The watchman and southron. (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, January 07, 1903, Image 1
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didated Aus. 291881.
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TBE W?SL?lF TRADE.
^street's Optimistic View of]
the Situation.
m York, December 30.?Brad
its' review of Ihe business year, to
ted on Saturday next, will have
?llowing to say:
say that 1902 was the test year
country has ever experienced,
truthful enough in the main,
not suggest fully the enormous
ies which the United States took
ie year just closed. Piactically
branch of ordinary trade and
tufactures showed an increase above
best of previous years, and yet
immense enlargement of cutput
not sufficient of itself to satisfy
growing, it might be termed in
liable, demand for all kinds of ma
ials. In many cases the usual
sign outlet for our products was^
e neglected by American pro
who confined their efforts to
ng insistent domestic demands,
tile in others foreign production
[as called upon to reinfoxce domestioj
ttput, with the results that new
:rrents and channels were created
our foreign trade. Our export trade,
ierefore, shrunk, while our imports
;panded to unprecedented figures,
ie railroads of the country, in their
:orts to handle the. business offered
tern, suffered as never before from
Ingestion, and complaint of interfer
ence with production and distribution
if the products of the farm, the mine,
rhe shop and the loom was practically
universal.' Industrial unrest was na-,
irally marked, as it always is in
ies either of prosperity or of depres
ion, and serious disorganization of
?me of the country's basic industries
listed for a time. In many cases,
owever, resort to extremes was avoid
: or rendered unnecessary . by liberal
:-cognition by employers of changes
:he standard of living, and it is
b fe to say that two men obtained
/-?gher wages or had their working
me reduced without resort to strikes
it every one who actually quit work.
Speculation, it is true, felt the checks
^imposed upon it by conservatism, by
. s??>rt crops in the preceding year and
Llast, but not least, by 'high rates for
Fmoney, but despite the fact that stock
I market operations were only about
-one-half those of 1901, bank clearings,
those usually reliable guides of busi
ness, showed aggregates practically
' equal to the hitherto unheard of totals
I of 1901. All this was accomplished
with a minimum of friction as re
flected in the form of business em
barrassments.
Tillman's Shot at Depew.
I -
Just before the closing of the last
' session of Congress Senator Benjamin
R. Tillman was stopped in the corri
} dor of the Capitol by a reporter, who
' informed the South Carolina senator
that the newspaper which the reporter
' represented was about to publish an
article on the favorite recreations of
the members of the senate. Senator
Tillman looked the reporter over quiz
zically and after a moment's hesita
tion said:
"Everyone in Washington knows my
favorite recreation?having fun with
McLaurin. My favorite book is 'If
Christ Came to Congress.' "
The reporter thanked the senator,
and then asked if the latter could tell
where Senator Depew might be found.
"Why," Senator Tiliman replied,
"Chauncey is in Europe. But," he
added, with a look in which malice
I and humor struggled for the mastery,
"lean give you the information you
seek, for I know Senator Depew's
habits and tastes thoroughly. His
favorite recreation is playing pinochle
and his favorite author is E. P. Roe."
"Can you tell me his favorite work?"
"Certainly," was the reply, deliver
ed in.the blandest of tones. "Senator
Depew's favorite work is 'The Open
ing of a Chestnut Burr.' "?New
York Times.
Lets the Judge Out of Jail.
(From the Chicago Record-Herald.)
Kansas City, December 23.?Judge
Thomas Nevitt, of St. Clair County,
Missouri, who has been in jail in
Maiysville for failing to obey a man
date the United States Court, was
..Released today by Judge Philips, so he
" could spend his Christmas with his
' family. After the holidays he will re
turn to Marysville and jail.
Judge Nevitt is the presiding Judge
of the County of St. Clair. He has
been in.jail ever since he was elected.
For m^ny years the Judges of that
f^ave "^refused to vote money to
Iroad bonds for which a jadg
was obtained in the Federal
and Judge Philips has kept
m in jail,
week ago Judge Nevitt wrote to
udge Philips and begged the privilege
of going home for Christmas. He
promised Judge Philips that he would
not hold Court in St. Clair county,
but would return after the holidays.
