Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-01-27
THEY WILL ACCEPT.
Will Be But Little Delay Over
VenezueIa's Offer.
The Offer Through Minister Bowen Is
Undoubtedly Satisfactory
All reports from Allies Hope for Early
| sassst'smsns'

Washington, Jan. Pup to the close
of today~forfnal notice of the accept
of Tenezuela's proposition had not
come to Mr. Bowen from the represen-
tative of the allies here. However,
such unofficial information as reached
Mr. Bowen confirmed him in the belief
that the pending controversy would
be. settled coon Z I'd satisfactorily 1t
is learned thatfl italian government
all along ia ored honorable comprom-
Use and has Tet it's allies know the ia
vor with which it regarded the Bowen
proposition. while protesting a willing
ness to defer to the other views in the
matter.
1t developed that the proportion of
the customs dues collected at La
Guaira and Porto Cabelo to be paid to
the allies. is 80 per cent. These two
ports collect a large part of the total
customs receipts of the country. In
der this arrangement probably cash
payment can be dispensed with as the
customs receipts would quickly defray
the pressing individual claims of the
allies.
The lifting of the blockade would not
mean the complete withdrawal from
American waters of the allied fleet and
it is understood not only with the
British American fleet in it's accustom-
ed winter quarters in the caribbean
sea. 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 a permanent fleet.
Arli in To hn crl11t 20 n 90 nj
ed to the powers through Mr. Bowen is
a portion of the customs receipts of La
Guaira and perhaps of cra.l other
ports. The proposal was first made to
Great Britain. which Professionally ac-
cepted it and then to Germany, which
accepted it in principle on Saturday
The allies are now engaged in eXamin-
ing the value of the guarantee offered
and other negotiation details, like the
form of payment.
A question which is being considered
is whether the allies shall establish an
international commission for receiving
the customs or whether some neutral
agent shall be appointed receiver. If
the latter course is decided upon it is
believed that some American authority
will be chosen, perhaps Mr.. Bowen.
The proposal contemplates dividing
the allies claims into three grades anG
that each be treated separately and in
proportion to their validity.
1t is still believed here that all the
matters in dispute viii he satisfactorily
arranged at Washington, without re-
sorting to The Hague arbitration court
Only portion of the Venezuelan reve-
MUGS will be availabl for the payment
of the claims because of the large part
already hypothecated as security for
for foreign loans. The German foreign
office is very hopeful of an early settle
ment and of the raising of the block
ade without much further delay.
A lively exchange of kilograms oc-
CURED between Germany and Great
Britain. Saturday, before the accept
anceos 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 daffaires. e
Italy's attitude is to accept any ar
rangement agreeable to Great Britain
and Germany.
So soon as the guarantee for the
payment of the first grade claims is
disposed of the negotiations for the
settlement of the remainder will pro-
coed with each power independently.
The alliance between Great Britain
and Germany may be considered to
have been definitely ended so soon as
the guarantee is signed and the conse
Quent raising of the blockade occurs.
The German cruisers Vineta and
Fake left Curacao, Saturday, and,
therefore. the navy department here is
not in communication with Commodore
Scheder but it is understood that the
German naval agent at Curacao will be
kept advised of the progress of the
peace negotiations.