New-York tribune., 1901-10-15
PRESIDENT CASTRO TALKS.
vENEZUELA's EFFORTS TO KEEP THE
PEACE WITH COLOMBIA.
NEVERTHELESS HE WOULD BE GLAD TO SEE THE
DOWNFALL OF THE BoGoTA GOVERNMENT
WILL CRUSH HIS OWN REBELS.


La Guayra, Venezuela Oct 14-General Cipri-
ano Castro. President of Venezuela, made the
following statement to-day regarding the Venez-
uelan-C Colombian situation to a representative
OF The Associated Press
1 earnestly desire peace between Venezuela
and Colombia, and l consider that, by reason
Of the Venezuelan memorandum and our re-
quests communicated automatically through
DR.. Rico, the Colombian Minister TO Venezuela.
for explanation of the invasion of Tachra
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 direc-
ton until an explanatory answer had Deen re
ceived. The invasion Of Tachira 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 toward peace
ful settlement.
No. 1 do not consider Coombia's acceptance
of the offer OF the United States to extend its
good offices and to mediate between the two
countries, which has been reported in the press
here a conciliatory answer to our diplo-
matte requests through DR.. Rico. If Colombia
would officially notify to Venezuela that she had
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
decidedly cannot, directly or Indirectly. approach
Colombia again in Conciliatory manner. In
the mean time we shall continue TO guard our
frontier against invasion. If Colombia does not
answer difficulties will doubtless arise. With
two lines OF armed men face TO face on the from
tier, this is to be expected.
Venezuela can get along very we'll without
Colombia. We have no business or 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 be-
tween Venezuela and France. Yet to-day both
countries seem to he progressing without them.
I sympathize with the Colombian Liberals.
who are revolving against the Conservative Gov
ernment of Colombia. Gladly would 1 see the
downfall of the priest ridden incompetent gov
power. Will, I believe. try TO cause me trouble
and will constitute a standing menace to the
internal tranquility OF Venezuela.
The Conservative Government OF Colombia has
other opponents. notably Ecuador and Nicara-
qua. both of which States would be glad to wit
ness its downfall and the end of the Conserva-
tives
AS for the present incipient revolution in
Venezuela. shall crush II so severely that there
will never be another in this country. Every
spasmodic uprising has thus far been rapidly
and effectively suppressed. Already have inn
prisoned many Nationalists. and I shall con-
tinue to imprison them. Within two months the
movement against me will be crushed.
1t IS costing us much money TO maintain our
present army on the frontier. Nevertheless the
country must defend order. preserve the a
tional dignity and be ready to repel invaders.
On the best authority The Associated Press
correspondent is enabled 10 reiterate the state
ment that the government OF Venezuela is still
opposed 10 an attack Colombia. preferring
10 remain 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 CO.
lomba which Venezuela Notwithstanding the
occurrences OF last month on the Guajira penin-
sula. insists upon considering the sole aggres-
sor would be welcomed by the Caracas Cabinet.
The feeling is growing in Caracas. especially in
official circles. that the mediation OF third
party will eventually be required and that tho
United States Government is logically the best
qualified 10 act.
Venezuela will probably be able 20 maintain
her present armed footing on the frontier for six
or eight months. before the finances OF the coun-
try will require the issuance Of paper money or
an appeal 10 forced loans.