The contract for a 250 ton steamer
to ply between Columbia and George
town has been let. The river will be
open for navigation by spring.
April, 18S0,
"Be Jui
SUMTE
THE PARDON OF S. 1 MsSSTOSH.
The Action of Gov. McSweeney
Criticised by Mr. Graydon.
Hon. Ellis <5. Graydon, of Green
wood,, who assisted Solicitor JBoggs
in the trial of the Mclntosh case at
Greenwood last summer, has written
to the Columbia State the following
criticism of Governor McSweeney's ac
tion in granting Mclntosh a pardon:
To the Editor of The State.
Tho action of Governor McSweeney
in pardoning S. A. Mclntosh is so un
usual as to call for some comment
from those who are in a position to
know the facts. I assisted the solici
tor in the prosecution of that case and
ought to know something about it. Of
course, we are prone to look at things
from our point of view.
There were only four persons pres
ent when George McKinney was killed
by Mclntosh, the deceased, the defen
dant, Rufus McKinney, a son of the
deceased, and Jack Haskell, a black
negro of infamous character, who went
with Mclntosh to the home of Rufus
McKinney, whero George McKinney
was killed. Jack Haskell, on whose
testimony the governor seems so much
to ,rely, was shown to have sworn
falsely, by the testimony of disinterest
ed witnesses of high character.
Mclntosh's testimony was very much
confused. He- did not seem to remem
ber much that was said or done. In
fact, it seems that he was under the
influence of liquor. Rufus McKin
ney's testimony made out a clear case
of murder.
Mclntosh's declaration that he went
to Rufus McKinney's house to do
what he did, the fact that he and
Haskell left George McKinney dying
and that he* fled from The State, seem
ed to corroborate Rufus McKinney's
statement of the affair. Mclntosh was
first tried at Abbeville, and the result
was a mistrial; It is understood that
the jury stood ten for guilty of murder
with recommendation to mercy and
two for manslaughter. He then made
a motion for change of venue, which
was granted, although men from al
most every section of Abbeville. Coun
ty swore in open court tha't they be
lieved he could get a fair trial there.
Governor McSweeney pardoned him
without asking the advice of the solici
tor. Mr. Boggs told me last Monday
that the had not been consulted, and
thought of coarse he would be, es
pecially as there was an appeal pend
ing.
Now, let us see what manner of men
the two were. George McKinney was
.an honest, industrious, peaceable man.
No higher tribute was ever paid to a
man in our courts than Mclntosh's at
torney paid him on the trial of Mc
lntosh. He was shot down like a dog
at his son's home, and his slayer gets
off with the punishment of staying in
jail only two or three days. What
about Mclntosh? ? In about 1891 or
1892jhe killed his friend, Newby, at
his (Mclntosh's) breakfast table. On
his first trial he pleaded insanity.
Result, conviction of murder and a
sentence to be hanged. He appealed
to the supreme court, which granted
him a new trial. On the second trial
he pleaded self-defense. Result, con
viction of manslaughter and a sen
tence of five years in the State peni
tentary.
In a short time, I think about a year
and a half, Governor Tillman, whose
wife is a first cousin of his wife, par
doned him. I have heard that this
pardon was so continue in force only
so long as he behaved hims$elf. 1 do
not know that to be a fact. In a few
years after he got out he came near
killing a respectable merchant at Bor
deaux for a fancied insult. Then came
the killing of McKinney. Since he
has been out on bail pending his ap
peal he came near killing a young man
by the name of Sanders. The magis
trate at McCormick consulted me to
know what to do, and I advised him
to issue his warrant and have Mc
lntosh committed to jail for breach of
his bond. That was not done, and I
am informed that tfce reason for it was
that Mclntosh's friends promised to
look after him and see that the like
should not occur again.
The people of Bordeaux and vicinity
in Abbeville county are surely devout
ly thankful that the pardon is coupled
with the condition that Mclntosh is to
leave the State. May God help the
community in which he concludes to
stay!
I am not one of those who are in
clined to criticise the governor for too
free a use of the pardoning power.
