Omaha daily bee., 1903-02-10
ALLIES ASK TOO MUCH
Germany and Italy Demand Large Sum in
Advance of Arbitration.
BRITISH PROTOCOL MEETS BowtRS FAVOR
Berlin and Rome VIII Have to Mod
ify Terms of Documents Pre-
sented Before CaatrO's Envoy
VIII Agree 60 Sign.

a WASHINGTON, Feb. 9.-Although Mr..
Bowen and the other negotiators are closely
guarding the provisions Of the several
protocols, Il is understood tonight that de-
mands exist in the German and Italian
agreements, as they are at present drafted,
which Mr. Bowen cannot agree to concede.
These provisions nre for an increased
payment by Venezuela prior to The Hague's
decision regarding preferential considera-
tlon.
1t is reported that Germany asks, in ad
dtion to the 1900 cash already agreed to,
a certain percentage OF the customs re-
ceipts until the remainder OF the $4,000
demanded in the original ultimatum to
President Castro is paid
Italy, It is believed, is insisting on
similar demand, though the amount asked
for in it's ultimatum was more than $780,
600.
would Require Eight Months.
Both Germany and raly suggest that this
money be paid in monthly installments out
of the customs duties. but even under this
arrangement II would require eight months
for the payment Of the entire sum.
II is the principle, however, to which
Mr.. Bowen so strenuously objects, and
which he has informed the German and
Until their protocols are relieved of these
Objectionable demands. Mr.. Bowen says,
they must remain unsigned He contends
that Germany and Italy are insisting on
preferential treatment while nominally re-
ferring 1t to The Hague.
1t is the firm opinion of both the Italian
ambassador and the German minister that
these demands are the result of serious
misunderstanding by their foreign offices Of
certain phases Of the negotiations. which
were supposed to be settled. They are
using every effort to have this misunder-
standing cleared up and have informed Mr..
Bowen that they hope to submit their con-
ventions to him in a few days.
Mr.. Bowen made 1t plain that he win
consider any requests they may advance,
but will not yield to the extent of signing
the present German and Italian protocols.
Published reports that Germany included
in it's protocol a demand for an apology
from President Castro or his resignation
are incorrect.
The British protocol is reported to be
satisfactory as drawn.
The reports that come from Caracas arc
to the effect that great suffering is being
inflicted upon many innocent persons, and
the foreign residents are bearing more thar
their share of the rigors OF the blockade,
because their more complex wants are not
to be satisfied with native food.
1t is believed that Italy is not likely to
prove an obstacle to the winding up OF
these negotiations.
Baron Won Sternberg, the German min,
lister, spent some time with the British
ambassador and with Mr.. Bowen at the
| latters hotel today.
Fear RetaIiatory Duties.
| LONDON, Feb. 9.-It was authoritatively
stated this evening that while no serious
/ point has arisen to jeopardize a satisfac-
| tory settlement of the Venezuelan troubles
minor difficulties are delaying the signing
| of the protocols.
The Foreign office and the embassies
here today were busy discussing querie,
from Washington regarding the phrase
oloGy Of the protocols. Italy's difficulty
It is said. apparently arose from signoI
Des Planches learning that the British pro.
| tocol insisted on a renewal of the CONNER.
| cial treaty with Venezuela and Italy de.
sired assurances that no differential dutie,
would be imposed subsequent to the set
tlement
| It is considered in London that Germany
! is likely to advance a similar contention
all the allies feeling, to quote one of theii
representatives here, that Venezuela il
not likely to feel too friendly after tn,
episode is closed and might nullify all tn,
terms by imposing retaliatory duties"
March Against Rebels.
| CARACAS, Feb 9.-A force of 200 men
with fifty horses and 200 guns. under com
mand OF Minister Of War General Ferrar
left Caracas this afternoon in the direction
OF the seaport Huigerote. hfty-fSe mile
east OF Caracas.
The object of the expedition is to attac
a body OF 1900 revolutionists pnder Gen
eral Monagas. who is reported to be to
feeble to attack the government, but stron
enough to devastate the district aroun
Rio Chico, province OF Mirado, sixty mile
southeast OF Caracas. Even ardent revo
lutionists seem to recognize that Presiden
Castro Is master of the situation.
The government troops captured the tow
of Guaitre at noon ind are now march
ing on Rio Chico.