Evening journal., 1903-02-03

Washington. Feb. 3.-Herbert W.
Bowen, Venezuela's representative in
the negotiations at Washington for a
settlement of the claims against that
country, has sent through the British
ambassador here what amounts prac-
tically to an ultlmatum to the allied
powers of Great Britain. Germany and
Italy regarding their insisteace for
preferential treatment in the settle
ment of their claims against Vene-
zuela This note. which the British
ambassador received shortly before Q
o'clock last night was cabled at once
to London, copies of it being trans.
mittcd to the German and Italian em-
bassies for transmission to Berlin and
Rome.
It Is in reply to the proposition
submitted at a joint conference of the
negotiators yesterday by the British
ambassador that the allied powers
be allowed two-thirds of 30 per cent.
Of the custom receipts of the ports OF
La Guaira and Porto Cabello and that
the United States and the other claim
ant nations, France. Belgium, Holland.
Denmark. Spain and Norway and Swe-
den content themselves with the re-
naming one-third of this percentage.
that is 10 per cent. Of the receipts OF
those two ports
In the note received by the British
ambassador from Mr., Bowen the lat
ter refuses point blank the PROPOSE.
tion for a 20 and 10 per cent. division
on the ground that to recognize the
principle It embodies would be ahso-
lmtoly offensive to modern civilization.
In view of the fact that the negotia-
tors are agreed on all save the qucs-
tion of preferential treatment the am.
bassador is informed that Venezuela
has decided to submit that question
| to Tho Hague arbitration tribunal
Acceptance of this proposition. Vene-
zuela contends, carries with a. rails
ing of the blockade. the general un.
derstending being that the blockade
would end when the negotiators al
Washington had reached an agree
ment
Il IS understood that in refusing
this last proposition submitted by the
British ambassador on behalf of the
allies, Mr.. Bowen takes the ground
that he cannot accept in principle thC
contention that blockades and bonn
bardments of forts, and the conse
quent killing of helpless men. womer
and children, entities any powers oi
alliance of powers to preferential
treatment at the hands of q civilized
nation Il is claimed that. should tn,
peace powers and the blockading pow
ers agree to such q principle thel
would incorporate in the law Of na
tions a doctrine in conflict with thu
tenets of all modern day ethics.
Moreover. Venezuela, It is stated
regards the preferential demand o
the powers as Objectionable becaus
II would enable the continuance O
the triple alliance of Great Britain
Germany and Italy for a period of sii
{ years or more. and in accepting
Venezuela would be encouraging am
abetting the maintenance of hostil
alliances against herself. The Brit
ish ambassador is informed In 'th
note that Americans, north and south
want peace, and not alliances.
d In suggesting that the question Q
4 preferential treatment be referred {
The Hague, 1t is understood that MI
e Bowen does so in view Of the fac
that this question is the only on
' which remains in dispute. The allie
, are advised that Venezuela is desil
Gus that all the negotiations shal
v stand by what has been already agree
h on. The British ambassador decline
r to make public the text of the not
D addressed TO him, as it is in reality
note to the allied powers.
Scale House COMPLETED.