There, are, doubtless, many persons
who have been sufficiently punished
and ought to be pardoned. But it
seems to me that to pardon such a man
as Mclntosh, without consulting the
solicitor or hearing the other side at
ail, is an abuse of the parponing
power, which cannot be too severely
condemned, and I am informed that
ail the good people of Mclntosh's neigh
borhod, who know him well and know
all the facts of this case, are of the
same opinion. Ellis G. Graydon.
Greenwood, S. C, Dec. 27, 1902.
A New Labor Union.
? Albany, N. Y., Dec. 31.?Rev. E.
M. Fairchild of Albany, who has been
called into consultation by the work
men interested the formation of the
National League of the Independent
Workmen of America, said tonight:
"The league will bo organized in the
near future. It is proposed to put a
national organizer in the field and to
organize local branches all over the
country and" demand that employers
run their shops as open shops in which
"union" and "league" men can have
an equal and fair chance for employ
ment.
"The league will be strictly a labor
ing man's affair, but it will be in
corporated, so as to command the
confidence of employers and the gen
eral public and be in a position to
defend the rights of its members
through the courts. Only American
Citizens will be eligible to member
ship.
st and Fear not?Let all the Ends thou
!B, S. C. WEDNESD.
i STEEL TROST TO SHARE PROFITS.
j Pian, Proposed Whereby Every
Employe May Become a
Stockholder.
New York, Dec. 31.?In a double
circular, one to the stockholders and
the other to the officers and_[employes,
the United States Steel corporation
announces its intention to inaurgate a
system whereby the humblest work
man on its roll may, if he deisres, be
come a permanent stockholder and
I share in the profits of th# corpora
tion. The scheme is the result of
months. of preparation by the finance
committe of the corporation, and the
circulars are signed by George W.
Perkins chairman. The plan is said
to have originated with Mr. Perkins.
The circular to the stockholders
points out the apparent advantage of
the plan which was devised "with
equal fairness to every man, from the
president of the steel corporation it
self, to the man with pick and shovel
working for one of the subsidiary com
panies."
The circular goes on to say that at
this time there are about 55,000 stock
holders, who, it is believed, would feel
a greater sense of the security in the
corporation's earning power if they
knew that officers and managers were
willing to enter ino a contract by
which part of their compensation for
services rendered shall be only after
the realization of 880,000,000 of profits.
This represents interests on bonds,
dividends on stocks and reserve for
sinking funds, r
The plan inviting officers and em
ployes to participate is divided into
two parts.. Part one prescribes that
from the earnings of the corporation
during the year 1902 there will have
been set said at least $2,000,000 and
as much more as is needed for the
purchase of at least 25,000 shares of
preferred stock, which will be offered
as follows to employes of the corpora
tion and constituent capital. At pre
sent the corporation and subsidiaries
companies employ about 168,000 men
whom it is proposed to divide into
these six classes:
Class "A" will include all those
who receive salaries of S20,000 a year
or over.
Class "B" will include all those
who receive salaries of from $10,000 to
$20,000 a vear.
Class "C" will include all those
who receive salaries ox from $5,000 to
$10,000 a year.
Class "D" will include all those
who receive salaries of from $2,500
to $5,000 a year.
Class "E" will include all those
who receive salaries of from $300 to
$2,500 a eyar.
Class "F" will include all those
who receive salaries of $800 a year or
less.
The preferred stock will be offered
tc any employe during January at
$32.50 per share (its closing price to
day was $85.873-2). ?
Employes can subscribe for an
amount of stock not exceeding the
sum represented by a certain percent
age of their annual salaries as shown
in this table:
Class "B." 8 per cent.: class "C,"
10 per cent. : class "D " 12 per cent. :
class "E," 15 per cent. ; class "F" 20
per cent.
In part two of the plan, it is ex
plained that the corporation has been
and is now making-changes in the
salaries of men occupying official or
semi-official positions, and the direc
tors have approved these recommenda
tions of the finance committee.
Whenever $30,000,000 and less than
$90,000,000 is earned during 190-% 1 per
cent, shall be set aside.
