The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-10-15
FROM CASTRO'S SIDE
STATEMENT OF DIFFERENCES BE-
TWEEN VENEZUELA AND
COLOMBIA
IS WITH THE INSURGENTS
President of Venezuela Would Like
to See the Existing Govern
ment of Colombia
OverthrOwn.

LA GUAYRA, Venezuela (via Hatien
Cable, Oct. 14.-Gen. Cfpriano Castro,
president of Venezuela, made the follow
ing statement today regarding the Ven
ezuelan-Columbian situation to the Asso-
ciated Press:
Il earnestly desire peace between Co
lombia and Venezuela, but 1 consider
that by reason of the Venezuelan mem
orandum and our requests, communicat-
ed automatically through Dr. Rico Co
lombian minister to Venezuela), for an
explanation of the invasion of Tachira in
July by Colombian troops, Venezuela has
taken the first step toward peaceful
settlement.
1T would be against the national dig
nifty and honor of Venezuela to take an
other step in this direction until an eX-
planatory answer had been received. The
invasion of Tachira was the first openly
aggressive act in this trouble. 1t was
the act of Colombia; and therefore she
should today follow up our initiative
toward a peaceful settlement.
mo, [ do not consider Colombias ac-
ceptance of the offer of the United States
to extend their good offices and to medi-
ate between the countries-which has
been. reported in the press here-as a
conciliatory answer to our diplomatic re-
quests through DR. Rico. If Colombia
would officially notify Venezuela that she
had accepted the United States as medi-
ator. Venezuela could and would gladly
consider the advisability 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 decided cannot, directly or indi-
.rectly, approach Colombia again in con-
cll1atory manner. Meantime, we shall
continue to guard our frontier against
invasion. If Colombia does not answer
difficulties will doubtless arise. With the
two lines of armed men face to face
ON THE FRONTIER
this is to be expected.
"Venezuela can get along very well
without Colombia. We have no business
nor commerce to speak of with her There
is no need of a continuance of diplomatic
relations. These have been suspended
during the last five years between Ven
eZuela and France. Yet, together, both
countries seem to be progressing without
them.
81 sympathize with the Colombian Lib
erals who are revolving against the Con-
servative government of Colombia Glad
ly would [ see the downfall of that priest
ridden, incompetent government, which
SO long as it continues in power, will I
beheVe, try to cause me trouble and will
constitute standing menace to the in
ternal tranquility of Venezuela.
THE Conservative government of Col
ombia has other opponents, notably Ecu
ador and Nicaragua, both of which states
would be glad to witness it's downfall and
the end of the Conservatives.
AS for the present incipient revolution
in Venezuela, shall crush it so severely
| country. Every spasmodic uprising has
| thus far been rapidly and effectively re-
pulsed. Already. have imprisoned many
Nationalist, and l shall continue to inn
| prison them. Within two months the
movement against me will be crushed
III IS costing US much money to main
tam cur present army on the frontier
Nevertheless the country must defend
| order, preserve the national dignity and
| be ready to repel invaders
| CASTRO ON DEFENSIVE.
On the best authority the Associated
Press correspondent is enabled to reiter-
| ate the statement that the government
| of Venezuela is still opposed to an attack
| upon Colombia preferring to remain up
| on the defensive and to maintain the
| status QUO Venezuela wants peace but
| peace on terms that would conserve the
| dignity and honor of the country
direct or indirect peace proposals from
| Colombia-which Venezuela notwith-
| standing the occurrences of last month
! on the Guajira peninsula, insists upon
| considering the sole aggressor-would be
| welcomed by the Caracas cabinet The
| feeling is growing in Caracas, especially
! in official circles, that the mediation of
| a third party will eventually be required
| and that the United States government
| is logically the best qualified to act.
Venezuela will probably be able to
| maintain her present armed footing ON
| the frontier for six or eight months ere
| the finances of the country will require
| the issuance of paper money or an appeal
| 10 forced loanS