Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1848-03-29
Important News from Venezuela
MASSACRE OF CONGRESSMAN.

important News from Venezuela,
MASSACRE OF CONGRESSMAN.
/ The Steamer Susan Ludwig, chartered
to bring on dispatches to our government
arrived at Norfolk on the Oath ult., from
Laguayra, whence she sailed on the Isl
ult. Gen. Monargas was elected Presi.
dent of Venezuela a year ago, and his
cabinet was formed of some Of the best
citizens of the the republic; but in few
weeks they retired in disgust, and thei,
places were filled by offenders against the
former government. Many Influential
men, and among them Gen. Flores, endea-
vored to heal the breach. Meetings were
held, remonstrances and threats from the
press, poured forth in volumes; finally il
was determined to impeach the Presiden,
before the Congress about to meet.
In the mean time the President disarm.
ed the naelitia aetira, and placed arms ir
the hands Of the melifia reserua, known te
be most favorable to the liberal party; al
the old liberals We're invitedto return, and
many were placed in office, some not be.
ing entitled to citizenship. Commerce
became crippled and confidence destroy
ed; government hobbled on with an emp
ty treasury; large bodies of troops were
preparing near Caracas; and, on the 24tl
Of the month, when there were scarcely
members enough TO form quorum in the
House Of Representatives, there were
1900 troops in and near the city. Or
the opening Of Congress, serious disorder
commenced between several members:
high words drew a great crowd; daggers
were drawn, and it is said, a member from
the city, Hon. Hemeregildo Garcia, stab.
bed member from Marcaibo, Hon. An
tonic Salas. The scene which ensued
was terrific; those that could, fed; and
when the alarm reached the street, the
citizens fled III terror. A body Of soldiers
rushed in front of the hail, firing several
yollies Unfortunately into the windows
Several members reached the door and
were cut down like dogs. The wounded
member, bleeding, was not recognized by
the soldiers; they fell on him, his left
check and ear were shot away, severe
cut over the head, and his lead nearly
severed from the body, and his body ter
rlbly mangled by bayonets. The Hon.
Julian Garcia Of Caracas, was shot through
the head, the ball entering one ear and
passing out at the other, all the finger, on
the LETT hand cut off and sixteen wounds
in other parts Of the body. The Hon.
Juan Garcia had sword run through his
body, and fell dead. Col. Smith was badly
wounded with a bayonet-several others
killed, and some wounded. Those who
could not escape in front, wrenched of
the iron bars OF back window, and, by
means of settee, made bridge to the
top of wall, where few poles were
found; and with these they escaped over
several walls, torn and bruised. The
whole square was soon surrounded BY the
troops, and tie honorable members were
made prisoners; some with scarcely clothes
on; some without hats, boots, or indispen-
sibleS; some few shared better fate. The
crowd rushed into the hall, cutting to pie
ces large portrait Of Bolivar. In hall
hour thousands Of vagabonds were para
ding the streets with all kinds of wca pons;
every house was instantly closed; all the
foreigners who had flags, unturled them
for protection; none but those who hap
pened to be out, were in the streets; eve
ny few minutes the harsh challenge, q,ea
r'ue, or the rush Of cavalry, broke on the
ear; night soon closed in darkness, and q
death like stiffness prevailed during the
night.
On the nothing of the 25th, the citi-
zens crept cautiously out. About noon the
dead were Inferred without CEREMONY
At one o'clock the members were escort
ed to the hall and compelled, per force, tc
pass several resolutions. A bando was
proclaimed, requesting the citizens to re-
sumo their business, with an assurance
OF protection.
On the 10Th the members met again,
the President and his guards met in the
hall with the members, while several res
olutions were passed generating the ex-
ecutive from all censure, and a general
amnesty proclaimed.
In the mean time the first days butch
cry is spreading to the interior, and the
question is asked, in an under tone, will
Gen. Paez come? All eyes are now to-
wards the plains. II the great chief comes
with two or three, thousand Lianaros, and
the soldiers have courage enough to face
their swift horses and sharp lances, we
shall have some bloody work among Us.
he President is now raising 1000 horse
men. A few days must determine. Should
another opportunity offer, l will advise
you Of what is to come. ..
P. S. An embargo has inst been laid on
vessels not cleared.-Caracas Cor. of N.
Y. Herald. ss~- .....t. s.