Whenever $90,000,000 and less than
$100,000,000 is earned during 1903 1.2
per cent, shall be set aside.
- Whenever $100,000,000 and less than
$110,000,000 is earned during 1903, 1.4
per cent, shall be set aside.
Whenever $110,000,000 and less than
$120,000,000 is earmed during 1903, 1.6
per cent, shall be set aside.
Whenever $120,000,000 and less than
$130,000,000 is earned during 1903, 1.8
per cent shall be set aside.
Whenever $130,000,000 and less than I
$140,000,000 is earned during 1903, 2.j
per cent, shall be set aside.
Whenever $140,000,000 and less than j
$150,000,000 is earned during 1903, 234
per cent, shall be set aside.
Whenever $150,000,000 and less than
$160,000,000 is earned during 1903, 2}>?
per cent, shall be set aside.
The question of what constitutes
profits is to be determined entirely
by the finance committee, which it is
stated will have no interest in the
profit sharing plan. If $80,000,000 is
earned injthe coming year $800,000 will
be set aside, one-half to be distributed
in cash quarterly, the other half to be
reserved until the end of the year; in
vested in preferred stock; the stock
thus purchased to be divided one-half
to employes entitled hereto, the other
half to remain with the treasurer of
the corporation. Each shareholder is!
to receive a certificate for his inter
est containing these provisions:
First?That if he remains contin- j
uously in the service of the corpora- j
tion or in one or any of its subsidiary!
companies five years, the stcok shall
be delivered to him and he may do as
he likes with it
Second?That if ho dies or becomes i
totally and permanently disabled while
in the employ of the corporation or of
one or any of its subsidiary companies,
the stock will be delivered to his
estate or to him.
Third?That he can draw the divi- j
dends declared on the steck while it j
is held for his account and be remains ?
in the employ of the corporation or one
or any of its subsidiary companies.
Fourth?That if without previous
consent voluntarily he shall have
quitted the service of the corporation
or one of its subsidiary companies, he
shall forfeit all right to this stock, and
in such case, it will be held in fund
which at the end of five years will be
divided amongst such employes as
shall have complied with all the con
ditions.
Thus, 25 per cent, of all the money
Aims't at, be thy Country's, thy God's
AY. JANUARY ?, 19(
i set aside in this profit sharing plan
will be held for five years and will be
given to such only as at the end of
that period shall be in the employ of
the corporation or of one or any of its
susbidiary companies from and since
Jan. 1, 1903.
High officials of the steel corporation
declined today to discuss the reported
approaching retirement of President
Schwab.
THE FAILURES OF THE YEAR.
Only in the South Was Increase
Shown Over 190!.
New York, Dec. 31.?In spite of some
crop shortages, added to record break
ing strikes and reduced foreign trade;
Bradstreet's January 3 will report that
the failure record for the past year is
on the whole a favorable one. In only
on section, the south, was there an in
crease of casualties over the record of
1901, and in only two, the south and
central best, was there an increase of
liabilities.
During the year there was reported
9,971 commercial failures, which with
liabilities of $105,693,623 and assets
of $50,870,80, a decrease in number
of failures of 5.5 and 7 per cent, are
shown, but comparisons with prior
years are markedly in favor of 1902.
In liabilities an even better showing
made, is those for 1902 being the
smallest reported for 20 years. While
the proportion of assets to liabilities
was 48 per cent, in 1902, as against
46.9 in 1901 and 47.2 in 1900, it is
lower than in any preceding year since
1885.
With two exceptions the number of
failures was the smallest in 14 years,
despite the fact that the number of
concerns in business is growing
steadily, the increase since 1892 ag
gregating 19 per cent. The annual
"death rate" is shown to be only .80
in 1902, against .88 in 1901 and .85,
hitherto the lowest records made, ? in
1900 and 1899.
CHINESE CAN'T FAY III GOLD.
Foreign Ministers Insist That
Indemnity Be Paid in
Gold Notes.
Pekin, Dec. 31.?The ministers
here of the foreign powers have tele
graphed their governments the refusal
of China to pay the international
indemnity in gold notes and have dis
cussed the matter among themselves.
