 2.-Mr. Bowen, venezueias plenipotentiary, today sign ed with senor Ojeda, the Spanish minis ter the Venezuelan Spanish protocol pro- viding for the adjustment of the Spanish claims by joint commission at Caracas. The preldent of Mexico, it is provided, shall select the umpire in case of the failure of the commission to agree.
 The British ambassador is the authority for the statement that The Hague pro- tocol probably will be resumed tomo7-1 1w. It is understood the instructions to Ba- ron von Sternberg, the German minister, will be identical with th'sa prepared in London. The German embassy here has been made aware of the instructions re- ceived by the British ambassador, and should instructions come rom Bsthn dur ing the absence 5f the minister, Rai on von Dembuschehadenhau the first sec retary, will carry forward the negotia- Signor Mayor Desplanches, the Italian ambassador, will proceed with harmony with the British and German programme. It is understood the negotiations between MT. Bowen and the representatives of European powers will be conducted secretely.
 In additon to MT. Wayne McVeagh, who will be the chief counsel for lhe United States, and the other peace pow CTS at The Hague, t Is said to be tine present intention of the Washington au- thorities, that he shall be assisted by MT. Bowen, who will continue to act in his capacity as Venezuelas plentpotentiary, and probably by MT Penfield, solicitor for the state department, wh" csLoucted with such success the case of the United States plus fund last year.
 Castro Given Authority.
 Caracas, March S1. = Congress in secret meeting has authorized President Castro to fulfill the obligations embodied in the British German and Italian proto- co.'s, but only as an extraordinary act, without giving them legal sanction, so as not to establish precedent
 The resolutions adopted by congress and which are still unknown to the Venezuelan house are as follows:
 The congress of Venezuela, considering that the protocols settled at Washington February 1S by the representatives of Venezuela and those of Germany. Great Britain and Italy were agreed upon and subscribed to in the midst of a period during which force was exercised upon q as 1t was unnatural, and that such docu- ments cannot therefore. be considered in the form established for diplomatic negotiations which are regularly initiated, pursued and terminated.
 Resolved, To rescind without respect to the said protocols from the constitu- tional consequences relative to diplomatic treaties and to limit it's action with re- spect to the said protocols, to authorize the federal executive to put them into execution without any of their clauses establishing the least precedent in the life of the Venezuelan nation.
 Fragrant Contradiction.
 The congress of Venezuela, considering that the interpretation given in the pro- tocols signed with Italy on February IA to the treaty of June 19, 1861, and the ampllhcation modification of some of It's clauses render impossible the continued existence of this treaty, since such action is in fragrant contradiction to some of it's original stipulations and with the princi- ples which, by virtue of the treaty have been fully observed by both parties
 Resolved, To call on the federal execu- tive to exercise with the shortest possible delay the power contained in article 27 of the said treaty with respect to it's de- nunciation.
 Congress then adjourned as a protest of indignant patriotism against the pro- tocols.
 The senate today voted to authorize the government to contract one or more loans. specially devoted to the conversion of Venezuela's internal and external debts.