Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-05-18
TO CLEAR UP A POINT
NEW YORK HERALD coRRE-
sPoNDENT TO BE HEARD.
Will be Asked IL Bowen Inspired
Publication in Regard to Assist
ant Secretary Loomis.

Although both Assistant Secretary Loomfs
and Minister Bowen have submitted full
statements to Secretary Taft regarding tie
controversy between them, there are still
several points in dispute upon which the
Secretary desires additional information. so
that the investigation will hardly be closed
anu ready for submission to the President
for final action for several days.
In his interview with Mr.. Taft yesterday,
Mr.. Bowen said that upon looking over the
papers submitted to him by the Secretary
as embodyng the State Departments coz
rospondence on the subject of the rumors
current in Caracas relative to Mr.. LOOMS,
he had found that at least two papers were
lacking OF which he was cognizant.
The Missing Papers.
The first of these was a letter from Pres
ident Castro to Mr. Loomis, then minister
to Venezuela. introducing a negotiator in
behalf of that country, concerning an ar
rargement with an American syndicate.
The second was an assignment of a claim
against Venezuela by Mr.. Jaurett to Mr..
Loomis.
Secretary Taft. sent Immediately to the
State Department and thorough search
failed to discover either of these papers.
Mr.. LOOMS explained that four days be-
fore he left Washington for his California
for Europe the Secretary called his atten-
ton to mass of papers, among which
were some transmitted to him (Mr. Hay)
by Minister Bowen, at Caracas, which had
been found by the minister In the legation
a Caracas, in order that Mr.. LoomiS might
select from them such papers as he regard
ed as his own. These papers had been on
the Secretary's desk for long time. Among
them was a certificate of stock which Mr..
LOOMS said belonged to him and which
Minister Bowen does not regard as bearing
upon this case.
Secretary Taft. said Mr.. Loomis. upon
learning through Minister Bowen that he
had copies Of the missing papers, agreed to
waive all technicalities and receive Mr..
BOwen's copies as sufficient for the pur-
poses of the investigation.
Subsequently Mr.. Bowen submitted these
copies to Secretary Taft who in turn sup
piled copies of them to Mr.. LOOMS for con-
sideration and comment. Having submitted
these papers, Mr.. Bowen's position is that
he has discharged his duty as he sees 1t,
and will rest his case. taking the ground
that 1t Is now for the government to deter
mine whether an inquiry is warranted.
Herald Correspondent to Be Called.
1t is understood that the main question
now under special consideration is Mr..
Bowen's connection and responsibility for
the publication in the New York Herald
and other papers of the gossip said to be
current in Caracas regarding Mr.. LOOMS
alleged relations with the New York and
Bermudez Asphalt Company. This Is be-
lieved to explain Secretary Taft's decision
today to hear oral testimony from at least
one witness now in New York before MAX
ing his report to the President regarding
the controversy.
The witness, who has been summoned to
this city, is said to be the correspond INT
who sent the Loomis story to the Herald
from Caracas. 1t is understood that he
was called into the case at the instance of
Mr.. LOOMS to sustain his charge that M.
Bowen inspired the Herald story If tie
correspondent says he got his informa ton
from Mr.. Bowen he will fatty contradict
the latter. who disclaims all responsibility
for the publication, direct or indirect.