It is proposed to inform the Chinese
government that failure to fulfill the
obligations provided in the protocol
will entail grave consequences.
Replying to inquiries from the lega
tions, -the foreign offices today admit
ted that there was some truth in the
reports of warlike preparations on the
part of Lung Fn Siang, although it
characterizes the stories of his move
ments were exaggerated. The foreign
office says the viceroys of the northern
provinces have sufficient troops to sub
due him. This latter statement, how
ever, is disbelieved. It is expected
that government trops will join Lung
Fu Siang in the event of his under
taking a rebellion.
Washington, Dec. 31.?The state de
partment has been officially advised
through its fiscal agents in China that
the second installment of the Chinese
indemnity fund which falls due tomor
row must be paid in silver, or rather
on a silver basis. The department
will have placed to its credit the sum
of $496,098, for it has without hesita
tion decided to accept the payment on
the basis proposed. The Chinese tael
which was the basis of the calcula
tion of the indemnity was worth 74
cents at the time the agreement was
signed" in Pekin, is now worth only
61 cents. The impression prevails
here among persons who have taken
part in these settlements that the in
demnities demanded by the powers are
far beyond China's ability.
Heads Should Never Ache.
Never endare this trouble. Use at once
the remedy that stopped it for Mrs. N. A.
Webster, of Winnie, Va., she writes : "Dr.
King's New Life Pills wholly cured me of
sick headaches I had suffered for two
years."' Cure headache, constipation, bil
iousness. 25c at J. F. W. DeLorme's drug
store. _ ^^^^
Methodists Have Raised $20,
000,000.
Springfield, Mass., Dec. 31.?One of
the most impressive services ever held
here in Springfield was that in Trinity
church tonight when Dr. E. E. Mills,
secretary of Twentieth Cnetury Thank
Offering commitete, made tbe formal
announcement that the Methodists of
tho country had raised more than $20,
000,000 in response to the movement
inaugurated in Trinity church by tbe
board of bis?ps four years ago. Dr.
Mills announced that $9,000,000 had
been raised on church debts through
the country: $S, 150,000 for Methodist
colleges and two and three quarter
millions for philanthropies and chari
ties, $600,000 had been raised for the
permanent fund for the conference
claimants and a little over $380,000
has been raseid to build chruches in
destitute communities. About one
twenty-fifth of the entire amount has
been given by Methodist ministers'
sons.
Finds Way to Live Long.
The startling announcement of a discov
ery that will surely lengthen life is made
oy editor O. H. Downey, of Churubuscc,
Ind., WI wish to state," he writes, "that Dr.
King's New Discovery for consumption is
the most infallible retredy that I have ever
known for coughs, colds and grip. It's
invaluable to people with weak lungs.
Having this wonderful medicine no one
need dread pneumonia or consumption.
Its relief is instant and cure certain."
J. F. W. DeLorme guarantees every 50c and
$1 bottle, and gives trial bottles free.
GEBM?H INTERVIEWED
PRESIDENT G?ST8?.
Head of Republic Declared He
Was One Demanding Apologies.
Berlin, Dec. 31.? The German gov
ernment's reservations in agreeing to
submit the Venezuelan claims to arbi
tration continued to be undisclosed in
their entirety. From statements ap
pearing today, however, it seems to
be confirmed that Germany excludes
from the claims which are subject to
arbitration demands amounting to
300,000 of seizure of property and
outrages on the persons of German
subjects under circumstances which
are here deemed so clear that it is use
less to call in arbitrators. The pay
ment of this sum will not be demand
ed in cash at present, but a sufficient
guarantee will be insisted upon.
Great Britain's preferred claims are
equiValentin amount $300,000. Ger
many waives an apology for what are
here called "diplomatic insults," ask
ing only material reparation.
