New-York tribune., 1902-11-26
MR.. CASTRO'S PLAIN TALK.


The President of Venezuela evidently believes
in his own reported victory over the revolu-
tionists. He speaks in a confident tone of the
restoration of peace and Of the programme of
rehabilitation which he will pursue 1t Is 10
be hoped his confidence will prove TO be well
founded, For Venezuela certainly needs peace.
Mr.. Castro's administration Of the Presidential
Office has been severely criticised, and IL is not
easy to escape the belief that some Of the criti-
cism is deserved But there is no assurance
that the reyolutionists. If successful. would do
any better. Certainly there is no such promise
of reform at their hands as to warrant the in
definite prolongation of a costly and demoralz-
ing war. If the triumph of aIr. Castro will
mean the prompt restoration Of peace on the
basis set forth in this talk OF his then his tri-
umph is probably the best thing present fate
has in store for Venezuela.
His programme. 1t is to be observed is
commendable one. There is no breathing Of
threatenings and slaughter against his foes. On
the contrary, the President explicitly renews his
promises of magnanimity and liberality. There
is to be amnesty for all, and all are to be in
vited and encouraged to cooperate in rehabili-
tating the country. That is doubtless the pol
icy which should be pursued. 1t would be the
best policy Mr. Castro could pursue to strength
en- his own standing with the country and with
the world There may be those who will
gard his promises with scepticsm. as not to be
trusted. If So it is to be hoped they will be
agreeably disappointed. They may be. The
history Of Latin America contains more than
one example of an enlightened dictator Mr.
Castro has demonstrated his strength. If he
will demonstrate the possession and the prac-
tice of a comparable degree of wisdom and jus.
tice he will place himself in an enviable cate
CORY. His triumph gives him a great oppor-
tunity.
Not the least interesting part of his plain talk
is that In which he speaks OF existing and
hoped for relations between Venezuela and the
United States. He does well TO recall that this
country has "signally opposed the aggression of
foreign powers" That is true generally. and it
is particularly true in reference to Venezuela
For no other country has the United States
more strenuously and persistently exerted its
influence than for Venezuela. sometimes to pro-
tect it from what seemed like unwarranted ag-
gression, sometimes TO save IL from a summary
reckoning for its own misdeeds. Mr. Castro
says Venezuela entertains cordial and sympa-
thetic friendship for the United States That
should be true. We hope 1t is true But the
best proof Of its truth will be found in Venez-
uelas good behavior toward all the world The
United States does not propose TO see Venezuela
oppressed or spoliated That is certain But
neither does 1t propose TO uphold Venezuela or
any other State in wrongdoing The Monroe
Doctrine is a shield for weak States against
strong oppressors. II is not screen for evil
doers against the just penalty of their deeds.
Something may be forgiven TO Venezuela be-
cause of her disturbed condition and the vicissi-
lCoes winch the government has been encoun-
terlng. With the reestablishment OF peace
lne "orld mas right to be more exacting, and