Arkansas intelligencer., 1848-03-25
ImnOrtant From Venezuela.
MASSACRE OF CONGRESSMEN. :

bring on dispatches to our government arrived at
Norfolk the 24th ut., from Laguayra, whence
she sailed on the lst ut. Gen. Monargas was
elected President of Venezuela year ago, and
his cabinet was formed Of some of the best cili-
zens of the republic. bat in a few weeks they re-
tired in disgust, aud their places filled by OF
tenders against the former government. Many
influential men, and among them Gen. Flores, en-
deayored TO heal the breach. Meetings were
held, romonstrances, and threats from the press,
poured forth in volumes; finally. il was determiH
ed to mpeach the President before the Congress
about TO meet.
In the meantime the President disarmed the
GleiHia nctira, and placed arms in the hands Of
the n2eiitia TeSerra, known 10 be most favorable
to the liberal party; all the old liberals were III
vited TO retCrn. and many placed in office,
some not being entitled 10 citizenship Com
merce became crippled, and confidence destroyed;
the government hobbet on with an empty treas
ury; large bodies of troops were preparing, near
| Caracas; and, on the 24th Of this month, when
there were scarcely members enough TO form n
quorum in the House Of Representatives. there
were 1000 troops in and near the city. On the
opening Of Congress, serious disorder commenced
between several members; high words drew
great crowd, duggers were drawn, and it is said,
! member from the city, Hon. Hemeregildo Gar
cia-sabbed member from Maracaibo Hon.
Antonio Salas. The scene which ensued was
terrific; those that could, fled; md when tho alarm
reached the street, the citizens fled in terror A
body Of soldiers rushed in front Of the hail. firing
several volteys indIscriminatey into the windows
Several members reached the door, and we're cut
down like dogs. The wounded member, bleed.
ing, was not recognized by the soIdiers they fell
on him-hs left cheek and ear were shot away
! "a severe cut over the head, and his head nearly
severed from his body, and his body terribly ma
gIed with bayonets. The Hon. Julian Garcia of
! Caracas, shot through the head-the ball en-
! tering ear and passing oui at the other-all
the fingers on the left hand cut off, and sixteen
wounds in other parts of the body. The Hon.
Juan Garcia had sword ran through his BODY,
and fell dend. Col. Smith was badly wounded
with bayonet--severa others killed, and some
wounded. Those who could not escape in front,
wrenched off the iron bars of q back window
and, by means of a settee, made bridge 70 the
/ top of wall where few poles were found; and
with these they escaped over several walls torn
and bruised The whole square soon sur
rounded by the troops, and the honorable mem
bers were made prisoners--some with sea rcey
cloths on--some without hats, boots or indspcn-
slbles; some few shared better fate, The
crowd rushed into the hall, destroying the hrni-
ture and cutting 10 pieces large portrait of Bol.
war. In half hour thousands of vagabonus
were paradlng the streets with all kinds of weap-
Ons every house was instantly closed all the
lection; none but those who happened TO be out
were in the streets; every few minutes the harsh
challenge, quen rire, or the rush Of cavalry broke
on the ear; night soon closed in darkness, and
death.like stiffness prevailed during the night.
On the morning Of the 25th, the citizens crept
cautiously out. a bout noon the dead were in
tered without ceremony. At one o'clock the
members were escorted 10 the hall and compelled
per force to pass several resolutions. J1ado
was proclaimed, requesting the citizens to re-
sumo their business, with an assurance of protec-
ton.
On the 2Gth the members met again. the Presi-
dent and his guards being in the hall with the
members. while several resolutions were passed
eXOnerating the executive from all censure and
general amnesty proclaimed.
In the meantime, the first DAYS butcherv is
spreading 10 the interior, and the question is ask
ed, in an under tone, will Gen. Paez come! All
eyes are now towards the plains. { the great
chief comes with two or three thousand Lianaros
and the soldiers have courage enough to face their
swift horses and sharp ances, we shall have some
bloody work among The President is now
raising 1000 horsemen. few davs must de.
termine. Should another opportunity offer
will advise you of what is to come.
p. S.-An embargo has just been laid on ves-
sells not cleared.-Caracqs Cor. of the Nelo York
Herald.