Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1896-01-01
VENEZUELA IS HAPPY
HER PRESIDENT HAS RESUMED HIS EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS.

The capital of Venezuela has been en fete, and gilt laced soldiers, with faces of as many different shades as their i'll fitting uniforms, have filled the streets from the Casa Amarilla on the north to the Church of Santa Teresa on the south. Martial music, too, has stirred the pop- nlace so that for the while the sword hanging over their heads in the form of the English 'ultimatum has been en- tirely forgotten
 TAs cause of all this pomp and cere- mony is the fact that General Joaquin Grespo, constitutional president of the republic, resumes the executive power. as it is called, and has filled the four long vacant portfolios in the national cabinet The president has been away at his country seat in Maraeay for months. and many and great have been the changes during his long absence-a cab met crisis, in which four ministers were Discovered plotting treason a threatened war with Great Britain over the Guiana boundary, and the outbreak of revolu- stion throughout the republic.
 These and other minor international Complications with France, Spain and Gerinany over the nonpayment of pend ing claims failed to ruffle General Cres po in his rustic diversions. The soldier president continued to enjoy the balmy sair of Maraeay, ever and anon writing oEthe blessings of peace and liberty With which he was surrounded, while Sacting President Aeevedo foundered about in the puddle. At tlast he has re- fnrned to .sfaee the music" and from present appearances 1t will be full Brass band, for it is said that both France and Spain have decided to join England in taking eoereiye measures for fhe collection of what is known as the Adiplomatie debt. ''
 8 It will be remembered that Venezu- ela summarily dismissed the ministers of all the foreign governments represent. Ed in Caracas in March, 1895, except That of the United States The only two ministers then there were the French and Belgian, Marquis de Montclair and M. Ledegauk, respectively. The others ehanced to be away on leave of absence just at that time or they would all have Shared similar fate, for the govern ment of Venezuela was outraged at their having suggested to their respective governments the organization of #1nixed tribunals to pass upon certain unpaid claims. @ s=s= s-
 Since this unfortunate occurrence Nenezuela has tried in vain to re-estab- nsh diplomatic relations with France Md Belgium, declaring that the act was H no way intended as an affront to oither nation. but merely expressed the fact that the minister ill question was not persona grata. France has re- i fnsed to be appeased. however, and When Venezuela sent q new consul to st Nazaire the French government de- clined to receive him. Crespo has been Persistent in his desire to make up," and now it said on the best authority fhat France has decided to renew rela- tipns with Venezuela, but that she will Eend man-of-war with her old minis ter, the Marquis de Montclair. to whom 1he government of Venezuela must apol- oeize.
 The money due these countries is the Qld back debt upon claims of foreign snbjects during the revolution of 1892. fance and Spain, it is said, are both tlEed of waiting, and unless the money 6 paid immediately will use force to llectit Germany, too, it is said, has Mout exhausted her patience waiting W the per centguaranteed interest on he bonds of the German railroad be- Eeen Caracas and Valencia, and for 5pre than month German fleet of N vessels has been expected at La Rayla to demand this money, which NeK Minister of Finance Matos promised g pay, but did not
 2 On the whole it looks as though the M anciall condition of Venezuela and
 e faiare to meet her international ob
 eatlmd will be the cause of concerted
 tionab the part of the European pow
 toRft the Monroe doctrine. Though
 uMted States may justly interfere
 the3 3uiana boundary question, as it
 pans ln extension of British dominion thSIcontinent by force of arms, there
 e5cuse to meddle with the other
 pns in their intention to collect old
 he above is a simple statement of
 emela's foreign relations on the au-
 ny of one who is ill a position to
 F so that it looks as though Presi-
 Crespo and his new cabinet will
 more thorns than roses in their path
 Is hoped that the presence of Gen M Crespo will in manner restore
 lc confidence and tend to revive
 ness, that has been suffering from
 Pended animation for such long
 The president is, however, by no
 ns well man, and his friends are
 much alarmed over his condition.
 as been confired to his bed for over
 Fek, and no ohe seems to know ex
 the cause of his illness. Some say
 ne was overcome by the sun during
 Stay In the country, and that his
 IS affected; others that his trouble
 organic affection of the heart h.
 Rte friends, however, claim that it is
 an acute attack of intermittent
 Whatever may be the true theory,
 president. has returned at time S&h hls endprance will be tested to the 4Rst' Tor there are many questions of Rse to discuss. upon which may depend .sFery existence of the republic,
 I glands demand of G12, 1000 for the and Imprisonment of Inspectors