Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1903-02-06
PLAIN TALK BY BOWEN.

What is undoubtedly the most important
recent development in the attempted settle.
ment of the Venezuelan difficulties came TO
head late Monday evening in Washing.
ton, when the representatives of the allied
powers called on Minister Herbert w. Bow.
en- and made counter proposition that 90
per cent. Of the customs dues collected at
La Guayra and Puerto CAbello be granted
the allies, and that the other 10 per cent. be
given to the peace powers" including the
United States and France.
Sir Michael Herbert, the British Ambas
sador, acted as spokesman for the allies, and
submitted the counter. proposition. After
carefully considering it, Minister Bowen re-
piled that he must most positively" refuse,
and, further, that he desired II known once
and for all that he could not accept, even in
principle, the suggestion that preferred treat
ment be accorded the allied powers.
In the opinion of Minister Bowen, the de.
mands OF the allies that their debts be paid
In preference TO those of the other powers
because they have used force OF arms would
be absolutely offensive to modern civiliza-
tion, and his acceptance OF such PROPOSE
ton would incorporate the principle into
the law of nations.
Mr. Bowen also made the point 10 his re-
ply to the British Ambassador that the prop
ositlon was objectional because II would
keep the three powers allied six years. 1t is
believed that this important fact was over.
looked by Italy and Great Britain. The be.
lief is expressed In some quarters that Ger
many has attempted 70 lead the other allies
into this proposition with the idea of con.
tinuing the triple alliance. Minister Bowen
said that Venezuela could not be expected
10 encourage the maintenance OF the ALI.
ance against herself by accepting such a
proposition. The point has also been made
that in America peace, and not alliances is
desired above all else.
II is understood on exec llent authority
that Minister Bowen has called the atten-
ton of Sir Michael Herbert To the belief In
the United States that the people OF Great
Britain will be greatly surprised and hear
with regret that their Government has even
proposed continuing the present alliance
one moment longer than Is posi- lively ne
cessary.
The only question upon which the allies
and Mr.. Bowen have failed to agree is that
regarding preferential treatment. In view
OF this fact Mr.. Bowen, 10 refusing the latest
proposal, has suggested that the entire ques
ton Of preferential treatment be submitted
" The Hague tribunal, that the other ques.
tons decided upon be left as they are and
that the blockade be Immediately lifted.
The formal reply Of MIR. Bowen To the al
lies, which was made in the form Of a note
though directed TO Sir Michael Herbert per-
soDally, must be sent by him 10 duplicate
TO the representatives OF Germany and Italy.
1t is believed that the part of the note
which expresses regret that Great Britain
has even proposed continuance of the ALI.
ance will be bitter pill to Germany.
What the outcome of Minister Bowen's
action will be cannot be stated, but ii Is we'll
known that the attitude he has assumed
receives the Endorsement of the State De.
psrtment.
A proposition has been made by the Ger.
man representative at Washington to Min
lister Bowen TO give the allies preference In
their claims for three months. and the same
has been accepted by him.