The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-23
ezueIanCOngress Passes Res
O|utiORs Asking Him TO
Reconsider,
MAKES OFFER TO SEND
IN ANOTHER MESSAGE
Congress to Meet Again Thursday to
Suggest a Solution to the Sit
uation-city of Caracas
Remains Quiet.

Caracas, Venezuela, March 22.-The
Venezuelan congress by unanimous
vote has declined to accept President
Castros resignation, and has passed
resolution requesting him to reconsider
his decision. 1t is believed the president
will yield to this expressed desire of con-
gress and remain in power.
The congressional hall was crowded yes
terday. and all the members of the diplo-
matte corps were present when President
Castro read his message 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, '1f it is painful to
consider how much blood has been shed
and how many tears, 1t is consolation
to think that their bitter struggle, by the
law of compensation, will fecundate some-
thing that should correspond to present
day aspirations, since every struggle
begets an idea and every victorious idea
justifies the supposition that an onward
step has been taken on the road to human
perfection. Our victory, citizens, legisla-
tors and others, over the great adversi-
ties which have just oppressed us, must
terminate the tumults of our life; other
wise we shall reach a shameful dissolu-
tion."
Sovereignty Was safeguarded.
Touching then on the question of the
recent foreign Intervention, President
Castro said it hnd been brought about
by league of people who unable to sub
NIT their claims to the imparta1ity of
the tribunals, had employed force, and
that because he refused to submit to the
anglo-German exactions they acting in
collusion with the revolutionary general
Matos, endeavored to get rid of him. In
confirmation of this statement, President
Castro cited letter written by the COM
mander of the German warship Stosch.
President Castro pointed out that the SOW
ereignty of the nation had been safe
guarded, and said:
II 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 Venezuelan the
slightest pretext for hostility to his coun-
try, or for connIvance with foreigners
who, without any grounds except selfish +.
ness, fell upon Venezuela, trampling un-
der foot reason and justice to the detri-
ment of civilization and right. With
head uplifted and with a tranquil con-
science, / return to the efforts of toll
with honor and dignity All the ener-
gies and possibilities of my life are at
your service should it become necessary
TO arise and defend country against
the attacks of the foreigners. All the
glory / ask is to compliment Venezuela
become respected, prosperous and happy
The president of congress then re-
celved President Castro's resignation and
It-A.
TO draw UP a reply to the rendered resig-
nation.
Reconsideration is Requested.
The news of the presidents resignation
created intense excitement in political
circles, but the city remained quiet.
Later a night session of congress was
held, and a resolution was adopted re-
questing President Castro to reconsider
MS resignation, in view of the critical
condition of the republic, and a vote of
confidence In his policy was passed unan-
imously.
committee was appointed to transmit
this resolution to the president today. In
view of the reasons for the RESIGNATION
given In the presidential message. II is he
lieved in political circles that President
Castro will retain the presidential office.
Inc delegation appointed by congress
called at noon today at the president 6
residence, Mirafores palace and trans
mltted to President Castro the resol,,.
tion unanimously adopted by congress
refusing to accept his resignation. and re-
questing him to reconsider his decis,o,
President Castro in reply declined IN
change his mind, but after being urgad
By his personal friends, he offered To nra-
sent another message to congress- which
will meet on Thursday to suggest sol,,-
ton to the situation
L
LaGuayra. Her departure is taken
indicating that there is no reason 10 fes :
internal complications as a result Of
PRESIDENT Castro's resignation.
Surprise to London,
London, March 22.-The news of Presi-
dent Castro's resignation came as a com
plete surprise to the people here, but
London is deserted today by diplomats
and the event is little discussed. Until
last Saturday afternoon President Cas-
tro's tenure of office was taken as a
matter of course. In fact. the reported
bitches in the negotiations with the pow
ers were privately attributed here to
President Castro's endeavor to make an
other bid for popular favor.
Some months ago the possible deposit
tion of the Venezulan president was dis
cussed at the foreign office es a serious
objection to making terms with vene-
zula, with nothing but Castros signature
as a guarantee, but since then the Of
ficials here were inclined to believe that
his position was well established
No Warming to Germany.
Berlin, March 22.--The German govern
ment had no warning Of President Cas-
tro's retirement, nor has the press an
nouncement of the fact been supplement-
ed yet by any explanations of the Ger
!. Imam legation at Caracas.
1 = The feeling in official quarters is rather