The Lokal Azeiger, the only German
newspaper having a special correspon
dent at Caracas, prints a dispatch
from the Venezuelan capital, dated
December 29, relating the correspon
dent's experience in interviewing Pres
ident Castro. He found him at Gene
ral A lean tares' estate at La Victoria,
dancing at noonday. General Alcan
tares, who was waiting with a bundle
of dispatches, remarked to the corres
pondent that it "would not do to in
terrupt the president's pleasure, even
with State business." But the corres
pondent says he spoke to the presi
dent between dances and "after con-,
versational reconnaisance" inquired if
he intended to give the powers satis
faction.
J "Why, no," repleid the president;
"I am the one demanding satisfaction
for insults."
"At this remark," the correspondent
continues, "a lady slapped the presi
dent on the back and said: That's the
way to talk, old boy."
News From Venezuela.
Caracas, Monday, Decebmer 29.?
' Barquisimeto, Cpaital of the State of
Lara, which for some time past has
been in the possession of the Vene
zuelan revolutionists, has been recap
tured by Government forces. The
towns of San Carlos and Tmaquillo
have also been reoccupied by the Gov
ernment.
There volutionists at Barquisimeto
were under the command of Gens.
Solagnie and Penaloza - They evacuat
ed the town after losing 112 men kill
ed and 325 wounded. There was hard
fighting in the streets and suburbsg of
Carquisimeto for two days. The'Gov
ernment forces were commanded by
Gen. Ceferino Castillo._
It now transpires that President
Castro's recent visit to La Victoria
was not ofa social nature, as reported
here, but for the purpose of conduct
ing personally by telegraph the opera
tions of his forces at Barquisimeto.
This victory for the Governmen ap
pears to be a direct result of the Presi
dent's initiative. It has been a most
severe blow for the revolutionists.
Caracas, December 29.?United;
States Minister Bowen has received
information that the Dutch steamer
Prins Maruits has entered certain
Venezuela ports blockaded by the.
British fleet and dischiarged her car
go, special permission for the Dutch
steamer to do this being obtained from
Commodore Montgomerie, of the
British cruiser Charybdis. The Itali
an cruiser Giovanni Bausan ordered
the Prins Maurits away from port,
but^. Commodore Montogmerie direct
ed that she continue to discharge her
cargo.
In Caracas ths is considered to be a
discrimination againts American
steamers and the British commodore's
action hsa been criticised.
Caracas, December 30.?President
Castro arrived here this morninfg. At
3 'oclock this afternoon Minister Bow
en called on the President and com
municated to him ho recommendation
that the issues betewen Venezuela and
the allies be taken to the Internation
Peace Court at The Hague. Vene
zuela's answer will be received tomor
row morning at 11 o'clock.
The victory gained by the Govern
ment at Barquisimeto argues for Presi
dent Castro's continuance in power.
Castro Accepts Arbitration.
Washington, Dec. 31.? The answer
of President Castro to the proposals
of the allies to submit to the arbitra
tion of The Hague tribunal the Vene
zuelan difficulties has reached Wash
ington through Minister Bowen. The
answer amounts to a general accept
ance of the principles of the proposi
tion-President Castro being willing
to submit his case to the arbitration
of fair and impartial authorities. The
details of the answer will not be pub
lished here in advance of its reception
by the European allied powers, and in
fact it may be withheld entirely from
publication on the ground that it
really belongs to those powers.
Today the answer is being prepared
at the state department for transmis
sion to Europe. As it is quite long
and undoubtedly will require careful
consideration by the foreign officers at
London, Berlin and Rome it is not ex
pected that any further steps toward a
final settlement can bo taken for a
day or two. The feeling here, how
ever, based on a knowledge of Castro's
position, that his answer practically
clears the way for the submission of
the ease to arbitration. The answer
has given great satisfaction here.
New Century Comfort
Millions are daily finding a world of
comfort in Bucklen's Arnica Salve. It
kills pain from burns, scalds;cuts, bruises ;
conquers ulcers and fever sores; cures
eruptions, salt rheum, boils and felons ;
removes corns and \rarts. Best pile cure
on earth. Only 25c at J. F. W. DoLorme's
drag- store.
ton.
