THE VENEZUELA REVOLT.

Feilding Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 142, 15 December 1902, Page 2

THE VENEZUELA REVOLT.

Telegraph. Press Association Copyright Beblin, December 18. German official circles affirm that if the prizes are really destroyed this step is due to their unworthiness, or for military reasons. The fleets were originally ordered to seize the revenue cutters before the blockade. London, December 18. General Ferrier is entrenching his position. The Standard says that after President Castro's scornful treatment of the reasonable demands of the Powers, arbitration cannot be substituted for a definite settlement. President Castro's request for arbitration has not been received " in London or Berlin, though it is understood Secretary Hay is taansmitting it to the authorities at Washington, who maintain an attitude of friendly reserve. IC bag been unofficially suggested to Britain and Germany that President Roosevelt act as mediator. Washington, December 18. The Hon J. Hay, Secretary for War, replying to President Castro's proposal to Mr Bowen, American Minister at Caracas, asking for arbitration, authorises Mr Bowen in his discretion to use his good offices for peace, but that whatever is done is not on behalf of the United States, but for Venezuela,at the Venezuelans' request. New York, December 13. Americans assert that Germany sank the prizes to prevent the necessity of removing them to British ports. A member of President Roosevelt's Government admitted that the Powers had a right to seize the Customs, blockade the ports, land troops and occupy the capital without infringing the Monroe doctrine. Germany in writing, and Britain verbally, has agreed not to seize territory in lieu of indemnity, nor to permanently occupy. President Castro has sent a commission of Caracas merchants to visit the British warship Charybdis and the German ship Vineta at La Guayra, where the warships are drawn up in line of battle. Merchantmen are not allowed to enter. Venezuela is removing munitions to La Guayra fortress. The Vineta captured the gunboat Restaurador .while leaving Guanta. The British steamer Topaz seized at Portocabello has been released.