The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-03-25
A PATRIOTIC PRESIDENT.
Castro Yields His Will to That
of His People.

--'
Venezuelan Congress, by unanimous
vote, has declined to accept President
Castro's resignation, and has passed
a resolution requesting him to recon
slider his decision. It is believed that
President Castro will yield to this ex-
pressed desire of Congress and remain
in power.
The Congressional hall was crowded
Yesterday afternoon and all the mem
bers of the diplomatic corpse we're
present when President Castro read
his message to Congress. President
Castro Grst passed in review the terri
BILE conditions which prevailed in
the country and denounced tie errors
of his countrymen.
"But," he continued, eff it is pain
full to consider how much blood has
been shed and how many tears, it is a
consolation to think that their bitter
stream by the law of compensation
will fecundate something that should
correspond to present day aspirations,
since every struggle begets an idea,
and every victorious idea justi6es the
supposition that an onward step has
been taken on the road to human
perfection. Our victory, citizen Legis
lators, over the great adversarties which
have just oppressed US must termi-
nate the tumults of our life; otherwise
we shall reach a shameful dissolu-
tion.''
Touching then on the question Of
the recent foreign intervention Presi-
dent Castro said it had been brought
about by league of people, who, IN
able to submit their claims to the
impartiality of the tribunals, had en-
ployed force. He said that because he
refused to submit to the Anglo-Ger-
man exactions the revolutionary
general, Matos, acting in collusion
with the Germans, endeayored to get
rid of him. In confirmation of this
statement President Castro cited let
ter written by the commander of the
German war ship Stosch. President
Castro pointed out that the sovereign
| ty of the nation had been safeguarded,
and said:
81 now deliver my abdication in
order that you may proceed legally to
call on him who should take my place,
SO that there may remain to no Vene-
zuelan the slightest pretext for hostll-
ity to his country or for connlVance
with foreigners, who, without any
ground save force, fell upon unfortu-
nate Venezuela, trampling under foot
reason and justice, to the deteriment
of civilization and right. With head
uplifted and with tranquil conscience
I return to the efforts Of toll which.
honor and dignity. All the energies
and Possibilities of my life are at your
service should it become necessary to
arise and defend our country against
the attacks of the foreigners. All the
glory ask is to contemplate Vene-
zuela becoming respected, prosperous
and happy
The President of Congress then re-
ceived President Castro's resignation,
and commission was appointed I'M
mediately to draw up a reply to the
rendered resignation.
The news of the Presidents resigna-
tion created intense excitement IN po-
litical circles, but the city remained
quiet.
Later, night session of Congress
was held, and a resolution was adopt
ed, requesting President Castro to re-
consider his resignation in view OF the
critical condition of the Republic, and
vote of confidence in his policy was
passed unanimously. A committee
was appointed to transmit this resolu-
tion to the President today. In view
Of the reasons for the resignation
given in the Presidential message, 1t
is believed in political circles that
D-o.;1o,t Coctro will retain the PreSl-
Dental Office.
The delegation appointed by Con
gress, called at noon today at the
Presidents residence and transmitted
to Castro the resolution unanimously
adopted by Congress, refusing to ac-
cent his resignation and requesting
him to reconsider his decision. Presl-
dent Castro in reply declined to
change his mind, but after being urg--
ed by his personal friends he offered
to present another message to Con-
eress, which he will meet on Thurs
dav, to suggest solution to the stu
alton.
The French war ship Troude has LETT
La Guayra. Her departure is taken
as Indicating that there is no reason
>~S
suit of President Castro's resignation.
Raleigh, the capital city of North
Carolina, is largely engaged IN the
agricultural business. It is the proud
owner of a farm containing 1873 acres:
It is the city's dumping ground, and
is being rapidly enriched. The land
cost S., 200. The crop last year was
400 barrels of corn, quantities OF fodder
and grass and $50 bushels of peas.
There are in cultivation IS acres;
On the farm are the pest houses and d
smallpox hospital >, also stables i TOR 3s.4a all
barns. The value of the crop last
year was So, 600, and there is plenty OF
corn. fodder. etc, to feed all the city's
horses until next September or c octoe o.
the farm, says it is profitable and
useful investment, and that the land
is so improved that he believes it couid