The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1903-01-31
TO RAISE BLOCKADE.
Powers Agree to Accept President
Castro's Proposal.
As Soon MS Conditions Suggested by
Him Are Guaranteed, They Will
End blockade of the Vene-
xuelun Coast.

Berlin, Jan. 2S.-President Castro's
offer of 80 per cent. of the customs re-
ceipts of La Guayra and Porto Cabello
as guarantee for the payment of for
eign claims is regarded in official cir
cles here as evidence of the sincerity
OF his intention to make a satisfactory
settlement. AS the offer, however, in
cludes the claims of other countries be-
sides those taking part in the blockade
some doubt is expressed as to whether
80 per cent. is adequate. a discussion
is now proceeding TO determine this
point. 1t is also uncertain whether
the allies will admit that powers which
did not join in the blockade shall share
in the results the former secured
through expensive naval operations.
Washington, Jan. rs. - The earnest
hope is expressed by officials having
to do with Venezuelan matters that
the European allies will come to an
agreement promptly and call off the
blockade that is still in force. Its
continuance is a serious cmbarrass-
ment to the people of Venezuela.
The differences between the offers
of Mr.. Bowen and the demands of
the allies, it is felt here, are not
such as should require continuance
of the present condition of affairs
on the Venezuelan coast.
Declarations Exchanged.
Berlin, Jan. 27.-Written declara-
lions regarding raising the blockade
of the Venezuelan ports have been ex-
changed between ,linister Bowen and
the representatives of Great Britain,
Germany, and Italy.
In their declarations the representa-
tives of the European powers promised
to consent to the immediate raising of
the blockade as soon as an agreement
is concluded between them and Mr..
Bowen embodying the conditions laid
down by the powers.
These conditions chiefly relate o the
guarantees to be furnished by Nene-
Zuela, which has offered a portion Of
the customs revenue of La GuaNra and
Porto Cabello.
May Not Resort to Hague Court.
A lively exchange of kilograms oc-
CURED between Germany and Great
Britain on Saturday before the accept
ance of Mr.. Bowen's propositions, as
cabled from Washington. 1t is ex-
planned that Great Britain's accept
ance was forwarded to Washington
first because Mr.. Bowen submitted his
proposal to Ambassador Herbert be-
fore seeing Count Quadt, the German
charge d'a1faircs, 1taly's attitude is
to accept any arrangement agreeable
to Great Britain and Germany. AS
soon as the guarantee for the payment
of the first grade claims is disposed of
the negotiations for the settlement of
the remainder will proceed with each
power Independently. The alliance
between Great Britain and Germany
may be considered to have been def
, nitely ended so soon as the guarantee
is signed and the consequent raising
of the blockade occurs.
The lifting of the blockade would
not mean the complete withdrawal
from American waters of the allied
fleet, and it is understood that not
only will the British American, fleet
remain in its accustomed winter quar-.
tiers in the Caribbean, but that the
German government will depart from
it's ancient policy, which has been to
get along without station fleets, and
will continue the present squadron in
American waters as permanent fleet
Germany's Official Statement.
Berlin. Jan. 26-ln an official state.
ment given out in regard to the BON,
bardment of Fort San CarlosNat Mara.
caibo, it was pointed out:
First. That the bombardmcnt oc.
Cured while Mr.. Bowen, the American
minister and representative of Vcne.
zuela in the negotiations at Washing.
ton, was on his way to the latter city
Therefore the negotiations had not
actually begun.
Second. 1t is claimed that the fault
of the matter lies wholly at President
Castro's door, and that he alone is re.
sponsible for every life lost and any
injury inflicted.
Third. 1t was the right and the duty
of the Panther to secure free passage
of the lagoon, and in discharging the
undertaking of the other powers to
secure control of the lagoon and in
spect the vessels therein the Panther
had no intention of hon.hnrding the
forts. and had no orders to do so.