Venezuela.

Manawatu Herald, 18 December 1902, Page 2

Venezuela.

PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT SUGGESTED AS MEDIATOR. President Castro’s request for arbitration has not been received in London or Berlin, though it is understood that Mr Hay, Secretary of State for the United States, is transmitting it.

The authorities at Waahsngton maintain an attitude of friendly reserve.

It has been unofficially suggested in Britain and Germany that President Roosevelt should act as mediator. ANOTHER GUNBOAT CAP-

TURED,

The municipality of Caracas sent a commission of merchants to visit the British warships Charybdis and the Germrn ship Vineta drawn up in line of battle. The deputation was not allowed on board. The Venezuelan authorities are removing muitiohs of war to the La Guayra fortresses. The German warship Vineta captured the gunboat Restaurador while she was leaving Quanta. The British steamer Topaze, which was seized while discharging coal at Porto Cabello, has been released. FRENCH AND ITALIAN DEMANDS.

The South American allies promise to uphold French claims, and have also arranged regarding the claims of Italy The German residents |in Caracas support the request for arbitration, fearing that a conflict would jeopardise German trade in South America. Four American first-class battleships and several cruisers have been ordered to Trinidad. A SHORT BOMBARDMENT. The seizure of the British steamer Topaze at Porto Cabello was an act of pillage. The captain and crew were held prisoners until the Charybdis demanded satisfaction for the outrage within two hours, otherwise it was announced she would bombard the fortress and Customhouse.

The notification was ignored and the allies opened fire, continuing for an hour.

The fortress replied, but was early silenced The town was not damaged. General Castro surrendered the properties of the English railway and telegraph companies.

Fort Laquare was evacuated and the soldiers left the town. The militia has been summoned to preserve order. The entire Venezuelan fleet has now been captured. The Vineta’s men conveyed the Bestaurador to Trinidad. The British are manning and utilising their prizes. Italy has deposited at Caracas a similar demand to that of the allies for payment of sixty thousand dollars. General Castro has admitted the claim.

THE ALLIES’ DEMAND

Britain’s ultimatum to Venezuela demanded the immediate payment of a sum equalling that which ought in the first instance to have been paid’to Germany, the balance after the payment of urgent claims to go towards claims reserved for decision by a mixed commission. Germany’s ultimatum complained of Venezuela’s evasion and offensive language, and warned her of the results of a refusal to settle in conformity with international law.