The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-03-23
Asked that Congress Choose His Le-
People support Him Heartily.
REVIEW OF RECENT TROUBLES
FOREIGN AID TO THE INSURGENTS
ALLEGED BY THE EXECUTIVE.
Hopes for the Peace and Prosperity of
the COuntry-Other Phases of the
Venezuelan Situation.

CARACAS, March 22.-The Venezuelan
Congress, by unanimous vote, has de-
clined to accept President Castro's resig-
nation and has passed resolution request
ing him to reconsider his decision 1t is
believed the President will yield to this ex-
pressed desire of Congress 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 Pres
ident Castro first passed in review the terri
BILE conditions which prevailed in the coun-
try and denounced the errors of his coun-
trynen. But" he continued, ''if it is pain
full to consider how much blood has been
shed and how many tears. it is a consola-
tion to think that their bitter stream by
the law of compensation will fecundate
something that should correspond to pres
ent-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, citizen legislators
over the great adversities which have Just
oppressed us must terminate the tumults
of our life, otherwise we shall reach a
shameful dissolution"
Touching, then. on the question of re-
cent foreign Intervention, President Castro
said it had been brought about by league
of people who, unable to submit their
claims to the impartiality of the tribunals,
had employed force. and that because he re-
fused to submit to the Anglo-German exac-
tons they. acting in collusion with the rev.
olutionary General Matos, endeavored to
get rid of him (Castro) In confirmation
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 ma
tion had been safeguarded and said:
Il 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 country or for
any ground save force, fell upon unfortu-
nate Venezuela, trampling under foot rea-
cation and right. With head uplifted and
with tranquil conscience / 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 neces-
sary to arise and defend our country
against the attacks of the foreigner All
the glory / ask is to contemplate Vene-
zuela becoming respected. prosperous and
happy.
The president of Congress then received
President Castro's resignation and COM
mttee was Immediately appointed to draw
up reply to the rendered resignation.
The news of the Presidents resignation
created intense excitement in political cir
cles, but the city remained quiet.
Later a night session Of Congress was
held and resolution was adopted request
ing President Castro to reconsider his
resignation in view of the critical condi-
ton of the republic, and a vote of conf
dence in his policy was passed unanimous
ly A committee was appointed to trans
NIT this resolution to the President to-day.
In view of the reason for the resignation
given in the presidential message it is be-
lieyed in political circles that President
Castro will retain the presidential office
The delegation appointed by Congress
| called at noon to-day at the President S
residence, Mirafiores Palace, and transmit
| ted to President Castro the resolution
| unanimously adopted by Congress, refusing
to accept his resignation and requesting
| him to reconsider his decision. President
! Castro in reply declined to change his
| mind but, after being urged by his per-
| sonaI friends he offered to present another
| message to Congress, which will meet
| on Thursday, to suggest a solution to the
! situation.
The French warship Troude has left La
! guayra. Her departure is taken as indi-
/ eating that there Is no reason to fear in
! ternal complications a result of Presi-
! dent Castro's resignation.