New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-20
JEALOUSY CAUSED DEFEAT.
CASTRO'S VICTORY ASCRIBED TO QUAR-
RELS OF REVOLUTIONISTS
VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT TO PUSH AID
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. PREPARES TO
COLLECT CLAIMS

Willemstad, Curacao. Nov. 19-The enmity
between General Mendoza and General Rolando
is alleged to be responsible for the defeat of
the revoutionists at La Victoria 1t Is SAID
that Mendoza is jealous of General Rolando'
whose troops are bearing the brunt of the hght-
ing. Generals Riera and Solagnie have also dis
appeared but there still exist in the country
numerous guerilla bands who, formidable one
day, disappear the next on the approach OF the
government troops.
President Castro is quoted at saying, I have
the situation we'll in hand and shall vigorously
pursue my advantage" He is theoretically
pushing operations to prevent the revolutionists
from recovering from the effect Of their dissen-
sions and the fight of General Matos Since the
battle of La Victoria the government troops
have occupied Coro and Cumana, and they are
preparing Immediately to attack Barcelona
where the revolutionary General GuZman Is
stationed with thousand men. They VIII
then march on Cudad Bolivar, which is held
by General Ferrera, with four hundred men,
When these points have been taken President
Castro will dominate all the customs seaports,
which he proposes to declare free Immediately
President Castros forces are thus disposed:
Three thousand men at Caracas. 1,5O0 men at
Coro, 1900 on the way to Barquisimeto, 12OO
at Carupano, LOO at Los Andes, 700 at Higue-
rote, and smaller garrsons at the other impor-
tant points.
One Of the objects of Matoss departure, it is
reported, is to attempt to induce the Colombian
Government. which is VIGOROUSLY unfriendly to
President Castro to send arms and ammunition
to the revoutionists. Matos also relies on his
wealthy friends in this island with whom he is
comforting, though sick. These persons have al
ready contributed money in support Of the Ven
ezuelan revolution. but under the belief that
President Castro would fee from the country.
Matoss plans are kept secret Though MS
estates in Venezuela have been confscated, he
still has money. and can. If he chooses, continue
the contest either personally or through Cen
erals Rolando and Mendoza The opinion how
ever in well informed circles is that Matoss
aspirations to the Presidency of Venezuela are
ended. General Rolando is a member Of the
Mocho party and it is reported that If he can
obtain ammunition he will support General Jose
NJ. Hernandez, known as FL Mocho, who is slck'
and who has been confined in chains for TWO
years in the Castle of Maracaibo General Ro-
lando is the strongest leader Of the reVoIu-
tionists He commands nine hundred men, and
can draw around him about four thousand; but,
though it is currently reported that he has 6OO,-
900 rounds OF ammunition, II is believed that he
has not more tran 10000 rounds. He is now at
Lezama awaiting additional ammunition. The
wherea bouts of General Mendoza are unknown
though the Venezuelan Government ofhclaiS are
10 be in the western district and TO have with
him only his staff; but he is able to gather men
around him.
There is a rurnor that President Castro's prin-
cpal general, Baptiste. he demanded the re.
moval of General Telo MENDOZA, Minister or
Finance and Public Credit, and the dismissal
of DR.. Torres Cardenas, President castro
General Secretary but this report is dtscredited
in view of General Baptiste's devotion TO the
President.
Germany is preparing to collect her claims
against Venezuela and has four warships III
Venezuelan waters The German cruiser Ga
zelle has proceeded TO ST Thomas and viii re-
turn 10 La Guayra via Trinidad. The German
Legation has received no instructions to press
these claims. but II is understood that orders
have come from Berlin TO collect them when
President Castro has fully re-established his
power. The Legation and President Castro are
now engaged in an ugly dispute regarding the
recent visit OF the German gunhoat Panther
up the River Orinoco which is increasing the
tension between Venezuela and Germany. It
is said from authoritative German source
that Ambassador Holeben some time ago
made a declaration to President Roosevelt that
Germany would not occupy any Venezuelan
territory,"and he observed that, whatever action
might be taken, Germany not seeking coal
ing stations in Venezuelan territory.