The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-01-31
after WAR SHIPS
Germany is in the Market for
Fighting Material
She Offers to Buy the Entire
Navy Of Chile.
is NO ANSWER YET.
Allies Have Not yet Replied to
Minister Bowen
In the Matter of Preferred
Claims Against Venezuela.
1T WAS AN ULTHMATUM.
He CONSTITUTES Continued Silence
as a Favorable Sign.
Indications That 1t Must Be
Fought Out Are Increasing.
TT WAS AN ULTIMATUM
He CONSTITUTES Continued Silence
as a Favorable Sign.
Indications That 1t Must Be
Fought Out Are Increasing.

Santiago. Chilli. Jan. 81-Private
agents OF Germany have proposed to the
government the immediate purchase of
the Chilean battleship, Captain Pratt
and the armored cruised Esmeralda and
have offered to take over the warships
now being built in Europe for Chile.
NO REPLC
Washington. Jan. 31-The European
allies have not yet answered Mr.. Bow
ems proposition made several days ago
that there shall be no preference Of
claims of Great Britain. Germany and
Italy against Venezuela over those of
other nations against South American
country.
Minister Bowen thinks the delay
Should be construed in a hopeful light,
on the ground that the delay in the am
swer Of the powers indicates tEat they
realize their importance in the matter.
lie still expects a favorable reply to his
contention. and believes that the aues-
tions at issue viii be settled at WASH
ington between himself, acting for the
government of Venezuela and the
representatives of the powers. Tt is re-
ported that an answer to AIr. Bowers
demand has been received in Washing
ton but the report cannot be confirmed
officially. and the answer if received
was not transmitted to Mr.. Bowen. IT
the answer did arrive, the suspicion is
that If was unfaVOraDle TO Air. Bowen s
contention, and in view of his positive
attitude in the matter was not present
ed TO him but was withheld by the reli-
resentatives of the allies in order that
they might again impress upoa their
government the importance of the ques-
ti0n before submitting final answer. It
became EnOWn TODAY that BlITf.-1
had addressed to the representative Of
the allies what in a measure nign- be
regarded as an ultimatum as defining
his position.
Mr. Bowen declines absolutely to dis
cuss the question but it is known he
said to the allies that if they persist in
their determination to receive preferen-
euual treatment in the matter Of set
uement of the claims he would call
together the other creditor nations
having claims against Venezuela with
view to their making formal pro-
test against the demands of those who
ticipated in the blockade. The ef-
feet of this would be that the other
seven creditor nations would be lined
up against the three allied powers with
the result that settlement of the Whole
matter in all probability might go to
The Hague if it is to be settled at all
This note is believed to be having its
effect i'm staying the final determina-
tion of the question by the allied gov
ernments
Mr. Bowen spent a good part Of the
afternoon at the state department
where for time he was in conversa-
uon with Secretary Hay The main
OBJECT Of nis visit was to refresh his
memory in regard to number of de-
IalIs aIeeting the claims of the allies
II appears thar before it was decided
he should come to WASHINGTON Minis
ter Bowen prepared the entire case of
eHezuela and forwarded it to the state