The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1903-03-27
CASTRO MAY REMAIN
Venezuelan Congress Urges Him to
Reconsider His Action.

Caracas, March 23--The Vene.
zuelan congress, by a unanimous
vote, has declined to accept President
CastrO's resignation and has passed
a resolution to request him to recon
slider his action.
The delegation appointed by con
gress called at noon today at the pres
ident's residence, Mirafores pa.ace,
and transmitted 10 ll.sl4ell castro
the resolution unanimously adopted
regarding his resignation, and request
ing him to reconsider his declaration.
President Castro, in reply, declined
to change his> mind, but after being
urged by his personal friends he Of
fered to present another message to
congress which he will meet on Thurs
day to suggest a solution to the situa-
ton.
The French warship Troude has
left La Guayra. Her departure is
taken as indicating that there is no
reason to fear international compiled
tons as a result of President Castro's
resignation.
The congressional hall was crowded
yesterday and all the members of
the diplomatic corps were present
when President Castro read his mes
sage to congress. President Castro
first passed in review the terrible
conditions which prevailed in the
| country and denounced the 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 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 justifes the
supposition that an onward step has
been taken on the road to human per-
lection
Touching then on the question of
the recent foreign intervention, Pres
iGent Castro said it had been brought
about by a league of people who,
unable to submit their claims to the
impartiality of the tribunals, had en-
ployed force, and that because he re-
fused to submit to the Anglo-German
exactions they, acting in collision
with. the revolutionary general, Matos,
endeavored to get rid of him. In con-
firmation of this statement President
Castro cited a letter written by the
commander of the German warship
Stosch. President Castro pointed out
that the sovereignty 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 Ven
ezuelan the slightest pretext for any
hostility to his country or for conniv-
ance with the foreigners who, without
any grounds that have force, have
fallen upon unfortunate Venezuela
%treading under foot reason and JUS
tice to the detriment of civilization
and right. With head uplifted and
with a tranquil conscience, l return
to the efforts Of toll with honor and
dignity. All the possibilities of my
life are at your service, should it be-
come necessary to arise and defend
our country against the attacks of
the foreigner. All the glory l ask is
to contemplate Venezuela respected,
prosperous and happy
The president CT congress then re-
ceived President Castro's resignation
and a committee was Immediately ap-
pointed to draw up a reply to the ten
dered resignation.
The WI of the presidents resig-
nation caused intense excitement in
political circles; but the city remain