The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-02-22
CASTRO MOVES FOR PEACE.
VENEZUELAN ARBITRATOR IN
WiSHINGTON TO ACT
For q Settlement OF the Asphalt and Other
Pending QuestIons-Bowc Not 20
BE Transferred at Present-Present
Minister 10 Peru May succeed Hin.


WasHiS6roS, Feb. 2l.-President Castro
OF Venezuela has at last taken n decided
step toward bringing about a peaceable
conclusion Of the troubles pending between
this Government and Venezuela, particu-
larry those pertaining to the asphalt con-
troversy
DR.. Jose de j. Paul. the yice-Preeident
Of the Venezuela Federal Court and also
arbitrator for Venezuela Of the French
Venezuelan claims, arrived in Washington
last night and to-day called at the State
Department as the special diplomatic envoy
of President Castro. He has not yet pre-
sented his credentials, but will undoubtedly
do so soon, probably this week.
DR., Paul comes to Washington 10 secure
an amicable and speedy settlement of the
questions now existing between the two
governments. In an interview with an
official OF the State Department he said
that Herbert W. Bowen, the American
Minister at Caracas, was decidedly dis
tasteful to President Castro. This state
ment. however. was entirely unofficial
and further than being information upon
which officials OF the State Department
can base their actions 1t will have nothing
to do with the matters az issue.
1t Is unlikely that Mr.. Bowen will be re-
moved or transferred at present. 1t has
been pointed out most emphatically TO
President Castro by his agents here that
such course is impolitic for the United
States to pursue. President Castro, it
is said authoritatively. would be greatly
pleased il W. w. Russell, now Minister to
Colombia, could be sent 10 Venezuela.
His very wish that Mr.. Bowen be removed
is an obstacle to any such move on the
part of the State Department. Irving
p Dudley, now Minister to Peru, has already
been selected for the place when any change
is made.
Sehor Paul. as confidential agent.
has been fully empowered by President
Castro to speak for Venezuela. in all mat
ters. That it is Castro's desire that the
negotiations for arbitration of the asphalt
troubles be transferred from Caracas to
Washington is certain, and Sefiot Paul
will enter into such negotiations in the
near future. His stay In this country is
indefinite, but his duties as an arbitrator
OF the French claims viii keep
him running between Northfcd, VI. whore
Mr.. Plumley. the American umpire lives,
and Washington for at least two months,
Unofficial advices received in Washing
ton indicate that President Castro is IN
Wiling 10 arbitrete the asphalt controversy
at this time. He thinks that he is right in
the matter and desires that the case go
clear through his own courts. Then IL the
Unit9d Stapes Government SO rs;meats
thsre will be an opportunity for n review
OF the legal proceedings. Or. Paul's mis-
sion deals withNhls phase of the question.
and also with two or three other matters
which have been pending for some time.
DR.. Paul said tonight that a mistaken
impression Of the attitude Of Venezuela
prevailed in this country. The Venezuelan
wGs paying its debts, he de-
red and Slthough Americans did not
seem 10 he generally aware OF the fact
Castro was keeping the country out Of
further indebtedness. As to the asphalt
con troyersy lie seid
"A few days ago the High Federal Court
rendered a decision in one OF the cases
which was misunderstood and misoon-
st7led here II had solely TO do with an
appeal taken by the defendant from the
action Of the President Of the court in placing
an embargo on tho asphalt lake and APP
a receiver to take charge pending
the final outcome Of the SHIT
-On this appeal the president of the court
was upheld by the unanimous decision Of
his colleagues of the bench, the embargo
being confirmed. That means that the
embargo must stand until the termina-
ton of the case, although it does not in
any way affect the case itself.