Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-26
SENSE OF IRRITATION
Among Congressman Over
Germany's Attitude
REGARDING VENEZUELA
CONSERVATISM NOT AN INDICA-
TIoN OF INDIFFERENCE.
Solons Wait With Anxiety, Rather
Than Apprehension, Outcome Of
Diplomatic Negotiations.
REGARDING VENEZUELA

Intense interest Is felt at the Capitol In
the Venezuelan situation, although mani
festatfon of that interest In public express
sion Is somewhat carefully guarded. in view
OF the critical and exceedingly delicate
status Of the diplomatic negotiations now
pending.
Because senator's and representatives ex-
press conservative opinions in interviews 1t
is not to be taken as an indication of in
difference. On the contrary, every move in
the diplomatic game here and in the war
game in Venezuela is being followed with
the closest attention by members of the
foreign affairs committee Of the two houses
of Congress.
In private conversation with each other
these gentlemen express the sense of irrita-
ton which Germany's overt acts of recent
date have aroused. Nothing short of the
prospect of change in the situation, rem
dering unlikely repetition of aggressive
movements on the part of the German
fleet, could prevent outburst of official
sentiment at the Capitol which might have
far-reaching effect
1t became known at the Capitol today
that negotiations are progressing favorably
looking to discontinuance of the blockade
of the Venezuelan ports and the withdra wal
of the hostile fleets pending settlement OF
the claims of the three European powers
against Venezuela. That knowledge had a
restraining effect upon public expression
for the moment. Sentiment is but held in
leash, however, and will be expressed in no
uncertain terms if occasion arises
Likely to Be Put to Test.
Senators and representatives In touch
with the diplomatic negotiations say that
Germanys motives are likely to be put to
the test within the next forty-eight hours
and demonstration made of her sincerity
to- -,
standing at the Capitol is that England is
willing to accept Venezuelas offer made
through the American minister, Mr.. Bowen.
and that only Germany holds out against
the terms. 1t is thought that Germany will
be brought to accept the pacific views OF
Great Britain.
In the opinion of statesmen interested in
foreign affairs If Germany does not mani
fest disposition to go as far toward peace
as. England 1t may be accepted as an In
dication that Germany does not at heart
want the Venezuelan imbrogio settled; but.
on the contrary, is glad to have a pretext
for continued aggressive action.
If that suspicion, which already has been
expressed by prominent statesmen, becomes
well grounded In Congress there will be q
flare up Of official sentiment without fail.
1t is therefore with anxiety, although not
with apprehension. that the solons on the
hill are awaiting the outcome Of the dlplo-
matte negotiations between Minister Bowen
and the representatives of the powers.
IL Is Witnoul dppi eHeisioii, beCdu9e tHey
cannot believe that the German representa-
tives can be SO oblivious Of sentiment in
Washington to fail to endeavor to dssi-
pate the uneasiness felt in Congress by as
sisting the efforts to relieve situation
rapidly growing dangerous.
Senator Nelson's View.
Senator Knute Nelson of Minnesota this
afternoon said:
From my understanding of the Venezu-
elan matter, it seems to me that Germany
cannot hesitate to accept the proposition
by which she is to accept the customs
duties in payment of her claims, and to
raise the blockade of Venezuela's port. l
cannot understand how it has happened
that there should be a triple alliance OF
three great powers against Venezuela in
this matter. as / noticed by news diSpat ch.