The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-02-06
EAGER TO KEEP It
OUT OF The HAGUE
Delay Making the Situation
More Strained.
ENJOYS REALIZE THIS
And Every Effort Will be Made 10 Settle the
Venezuelan Controversy at Onc.---
Awaiting the Answer Of the
Powers.
(By the Associated Press.)

Washington, ID. c., Feb 4.-Every eff
icrt is 10 be made by the representa-
tiyes of the allies here to secure an
early settlement of the Venezuelan dis
pute without referring it to The Hague
In this effort the Italian and British
Ambassadors and the German Minister,
Baron Speck Won Sternburg, are receiv-
ing the endorsement of Mr. Bowen as
well as the cordial approval of the gov
eminent of the United States. 1t is
said that the President, while in no way
connected with the negotiations, is per-
scnally in favor of final agreement be-
ing reached at Washington. This fact,
IL is believed. will have an important
bearing on the decision of the British
and German Foreign Offices.
The British Ambassador and the Ger
man Minister have both cabled to their
governments the fact that Mr.. Bowen has
expressed his willingness to give the al
lies preferential treatment for three
months in order that they may emerge
from the controversy without injury to
their honor. The allies have not yet an
swered the last representations of their
ENJOYS here urging an acceptance of this
plan. Advices reached here from Ber-
lir this afternoon of an important nature
but assurances are given that they were
sent prior to the submission of the last
proposition, and affected only detail
OF the controversy. Their purport was
not discouraging. 1t may be some days
Yet before a final answer reaches WASH
ington but all the negotiatOrs feel hope
full of a successful outcome.
At a joint conference at the British
Embassy today the three months propo-
sition was discussed at length and the
question of the possible reference of the
case to The Hague was considered. 1t
was declared that the claimant nations
will suffer far more than Venezuela il
the Washington negotiations fail. Refer
ence to The Hague would serve only to
complicatc further an ugly situation and
the negotiators feel that its main effect
would be an increase of unrest through
out the United States and South Ameri-
ca against the allied powers. British
and German trade, it is pointed out, IS
suffering greatly from the maintenance
OF the blockade.
The British Amba ssador had long
conference with Secretary Hay today and
in the meantime Baron Sternburg was
calling on Mr. Bowen. The British AM
bassador was DESTROYS of knowing the
attitude of the Washington government
respecting a reference of the dispute to
The Hague and the fact that the admin
istration favors prompt settlement by
the Washington negotiators themselves
induced him to lay before his govern
nlent tho reasons why a choice of prefer
cntial treatment for three months was
desirable.
It is regarded as fortunate here that
the ncgotiators themselves are acting In
harmony. Early in the Venezuelan ne
gotiations the British Ambassador
pledged himself to do all in MS power to
settle the Venezuela dispute as soon as
possible and all his efforts in this direc-
ton are receiving the endorsement of the
Washington government. 1t is stated
in an authoritative quarter that the
President and the German Emperor arr"
both taking a keen interest in the early
adjustment of the dispute, feeling that
no good can come of proloEging the
blockade.