The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-02

Berlin, January 1.-Presdent Castro's reply to the powers, through Minister Bowen, is substantially and unqualified acceptance of their proposals to ar bitrate all the accompanying conditions. The foreign office here received his an- swer today and Is satisfied with its spirit.
 A further interchange of views. pre- paratory to signing the protocol will take place in Washington. The only really important question to be settled is what shall be done with the block ade. A continuance of the blockade is relied upon to hasten the conclusion of the arbitration preliminaries, especially
 on the part of Venezuela.
 Rejoinders Have Not Arrived. Washington, January 1.-The rejoinders
 of the European foreign offices to Pres-
 dent Castros reply to their arbitration proposals have not reached Wash ngton.
 This, however occasions no surprise as
 the holidays are much more closely ob- served in European capitals than in Washington. Following the rule which it
 has adopted In the treatment of corres- pondence passing between Venezuela and the allies, the state department stil; de- clines to make public any information respecting the details of President Cas-
 tro's reply, but inquiry confirms the As-
 socated Press report from Romo to the effect that Castro did attach a condl- tion to the acceptance of the arbitration
 proposal, and that condition was not en-
 dorsed by the Washington government. However, 1t is pointed out tIat 1t has not been regarded as necessary at the state department to either approve or dlsapprove any of the details of the pro- positions now In exchange between tho principals As to conditions cttached to the acceptance, 1t can be stated that they are not of great consequence, nor are they likely to involve the loss. of arbitration project for they are under stood to relate rather to the means of getting the issue to arbitration than to
 any substantial principle involved. Rome Receives castro's Answer. Rome, January 1.-Foreign Mi, ister Prnetti this afternoon received through Ambassador Meyer, Secretary Hays note
 communicating President Castro's accept
 ance of The Hague arbitra tion in princi- pie, but with additional proposition
 which the government at Washington
 does not support.
 At the New Years diplomatic reception today Foreign Minister Prinetti and Ann bassador Meyer exchanged congratulate
 tions over the anticipated settlement by arbitration of the Venezuelan troubles.
 Senor Prnetti expressed his appreciation of the attitude of the United States and his satisfaction at the state departments action throughout the affair.
 While reserve is maintained at the for
 eign office with regard to the Venezuelan
 matter. 1t has been learned that fhe For eign office considers the additional propo-
 siton made by President Castro as not likely of acceptance Communications this subject are now being exchanged with Germany and Great Britain. Belgian Also Has Claims.
 Brussels. January Lit is said here that an arrangement has been concluded
 with Great Britain and Germany to sub init the Belgium and Dutch claims against Venezuela to the international peace court at The Hague at the same time the Anglo-German claims against the South American republic are taken to that trl- bunal.
 Insult Added to Injury. LaGuayra, Venezuela. January 1.-The
 former Venezuelan gunboat Zumbador. arrived here at noon today and caused
 considerable indignation among the people
 ashore who looked upon her arrival h.
 under the British flag. especially on new
 years day, as adding insult to injury.
 The Italian armored cruiser Carlo Alberto
 arrived here at p. m. today.