Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1901-04-18

barcelona incident Closed and AS
phalt Controversy In Fair Way of
Amicable Settlement-Politic Com
ditions Not So Bad as Reported.
NEW YORK, April II. = Frank B.
Loomis, United States minister to Vene-
zuela, after night in quarantine with
the other passengers on the Red D liner
Caracas, in which he came from Porto
Rico, disembarked today. He proceeded
to the Hotel Victoria, where he will be
quartered until the end of the present
week, when he goes to Washington to
report to the state department. and Pres
ident Mckinley. To an Associated
Press representative Mr.. Loomis said:
Il did not say any of the unpleasant
things that have been attributed to me
about President Castro. The fact is l
like Castro very. much. [ was inter
viewed at San Juan, but it was more a
pleasant chat than anything else. There
were others present who said some un-
kind things, but certainly did not [
am quoted as saying that President Cas-
tro drew but $l2, 900 year salary, yet
had made 50, 900, 900 in two years. [ do
not even know that the president gets
the salary named, and l know nothing
Of what he had made.
81 must also deny that | plotted to
secure my recall or removal.
The Asphalt Controversy.
"I cannot discuss the recent diplo-
matte incident with Venezuela. There
are several points IN connection with it
on which Twill report to the department.,
and naturally they are confidential.
may say, however, that the prelimlna
ry steps toward a legal settlement of
the asphalt cases have been taken i'll the
Venezuelan courts. We insisted that
the dispute be submitted for adjudica-
tlon without prejudice, and carried our
point. L do not say that our govern
ment does not reserve the right to i'll
teryene IT justice Is nOT done, but we
want the matter passed upon by the
courts. There was some feeling at the
height of the incident, but it has sub
sided, and our relations at the present
time are quite satisfactory. [ cannot
say how long it will take to reach a de-
cision III the asphalt cases; [ presume
the law has its delays in Venezuela, as
elsewhere.
HOi1Clca1 Conditions.
president Castro seems to have the
country under control. A constitutional
convention, the eleventh they have had,
l believe, has just adjourned and there
is to be an election in the autumn. 1t is
quite certain Castro will be elected pres
1dent and inaugurated next spring. The
constitutional convention has changed
the tenure Of the president from four to
six years. Andrade, | am told, is at
Curacao, and l feel that the report is
true, for there is generally a colony of
Nenezuelans there thinking of home
and anxious to improve the political con-
ditions. I am told Andrade plans an
expedition TO Venezuela, but I do not
anticipate any trouble for some months.
"Venezuelans who have discussed
Andrade with me say that while he is
we'll informed, rather able and broad
minded, he is lacking in strength and
too kind hearted to make a successful
ruler. They say that another leader, a
younger man, will be brought forward
to oppose President Castro. However,
knowledge.
Barcelona Incident Closed.
"The Barcelona incident, in which
our consular agent was twice arrested
by local officials in an attempt to extort
money from him, has been practically
closed, and in a manner satisfactory to
as. Our government directed me to de-
mand an apology and the fullest repara-
ton. Just before leaving was given
assurance that the fullest amends would
be made. [ believe that the assurances
given me will be carried out.
81 do not expect to return to Nenezu-
ella for at least five months. Four years
in the tropics have left me in need of
change and rest. My physician says
Carlsbad and I am going to try to get
leave FOR trip TO Europe"
amaIs ~nnaUed army.
Fifty thousand men is considered by
labor leaders to be fair estimate of the
membership of the Amalgamated asso.
citation. The association is, according
to the statement of Secretary John Will
liams, in a more prosperous condition
financially than ever before In its his
tory. OF the total membership, over
10, 900 are employed by the Republic
Iron and Steel company, which is not d
member of the Morgan syndicate. Of
the American Steel company's plants,
65 per cent of the total capacity is in