The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-10-15
He Does Not Desire War with COIom-
bia. but Is Prepared to Defend
and Guard His Frontier.
HOPES LIBERALS WILL WIN
AND END COLOMBIA'S "PRIEST-RID-
DEN- GOVERNMENT.
Says Ecuador and Nicaragua Also De-
Danger of n Clash on Border.

LAGUAYRA, Venezuela, Oct. H.-General
Cipriano Castro, President of Venezuela.
made the following statement to-day re-
garding the Venezuelan Colombian situation
TO the Associated Press:
Il earnestly desire peace between Colom-
oia and Venezuela but L consider that by
reason of the Venezuelan memorandum and
our request, communicated diploma tically
through DR.. Rico Colombian minister TO
Venezuela), for an explanation of the In
vasion of Tachira in July by Colombian
troops, Venezuela has taken the first step
toward a peaceful settlement. 1t would be
against the national dignity and honor Of
Venezuela to take another step in this
direction until an explanatory answer had
been received. The invasion of Tachiri.
was the first openly aggressive act in this
trouble. 1t was the act of Colombia and
therefore she should to-day follow up our
initiative towards a peace settlement
mo, L do not consider Colombia's s ac-
ceptance of the offer of the United States
to extend their good offices and to mediate
between the countries which has been re-
ported in the press here as conciliatory
answer to our diplomatic requests through
DIR. Rico. If Colombia would officially noti-
fy Venezuela that she had accepted the
United States as a mediator. Venezuela
could and would gladly consider the adj
visibility of addressing the United States
as the representative of Colombia with the
idea of reaching a peaceful settlement.
while awaiting COlombia'S answer we
most decidedly cannot, directly or Indirect
ly. approach Colombia again in a concii-
iatory manner Meantime we shall con-
tinue 10 guard our frontier against inya-
sion. If Colombia does not answer difficult
ties will doubtless arise. With the two
lines of armed men face 10 face on the
frontier this is 10 be expected.
Venezuela can get along very well with
out Colombia. We have no business or
commerce to speak of with her. There is
no need of a continuance of diploma tic re-
lations. These have been suspended during
the last five years between Venezuela and
France. Yet however. both countries seem
TO be progressing without them.
Il sympathiZe with the Colombian Lib
erals, who are revolving against the Con-
servative government of Colombia Gladly
would | see the downfall of that priest
ridden, incompetent government, which so
long as IL continues in power will. / be-
lieve. try TO cause me trouble and will
constitute a standing menace To the in
ternal tranquility OF Venezuela. The Con-
servative government of Colombia has
other opponents. notably Ecuador and Mic
aragua. both of which states would be glad
TO witness the downfall and the end OF the
Conservatives
LAS for the present incipient revolution in
Venezuela, | shall crush il so severely that
there will never be another i'm the country
Every SpaSmOQlc uprising mas thus far been
rapidly and effectively repulsed Already |
haze imprisoned many Nationalists and /
shall continue 10 imprson them Within
two months the movement against me will
be crushed. IL Is costing us much money to
maintain our present army on the frontier
Nevertheless the country must defend or
der. preserve the national dignity and be
ready TO repel invaders
ON the best authority the Associated
Press correspondent is enabled TO reterate
the statement that the government of
f-
Colombia. preferring 10 remain upon the de-
fensive and 10 maintain the status quo.
Venezuela wants peace. but peace on terms
OF the country.
Direct or indirect peace proposals from
Colombia which Venezuela. notwithstanu-