THE ARBITRATION QUESTION.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue 7628, 15 December 1902, Page 2

THE ARBITRATION QUESTION.

WASHINGTON, December 13. Colonel Hay, U.S. Secretary of State, replying to General Castro's proposal to Mr Bowen to ask for arbitration, authorises Mr Bowen at his discretion to use his good offices for peace, but whatever is done in the matter he is to l represent, not the United States, but Venezuela, at Venezuela's request. Americans assert that Gormany sunk the prizes to provent the necessity of removing them to British 1 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 tho Monroe doctrine.

Germany, in writing, and Britain, verbally, agreed not to seize territory in lieu of indemnity or to permanently occupy. Received 15, 8.50 a.m.

LONDON, December 14. President Castro's request for ar* bitration has not been received in London or Berlin, though it is understood Colonel Hay is transmitting it. The authorities at Washington maintain an attitude of friendly reserve. It has < been officially suggested by Great Britain and Germany that Presdent Roosevelt act as mediator.

NEW YORK, December 14. Caracas 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 the La Guayra fortresses. The Vineta captured the gunboat Resfcaurador while leaving Guanta. The British steamer Topaze seized at Porto Cabello has been released. Received 15. 8.55 a.m.