The Corvallis times. (Corvallis, Or.) 1888-1909, 1902-12-17

JN DHOLN1DLh i -
two facts: Germany suddenly sus-
pended the pressure of the early
part of the year, which diminished
the respect in which she was held
by President Castro; secondly, the
attitude of the officials of the Crest
Venezuelan railroad toward Presi.
dent Castro. Germany's first prin-
ciple must be not to meddle in the
internal affairs of Venezuela, but
the railroad officials forget this"
DR.. Passarae describes the state
as drifting to certain decay, and as
following a steadily. downward
course since General Blanco's pres
idency. The color question plays
an important role in political ten
der cies. The mixed negroes and
Indians, etc, are getting an upper
hand in society and politics.
Washington Dec. 12.-The re-
quest of President Castro that
Minister Bowen act as mediator
with Great Britain and Germany
is received with favor in Washing.
ton, but British and German offic-
ials think it comes too late.
The allied powers are explaining
how the Venezuelan ships happened
to be sunk and try to explain it
away.
The plan for settling foreign
claims on which Venezuela was
negotiating before the blockade be-
gan, is published in London.
The allied fleets hold the ports,
the Venezuelans continue to arm
and fortify the cities, and there are
rnmors of an intended lombard
ment of La Guayra.
Caracas, Dec. 14.-The news of
bombardment of Puerto CabelIo
caused much intense excitement
here. The population focked into
the streets and patriotic demonstra-
tions continued all. night. An inn
mense crowd, whose numbers are
estimated at more than 10000,
gathered in front of the Presidential
Palace and called on President
Castro to appear. Some of the ora
tors among the crowd having advo-
Gated reprisals against the foreign
ers resident in Venezuela. President
Castro, in rage at the suggestion,
refused the demands made in the
following speech:
Citizens-The size of nations like
the size of men is measured only
by their acts. Those born brave
prove their valor on the battlefield,
not against defenceless citizens who
perhaps, are innocent. are in their
hearts with US, and who al ashamed
of the infamy of their compatriots.
We will seek prisoners for
Venezuelan jails on the battlefield.
Our action will be directed only
against those who come armed.
However great may be our indig-
nation, we must behave as a culti-
veted and civilized people, espe-
cially now,when the most powerful
nation of Europe are behaving like
real savages. I counsel the greatest
prudence in order not to abandon
our rights, the justice of our cause
and reputation
The good name of Vehezuela
must remain always secure, what.
ever emergencies may arise in the
struggle.
La Guayra, Venezuela, Dec. 10.
Great Britain and Germany
are at war with Venezuela though
they, have dispensed with a formal
declaration.
They have seized the Venezuela
fleet and ethe custom house at La
Quara, the port of Caracas. They
propose to seize other custom-houses
and patrol the coast to prevent
smuggling at>other points.
After Selling the ship they sank
all except one, on which the French
have a claim. They landed parties
and escorted their Consulson board
their Warship. They have seized
gunboat at port of Spain.
Castro has retaliated by arresting
about 125 British and German sub
jects, and all property Of subjects of
those countries. United States
Minister Bowen procured the
release of the Con uls and few
others, but the rest are prisoners.
Castro has also appealed to the
nation to defend the people.
Caracas on Tuesday night was in
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