Shall Be Arbitrated

SHALL IT BE ARBITRATED

VENEZUELAN DIFFICULTY TO BE SETTLED IN THAT MANNER.

DISCUSSIONS OF THE TERMS IS NOW GOING ON.

CITIZENS ASK CASTRO TO LET BOWEN SETTLE MATTERS.

Caracas, Dec. 18. - It has been decided that the Venezuelan difficulty shall be arbitrated, and the discussion of terms of settlement is now going on. United States Minister Bowen undoubtedly will be one of the arbitrators. The government fears that coersive measures will follow the establishment of the blockade.

Caracas, Dec. 18.- Indications here are that Venezuela will yield to the demands of the allies. The leading citizens of Caracas have addressed a 1 joint note to President Castro, asking him to give full powers to United States Minister Bowen to effect a termination of the present difficulty.

This note was transmitted to President Castro at 1 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. It was signed by all the leading merchants, bankers, and agriculturalists of Caracas. It reflects truly the concensus of current opinion among the business element of this city. The men who signed the note will meet again to discuss ways and means of obtaining money with which Venezuela can meet her obligations, as well as the guarantees which it will be possible to offer to her creditors. The note is in part as follows:

"Caracas, Dec. 17, 1902. "Sir: - In view of the acts of violence already committed and of the absolute importance of Venezuela to meet force with force in response to the allied action of Germany and Great Britain, in view of the fact that Venezuela has exhausted all the means required by civilization and diplomacy to put an end to the present situation, and the government and the people of Venezuela having complied honorably and worthily to the demands of national honor, we consider, with all due respect, that the moment to yield to force has arrived.

"We, therefore, respectfully recommend that full powers be given to the minister of the United States of North America, authorizing him to carry out proper measures to terminate the present conflict in the manner least prejudicial to the interests of Venezuela.

"We subscribe ourselves your obedient servants. J. E. Linares, H. L. Boulton, Carlos Santana, Nisomedes Zuloaga, Carlos Zuloaga, F. De Siles, Pérez E. Montauban, M. Chapellin, Juan Herrera, Juan A. A. Travieso, Y. De J. Paul."

In addition to the names given, the note is signed by about 200 other prominent citizens of Caracas.

The blockade of La Guaira, notification of which in the names of Great Britain and Germany, was communicated to the Venezuelan government Dec. 13, went into effect Wednesday. The order applies to Venezuelan vessels only.