Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1903-01-26

Puerto CabellO, NeneZuela, Jan. 20
Persons in close touch with the block
aiding forces say Fort San Carlos has
been captured by the Germans and
blown up.
They also report the German gun
boat Panther has been disabled, and
is being towed by the cruiser Fake to
Willemstad.
Revolutionists Win a Battle.
1t is reported Castro's troops have
been defeated by the revolutionists in
an important battle 40 miles west of
here, and their commanding general
captured by the revolutionists.
Berlin. Jan. 26.-Written decIara-
tions regarding the raising of the
blockade of Venezuelan ports have
been exchanged between Minister
Bowen and the representatives of
Great Britain. Germany and Italy. In
their declarations the representatives
promised consent to the immediate
raising of the blockade as soon as an
agreement is concluded between them
and Bowen embodying the conditions
laid down by the powers.
The Guarantee.
These conditions chiefly relate to
the guarantees to be furnished by
Venezuela, which has offered por-
tion of the customs of revenue of La
Guaira and Porto Cabello.
Consider Bowen's Proposition.
London, Jan. 26.-It is learned today
that Great Britain and Germany have
informed their representatives at
Washington that they consider Bow
ems proposals regarding Nenezuela's
guarantee to form satisfactory ba
sis for further negotiations.
a Long Conference.
Washington, Jan. ga long con-
ference between Minister Bowen and
Sir Michael Herbert, the British am
bassador, beginning at noon yesterday,
followed by further conferences be
tween Sir Michael. SignOr Mayor des
Planches the Italian ambassador and
Count Quadt Ghe German charge
daffaireS), indicated diplomatic activi-
ty in Washington over the Venezuelan
situation. All the negotiatOrs declined
TO discuss the results of the meeting,
but general statements by them that
the situation warrants the hope of
early relief is significant of what has
been accomplished.
Bowens Third Proposition In Hand.
BY this time the London. Berlin and
Rome foreign officers are in possession
of Bowen's third proposition, stating
the nature of the guarantee he is pre-
pared to offer for Venezuela if his
initial request is complied with and the
blockade raised at once. Strict re-
ticence is maintained by all the nego-
tiatOrs as to the nature of this guar
anty and until the joint reply of the
powers is received this will not be
disclosed. Count Quadt has been ad-
vised by the German foreign office of
the reasons for the bOmbardment of
the San Carlos fort This eXplana-
ton agrees with that cabled by the
Associated Press from Berlin.
Reply Will Be a Joint One.
The reply of the powers to BOwen's
proposition necessarily will be joint.
4 favorable answer to this proposition
and it is the belief of all the nego-
tiators. as we'll as of the administra-
ton, that the answers will be favor
able-will mean the immediate with
drawaI of all the blOckading ships,
while declination to accept the guar
anty offered must result in the con-
tinuance Of the blockade by all three
allies
Bowen Feels Very Sanguine.
Minister Bowen feels very optimistic
of the future in the Venezuelan mat
ter. He adheres to the belief expressed
by him in the statement he gave out
at midnight Saturday-that the case
would be settled soon and satisfactor-
lily.