Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1905-03-30
VENEZUELAN DEBT.
Agreement Between That Govern
ment.and British BondhOlders.
AMERICAN MINISTER PROTESTS



nesday that an agreement between the
Venezuelan government and the Brit
ID bondholders adjusting and consol-
idating the exterior debt, $2S,600, OO0
will be signed, the details having been
concluded 10 the satisfaction of both
parties. 1t was added that the guaran'
tees comprise considerably more than
50 per cent. of the customs duties OF
all ports except La Guaira and Puerto
Cabello but the officials declined to
give the exact figures.
Surprise was expressed at the dis
patches from Washington intimating
that the American minister at Caracas
Mr.. Bowen, was seeking to prevent
the ratification of the agreement which
the council of foreign bondholders con-
tend is entirely in accord with the
Washington protocol, The British
and German foreign Offices have been
consulted and agree that the bonds
are entirely within their rights and
the provisions Of the protocol.
The council of foreign bondholders
has been working for guaranteed pay
ment since the PRONUNCIATION of the
protocol, first on a scheme which pro-
vided for settlement of the Venezue-
Ian Indebtedness to all countries but
this plan was abandoned by the with
drawal of the French last October.
Thereafter the British and German
bondholders united and secured Pres
ident Castros agreement to allocate
portion of the revenues OF La Guaira
and Puerto Cabello to which Minister
Bowen objected. Since this Illustration
in January the bondholders have been
at work on the present agreement
which provides for the issue of new
three per cent bonds to cover the debt
of the Anglo-German bondholders
amounting including arrears to about
$2S,6OO,OOO.
Gen. Antonio Velutini, President
Castro's fiscal agent, acted in behalf of
Venezuela in the present negotiations
while the council of foreign bondhold-
ers and the Disconto Gesselschaft re-
spectively represented the British and
German bondholders. >.
Paris, March 23.-The French Cable
company has received a further dis
patch from M. Brun, its representative
at Caracas, confirming the postpone
ment Of the decision of the court rela-
tive to the company's concession. He
says the postponement was sine die.
The company's officials here say the
postponement resulted from the rep
reservations Of the French minister,
G. Wiener 1t is understood that the
representations point out that the COM
pany is a governmental concern and
that an unfriendly attitude toward 1t
would amount to an unfpiendly atti-
tude toward the French government.
The company Is reticant as to its fu-
ture attitude, is still unadvised Of any
cutting of cables and expresses de-
sire for an amicable adjustment with
President Castro.
Willemstad, Island Of Curacao, March
25.-It is announced from Caracas,
Venezuela, that President Castro has
replied to Minister Bowen's final pro-
posal for arbitration denying that Ven
ezuela has questions pending with the
United States and saying the case OF
the New York & Bermudez Asphalt
company must remain in the courts.
WIN Await Developments.
Washington, March 25.-Minister
Bowen cables the state department
from Caracas that President Castro
had fatty refused to arbitrate the pend
ing issues between Venezuela and the
United States. The administration will
take no action in regard to the reply
which President Castro Of Venezuela,
made to Minister Bowen. The matter
was fully discussed at the cabinet meet
ing and It was determined to allow
the matter to await developments. The
situation is considered as such not to
necessarily interfere with the depar-
ture of the president on his south
western trip.
The situation in Santo Do
mingo also was fully discussed
at the cabinet meeting MOI
L.