TBUE SGUTHBON, Established Jane, IS66
eries-Vol. XXII. No. 23
THE VENEZUELAN AFFII
Castro's Reply to Arbitration Propc
sitioi? Submitted to the Powers,
NEGOTIATIONS PROGRESSING
SLOWLY.
Castro Attached Condition to Plan to
Submit the Affair to Hague Tribunal.
But His Condition Will Not
Be Agreed To.
Washington, January L?The re
joinders of the European foreign offices j
to President Castro's reply to their ar
bitration proposal have not reached
Washington. This, however, occasionj
no surprise, as the holidays are mucj
more closely observed in Europe?
capitals than in Washington. Folkn
ing the rule which it has adopted
the treatment of correspondence pj
sing between Venezuela and
allies, the State department still
clines to make public any informal
respecting the details of Presi<"
Castro's reply, but inquiry Tconf
the Associated Press report from Rl
to the effect that Castro did atta<;
condition to the acceptance of th(
bitration proposal, and that condi
was not endorsed by the Washing1^
Government. However, it is pointeT
out that it has not been regarded as'
necessary at the State department to
either approve or disapprove any of the
details of the propositions now in ex
change between the principals. As to
the condition attached to the accept
ance it can be stated that it is not of
great consequence, nor is it likely to
involve the loss of the arbitration pro
ject, for it i,s understood to relate
rather to the means of getting the is
sue to arbitration than to any sub
stantial principle involved.
Eome, January 1.?This afternoon
Foreign Minister Prinetti received,
through Ambassador Meyer, Secretary
Hay's note, communicating President
Castro's acceptance of The Hague ar
bitration in principle, but with an
additional proposition, which the Gov
ernment at Washington does not sup
port.
While reserve is maintained at the
foreign office with regard to the Vene
zuelan matter, it has been learned that
the, foreign office considers the addi
tional proposition made by President
Castrot as net likely of acceptance.
Communications on this subject are
now being exchanged with Germany
and Great Britain
Berlin, January 1.?President Cas
tro's reply to the Powers, through
Minister Bowen, is substantially an
unqualified acceptance of their pro
posals to arbitrate and the accom
panying conditions. The foreign office
here received his answer today and is
satisfied with its spirit. A further in
terchange of views preparatory to sign
ing the protocol, will take place in
Washington. The only really important
question to be settled" is what shall be
done with the blockade. A continu
ance of the blockade is relied upon to
hasten the conclusion of the arbitra
tion preliminaries, especially on the
part of Veneuzela.
Caracas, January 1.?The report
current in Willemstad, Curacao, that
the Government sustained a defeat in
the recent fight with revolutionists at
Barquisimeto is untrue. The Govern
ment was victorious at Barquisimeto,
and that town, as well as San^|Caris
and Tinaquillo, was recaptured from
the rebels, as was duly reported in'
these dispatches. There have been
persistent rumors in official circles and
generally throughout this city since
yesterday, that President Castro had
refused to agree to the proposals of
the allies to refer the Veneuzelan is
sues to The Hague. The correspon
dent of the Associated Press saw the
President of Venezuela for half an
hour this afternoon. It is not true
that the President has declined the
proposals of the Powers: the Chief Ex
ecutive declares he wants only fair
treatment. It was clear from what
President Castro said at the inter
view, that he believes it would be
very easy to reach a full settlement of
the entire controversy.
President Castro said to tbe cor
respondent: "If a settlement is not
reached, it will be because a settle
ment forms no part of the plan of tbe
allies; ni this case the prolongation of
the present situation would be dis
astrous for all concerned. The solu
tion of the present difficulty depends
more on the Allied Powers than on
Venezuela."
The President was then questioned
as to whether or net he would re
nounce the Presidency, and if it was
his purpose to make a change in the
present Cabinet. He replied: "People
are at liberty to talk whatever non
sense they want to: I will make a
change in'the Cabinet when the pro
sent serious question is ended.''
Brussels, January 1.?It is said here
that an arrangement has been con
cluded with Great Britain and Ger
many to submit the Belgian and
Dutch claims against Veneuzela to the
international Peace Court at The
Hague at the same time the Angio
German claims against the South
American Republic are taken to that
tribunal.
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