Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-03
Seeking Common Ground in
Venezuelan Dispute.
AFTER A COMPROMISE
MR.. BOWEN'S REJECTION OF THE
ALLIES PROPOSAL.
Opposed to a Scheme That Would
Maintain European Alliance
for Six Years.

As to Venezuela, the day was one of con-
ferences, all based upon Mr.. Bowen's de-
cisive note of last night rejecting the dlvi-
sional scheme proposed by the British am
bassador 1t was stated that the allies
representatives expected to cable this note
in extenso to their respective capitals to-
day but there Is reason to believe that a
very adequate idea of it's nature has al
ready been conveyed to London, Berlin and
Rome, so that the foreign offices there are
we'll advised of Mr. Bowen's attitude. even
If they are not in possession of all OF the
details of his argument
Baron Sternburg was early caller at
Mr.. Bowen's hotel today, and an hour later
namely at IL o'clock, he was Joined in Mr..
Bowen's rooms by the British ambassador,
and they spent half an hour In joint con-
ference with Venezuela's representative,
the British ambassador leaving first. 1t is
certain that attempts to reach compro-
mise have been by no means abandoned
and that this mornings conference was de-
voted to that object. By appointment the
three allied representatives met shortly
after noon at the British embassy. Owing
to the rigid limitations under which they
are acting these representatives must refer
to their home governments every step IN
the negotiations. They are still not pre-
cluded from themselves devising schemes OF
settlement which may be approved.
The Hague or Compromise.
1t appears that the issue is now between
q reference Of the case to The Hague tri-
bunal for adjudication of the single point
Of preferential claims, and the framing Of
a complete compromise agreement here in
Washington, which shall provide for a full
settlement of all the Venezuelan claims. 1t
Is known that Baron Sternberg, represent
ing Germany. is earnestly desrous Of
avoiding recourse to The Hague, and
wishes to reach speedy settlement in
Washington by direct arrangement between
Mr.. Bowen and himself. Mr.. Bowen is per-
fectly willing to reach that wish. but sooner
than sacrifice the principle involved in the
allowance of preferential claims in undue
proportion he Is willing to surrender what
ever of personal glory he might have ex-
pected to realize from effecting a complete
settlement here and allow the case to go to
The Hague.
The point has been made that a mere de-
sire on the part of Venezuela's representa-
tive to send the case to The Hague is not
sufficient to effect that, inasmuch as condi-
tions precedent must be met 1t is now
learned that that obstacle no longer exists
Mr.. Bowen Is prepared to pay down imme-
diately the small amount of cash indemnity
on account of personal insults sustained
that the allies are now willing to accept
as sufficient to inaugurate arbitration at
The Hague.
Division Proposed by Allies.
The representatives of the allies called
on MIR. Bowen by appointment at o'clock
last evening. Signor Mayor des Planches,
the Italian ambassador Sir Michael Her
bert, the British ambassador; Baron Speck
Won Sternberg. the German envoy, and
Count Quadt, first secretary of the Ger
man embassy, composed the party.
As their spokesman, Sir Michael informed
Mr.. Bowen that he had received instruc-
tions by cable from Lord LansdoWne to
make a proposal in behalf of the allies con-
cernng the disputed questions of preferen-
tial treatment. He read the dispatch from
Lord Lansdowne, which expressed will
iDEness to accept Mr.. Bowens proposal to
set aside 80 per cent of the customs re-
ceipts of the ports of La Guaira and Puerto
Cabello, provided that Great Britain, Ger
many and Italy would receive 20 per cent
and France, Belgium. Spain and the other
creditors of Venezuela the remaining 10 per
cent.
MI. Bowen's Reply.
In his note in reply Mr.. Bowen is said to
have remarked that surprise and regret
would be caused by the knowledge that
Great Britain was willing to continue the
alliance with Germany and Italy for
moment longer than was absolutely nects-
sary. To accept the proposition submitted
would have the effect, he asserted, of
keeping the partnership intact for more
than six years, and he intimated broadly
that this would be offensive to the United
States. When he had finished giving MS
reasons for declining to accept the proposal
OF the allies, Mr.. Bowen submitted as
counter proposition that the question of
preferential treatment, which was the only
point of disagreement between VenezuelI
and the European combination, be submit
ted to The Hague tribunal
1t is understood that In refusing this lat
est proposition submitted by the British
ambassador on behalf of the allies Mr.
Bowen takes the ground that he cannot
accept in principle the contention that
blockadeS and bombardments of forts en-
title any power or alliance of powers 20
preferential treatment at the hands OF a
civilized nation
1t is claimed that should the peace powers
and the blockading powers agree to such a
principle they would incorporate in the law
of nations doctrine in conflict with the
tenets of all modern day ethics. Moreover
Venezuela. it Is stated, regards the prefer
entfal demand of the powers as objection
able, because II would enable the contin-
uance of the triple alliance of Great Britain,
Germany and Italy for period of six years
or more, and in accepting it Venezuela
would be encouraging and abetting the
maintenance of hostile alliances against
herself. The British ambassador was in
formed that Americans, north and south,
want peace and not alliances
Conference With Secretary Hay.
Some significance may attach to the note.
in view of the fact that before dispat ching
It to the British embassy Mr.. Bowen was in
conference with Secretary Hay.
Whether the allies will accept as final
what Mr. Bowen has had to say or will as
sumo a conciliatory attitude and ask, as
has been suggested both by Mr.. Bowen and
by the representatives OF the allies in this
city. for preferential treatment for a lin
tied period, no one in Washington feels
competent to predict. The position taken
by Mr.. Bowen. it is stated. has received the
Endorsement Of all the unallied claimant
nations. in which number is included the
United States.
Herr Pilgrim -Baltazzi German charge
dafaires at Caracas, arrived here last
night. accompanied by his wife, who is an
invalid
BRITISH PUBLIC OPINION.