New-York tribune., 1903-02-01
DEADLOCK NOT BROKEN
AWAITS 4NSWER.
Baron UOn .Sernburg Takes Hand
an Venezuelan Negotiations.
Try TELEGRAPH TO THE rnrBrNT.1


Washington. Jan. 31-There has been abso-
Iutely no break in the deadlock existing in the
Venezuelan imbrogliO to-day The situation
nains one Of waiting for the reply Of the allies
to be transmitted TO Minister Bowen. This re-
ply involves acceptance or rejection OF Mr.
Bowen's refusal TO grant the demand OF the
allies for preferential treatment, and includes
a reply to certain other suggestions not yet
made public The report that the reply OF the
allies has reached their representatives in this
city still obtains credence here but the reply
has not been transmitted to Minister Bowen
as yet Indeed the sole conference to-day
was the call of the new German Minister. Baron
Won Sternburg, Minister Bowen. This call
occupied an hour and half and was more
than mere official visit On the other hand,
it did not bear any direct fruit beyond ex-
preston both sides OF the wish to expedite
the progress Of the negotiations
The arrival of Baron Won Sternburg was the
only real development to-day. With character
istic energy the new German representative Wis
tied the Secretary of State. was presented to
the President. and after exchanging the usual
greetings hurried to the German Embassy and
plunged into the work of getting in complete
touch with the situation. The call on the
President was made without the usual cere-
nony, and all diplomatic records in this city
are reported to De broken by the expedition with
winch Baron Won SternbJrg took control Of his
new mission. The arrival OF the new minister
has raised the hope that negotiations, possibly
delayed for his arrival will now be pressed
more heartily and to speedy end The deveI-
opment of the idea Of a moral alliance of the
peace nations having claims against Venezuela
has developed more rapidly in the public mind
than the present situation justifes On his ar
rival Mr.. Bowen informed these powers that
Venezuela tO fbe- vz-ifL,
the blockading powers. and. in the event OF
pressure from the warlike claimants he agreed
10 call them In, present the situation and leave
1t to them to make representations through their
own governments for action against this dis
elimination The representatives of these other
creditor nations are accordingly waiting for
notification from Minister Bowen The repre-
sentatfves OF the allies on the other hand are
engaged in communicating to their governments
their opinion OF the effect Of such a refusal OF
Minister Bowen's refusal
Consideration OF the possibility of reference to
The Hague still remains in the region OF pure
SPECULATION Despite rumors to the contrary
there is not as yet the slightest inclination on
the part of Minister Bowen to ask for such a
reference. Nor has there been any prepara ton
of protocol for such an arrangement. This
much, however, has developed: In case of the
failure Of the attempt to settle the matter di-
ter Bowen will insist that all claims go to the
arbitrating tribunal, or. at least, that he ar5-
trating tribunal decide the pFopriety OF refer
enoe OF all claims it's decision But there is
g'od reason to believe that at least one of the
nations concerned objects stre1uoEsIy to such
reference, and the prospects of settlement here
are by no means gloomy as has been
imagined.
Tomorrow afternoon Mr. Bowen will return
Baron Won Sternburg's formal call. Until then
no step can be taken. After that IT Is extremely
probable that the matter will lapse until Mon
day, but Minister Bowen still retains his conf
dence that the negotiations here are destined to
succeed. 1t is interesting to note that within the
last forty-eight hours President Castro has re-
newed the expression OF his desire that all the
creditor nations should receive equal treatment.
The delay in the transmission of the reply OF the
allies still continues TO be interpreted as a
favorable omen, indicating that they are con-
sidering carefully the representations Of their
ambassadors concerning the complications likely
TO ensue in the event of their refusal to accept
Minister Bowen's offer.