Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-03-21
From Washington.
Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette
Washington. ID. G., March 81.


1t is learned today at the State De-
partment that about 10 days ago Minis
Ter Bowen was instructed by this govern
ment to demand formally of President
Castro, of Venezuela, that the questions
at issue between his country and the
United States be submitted to arbitra-
ton. His instructions were also TO the
effect that in case of refusal he was to
inform President Castro that the United
States "would then pursue its own
course" At that time the State De-
partment had determined upon no alter
native action, thinking it probable that
President Castro would acquiesce in the
proposition for arbitration. The de-
partment not vet being informed of
President Castro's answer, cannot make
any definite statement as to what
action the government will take.
Should Castro refuse to arbitrate, how
ever, it is quite likely that there would
be preliminary seizure by the United
States of customs ports on the Venezue
Ian coast, later action to be determined
by the President and Cabinet. The
principal questions at issue between the
United States and Venezuela are the
status of the New York and Bermudez
Asphalt Co., OF the United States, and
Venezuela Asphalt 90. and the claim Of
NJ JauroA, the French American cores
pondent who was arbitrarily expelled
from Venezuela about six months ago.
Unofficial advces from Venezuela today
are to the effect that Minister Bowen has
presented the demand of the United
States in accordance with his instruc-
tons, but the nature OF President Cas-
tro's reply is not known, to the public.
In addition to her troubles with the
United States, Italy and France, Vene-
zuela also aroused the wrath of the Neither
lands government. 1t was announced to-
day at the State DEPARTMENTAL Minister
Bowen had informed the Department by
cable that the Netherlands government,
through its Minister at Caracas, had de-
manded the release OF 8 Hollanders al.
legged to have been illegally arrested by
Castro and imprisoned for the past 7
months.
The developments in Venezuela were
made known to the Cabinet at today's
meeting, and the matter was discussed
in a general way, without any formal
action being taken. Acting Secretary
of State Adoo brought Minister BOwen's
dispatches to the President but did not
remain in consultation with him.
The reorganization of the Isthmian
Canal Commission, which was delayed
until after the Senate adjourned to pre-
vent any interference with the Presi-
dents plans, certainly will be effected
before Mr.. Roosevelt leaves for the
South on Apr 3, and the shake up will
probably come within a week The
President is determined to make short
work of the whole business, to prove
that he is in earnest, and he will call
for all Of the designations in body.
He is not inclined to apply any salve
10 the feelings of the Commissioners
with whom, as body, he is throughly |
Disguised. AS matter now stand, tits |
Mr.. Roosevets .plans to make clean
sweep, removing all of the present CON-
missiOners appointing an entirely new
board of three members, leaving the |
four other places vacant.
President Roosevelt has written a let |
er to Secretary of War Taft approving a
of the latter that there |
,hould be changeiu the personnel OF the
Panama canal commission aud a rear
angement of the duties of the members
# the commission. The secretary made
made the recommendation as he states
n view of the present condition
# sanitation on the isthmus, to avoid
urther delays in getting proper supplies
o the canal zone, and for the purpose of
the work of the canal.
t is proposed by the secretary that
he executive management OF the canal
hOuld be centered in one, or not more
han three, members of the commission.
lie says that few days he will present
o the President a plan ofreorganization.
he Presidents reply expresses approval
f the secretary sideas together with some
ersonal observations relative to the
ecent controversy between the con-
iission and DR.. G. A. L. Feed, who
ecently made an adverse report on
anitary conditions on the isthmus.
In his letter to the President Secretary
aft criticises the language employed by
Or. Reed in making his statements re-
arding the commission, saying that if
he doctor had had more time he would
ave been less extreme and less fiippSnt
D his reference TO the action of the COM
lissiOn.
The President, in his reply, says:
Judging from your report it appears
nat the chief difficulties that have arisen
ave come from the Inherent faulliness
the law under which the Commission
as appointed"
The evident purpose of making the
correspondence pnblic is to induce the
lembers of the present commission to
snder their designations. They will be
van q fe,c dave in which n, avail fhaun