Evening journal., 1903-01-26

Brussels, Jan. 26.-A dispatch from
Berlin states that an agreement in the
Venezuelan question will be reached
this week, and that n commission ap-
pointed by the United states govern
ment will be charged with the admin
istration OF all the maritime customs
ohices OF Venezuela.
Conferences In Washington.
Washington. Jan. ga long con-
ference between Minister Bowen and
Sir Michael Herbert, the British am
bassador. followed by a shorter con.
ference between Sir Michael, Senior
Mayer des Planches, the Italian am.
bnssador. and Count Quadt. the Ger.
man charge daffaires, indicated diplo-
matte activity I'm Washington yester-
day over the Venezuelan situation. All
the nogotiators refused 10 discuss the
subject. but general statements by
them indicated that the situation war
rants hope Of early relief London.
Berlin and Rome foreign Offices are in
possession Of Mr.. Bowens third propo-
sltion. stating the nature Of the guar
anty he is prepared to offer for Vene-
zuela II his initial request is com
piled with and the blockade raised at
once.
Today conferences were held be-
tween all Of the negotiators. but no
definite action is expected regarding
the blockade before tomorrow or We'd
nesday. Throughout his negotiations
here Mr.. Bowen has dealt separately
with the foreign ENJOYS. while they
have Kept in constant touch with one
another. There has been no joint ac.
ton On their part.
The important fact was developed
that the triple alliance against Vone-
zuela was far more comprehensive
than was supposed at first. The
agreement between Great Britain. Ger
many and italy involved not only q
joint initiative action for the collec-
ton of their claims, but each of the
three powers pledged itself TO lift the
blockade simultaneously. This fact
was learned from a European diplo-
mat who is acquainted with the de-
tails OF the alliance, and explains the
fruitless efforts made by Ambassador
Meyer at Rome and Henry White, the
American charge at London. as well
as Mr. Bowen, acting for Venezuela,
TO sever the agreement and secure the
consent of at least one Of the allies to
lift the blockade. The ironolad na.
ture OF the alliance already has been
communicated to the state department
by Charge White, and It Is this fact
which was responsible for the grave
apprehension heretofore felt regarding
the outcome Of the dispute. The re
ply of the powers, therefore, neces'
sarily will be joint A favorable an
swer to Minister Bowen's last propo-
sition. and It is the belief of all the
negotiators as well as the administra
ton that the answer win be favorable
will mean the immediate withdrawal
of all the blockadlng ships, while q
declination 20 accept the guaranty Of
fered by Mr. Bowen must result in
the continuance of the blockade by all
three allies, Great Britain, Germany
and Italy.
Minister Bowen feels very optimis
tic of the future in the Venezuelan
matter. He believes that the case viii
be settled soon and satisfactorily. Mr.
Bowen declined to discuss the an
nouncement made by Brussels news
paper to the effect that commission
appointed by the United States viii
be charged with the administration
Of the maritime customs offices II
Venezuela. The inference drawn from
his remarks was that while the state
ment as a whole was incorrect. ye
there was an element Of pusbability Z
some feature OF It,