The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-22
GREAT SURPRISE AMONG
WASHINGTON DIPLOMATS
Minister Bowen Says It VIII Not In.
terfere With the Present Negotla-
tions-May Be Very Clever
Political Move. "a

Caracas, March I-President Castro
has resigned. He placed his resignation
In the hands of congress after reading
the presidential message.
In the ordinary course of events Presi-
dent Castro's term would have ended
February o. 1908 He was elected presi-
dent of Venezuela last year In February
for six years He had been elected pro-
visional president of Venezuela on March
30, 1901, by the constituent assembly.
Senior Castro, when the presidency
| changed hands some time previous to that
date, had proclaimed himself president,
and the United States government in
November, 1899. had officially recognized
the defacto government headed by him.
The action of the constituent assembly
Iegallzed his position, and invested him
with the full powers of a presidential
ruler to the limit of its authority. Up
to that time, while being generally re-
cognized president of Venezuela, he had
in reality been simply dictator Of the re-
public. year later, as already stated,
the Venezuelan congress ratified his cleo
| ton and regularly installed him pres
ident of Venezuela for a term of six
years, dating from February 20, 1892.
Secretary Hay Notified.
Washington, March 21.-secretary Hay
tonight received dispatch from Mr..
Russell, the United States charge at Ca
racas, confirming the report of Fresidenr
! Castro's resignation. but stating that he
doubted IL the Venezuelan congress would
accept 81
The frs intimaiaon received by Sec
retary Hay 1f President castros resig7
nation was given him by the Associated
Press dispatch announcing the fact He
would not discuss the matter. however,
beyond stating that the news was unex-
pected Herbert b. Bowen, Venezuelan
plenipotentiary here. had not been in
formed until shown the dispatch. Until Of
hoially advised, he said, he would be un-
able to give exprees ion to any views on
the subiec'
From an authoritative quarter, however.
1t was learned that this move on the part
of President Castro has long been con-
templated. Representations were made to
him several months ago by the leaders or
Venezuela that his resignation would
have the effect of enabling the people OF
| that country to present SOLID front 10
! the world in the matters In controversy
with the several powers. The statement
! was made that the resignation Is the re-
suit of a secret agreement with the lead
| ers referred to- that President Castro
| should temporarily reInquish his office
pending the adjustment of the matters
which Minister Bowen has in hand.
VIII Keep It In the Family.
1t was intimated by the Associated
! Press informant that while President
Castro nominally gives up his office, 1t
is the intention to keep It within the fam
| lily by an arrangement to make Castros
| brother vice president so that he would
succeed to the presidency. 1t is the be-
lief here, based on the information which
has been up to now kept invlolate. that
the present plan is to allow President
Castro to remain out of office for a short
time and then re-elect him at the next
election Senor Plido. the Venezuelan
charge d'analres, Is absent from Wash
ington. and 1t was stated Is now on his
way to the Venezuelan capital
Baron Won Sternberg, the German min
lister, was greatly surprised to hear of
the resignation of President Castro- He
has as yet received no official announce
n1ent of the fact. Beyond expressing the
hope that this move would In no way
interfere with the Washington negotia-
tions the minister had nothing to say.
He added. however. that he hoped that
the resignation of President Castro would
not embarass Minister Bowen In his ef-
forts to settle the Venezuelan controversy.
Neither the italian nor British ambas-
sador has as yet received official word
OF the resignation, but they agreed with
Baron Sternberg that there is no reason
why 1t should interfere with the Wash
ington negotiations. Up to late hour
tonight Mr.. Bowen had not been advised
officially of President Castros resigna-
ton. Mr.. Bowen said tonight that he
no reason why the resignation should
have any effect on the present negotia-
tions.
Had Gone to Take Rest.
New York March 21.The last dispatch
relating to President Castro came from
Caracas March "A and in it was stated
that President Castro left that day for
La Victoria. 1t was his purpose to rest
for six days and prepare his message to
congress. which later dispatch announce
ed. had opened on March IS.
| When President Castro was interviewed
January 4 regarding the rumors then cur
| rent that he intended TO abdicate or resign
the presidency of Venezuela he made
the following reply:
you are al liberty to say that have
fought two years to retain the supreme
power WHiSh was HNcSteu ~ ihc oS iHe
people OF Venezuela / will no more
abdicate than l will resign
Much Surprise.
When told that President Castro had
turned over the functions of his office to
General Velutino. the Associated Press
informant expressed much surprise, In
view OF the reputed understanding upon
which the resignation was based. Velu-
tino is said to be one of the cleverest snd
shrewdest men in Venezuelan public life
II Is believed here that II the Venezuelan
congress refuses to accept the resignatioB
as intimated b. Mr.. Russell the United
states charge at Caracas in his dispatch
&c Secretary Hay, it win be TO circumven
any action looking TO velutinos getting
.he power of government In his hands.