New-York tribune., 1903-01-24
NO CHANGE OF POLICY.
This Government Not to Take Official
Cognizance of BOmbardmenf.
CBy The Associated PressJ

WASHINGTON. Jan. 23-At the Cabinet meeting
to-day the Venezuelan situation was discussed
at length, but it be said by authority that
no change in the attitude of the United States
is in contemplation at this time This govern
ment will continue it's policy of sitting tight
The bombardment of Fort San Carlos by the
German warships is sincerely regretted by Off
cials of the administration, because of their ap
prehension that it may seriously complicate the
pending negotiations between Minister Bowen,
as the representative of Venezuela. and the rep
resentatives Of the powers However, while the
administration regards the bombardment un-
warranted the United States has no intention Of
taking official cognizance of it.
The utterances of Count BUlow in the
Rechstag yesterday regarded here as con-
veying the intimation that the German war
ships are acting by direct orders from their
home government with the purpose OF avengtng
themselves for the repulse of the Panther in It's
first attack on the fort. However this may be,
the United States Government cannot at this
moment see any proper excuse for entering into
this quarrel between Germany and Venezuela
1t is again and emphatically stated that when
the United States exercised its good offices to
the extent of bringing the allies and the Venez-
uelan Government into negotiations II ex-
hausted it's proper functions in that direction,
and can do no more. Mr.. Bowen Is again de-
clared TO be not the representative OF the
United States but of Venezuela, and the State
Department is careful to preserve the appear
ance Of independence on Mr.. Bowen's part by
declining to receive any reports from him. or
even encouraging his visits.
BOWEN WAITING PATIENTLY.
Minister Bowen's position is one OF patient
waiting. He has not yet received an aswer
from his proposition to the allies that the
blockade be Immediately raised. although ex-
changes are proceeding between the London,
Berlin and Rome foreign offices in an effort to
prepare a joint reply. Much as he deplores the
inexplicab BILE action of Germany In twice poni-
harding Fort San Carlos with force many
times as large that of the NeneZueians MT:
Bowen is disposed to treat this parade of
strength local" and so far as ne IS con-
cerned will not let it interfere with his efforts
to secure peace. The departure of the German
Charge dAffaires from Caracas, after the
presentation of his ultimatum with the en-
suing attack the legation building), and the
repulse of the Panther by the venezuelan IoFts
are regarded as affording motives. but not ex-
cuses. for the continuing hostthties OF the Ger
man man-of-war. 1t is understood that Dotn
these incidents have been the source of con-
siderable chagrin to the German Emperor, and
on this ground the action of the Vineta, the
Fake and the Panther is not so surprising II
is hoped however that the fatalities reported
Yesterday from the forts will be sufficient to
satisfy German pride.
Delay is to- be expected in the negotiations at
Washington because of the limited powers given
to the representatives of the allies here II ap-
pears that they unable to make a move
without specific instructions from their foreign
Offices In the matter of blockade all they can
do is to transmit their governments answers
TO Mr. Bowen Should the German note arrive
before Baron Sternburg reaches here. Count
Won Quadt will present it at once to Venezuela's
representatives Indeed as charge daffaireS
he is clothed with full powers to act until the ar
rival of Germany's special envoy. no not1hca-
ton of whose coming has yet reached Mr.
Bowen The latter is much pleased with the
attitude OF the allies representatives here, all
of whom have had conferences with him. and
assured him that far they may be able
the negotiations shall proceed with dispatch.
Thew of course. decline to comment on the ac-
tivities in Venezuelan waters but II is evident
that they fully appreciate how greatly the bonn
ha rdment of the fort has increased the gravity
of the situation. The officials are being kept in
close touch with their foreign off1ces, ana long
and frequent cable dispatches are being ex-
changed.