The Washington times., 1903-03-23
Unanimous Refusal of Con-
gress to Accept Resigna-
ton Conflrmed-HaZard-
Gus Moment to Abandon
Power.
Minister Bowen Still With
out Official COmmunica-
ton With CaracaS-MeS-
sage Received at State
Department.

The State Department is in receipt
of a cablegram from MIR. Russell the
charge d'affaires at Caracas, which con-
firms the press dispatches that the Ven
ezuelan congress has declined TO accept
the resignation OF President Castro, and
that it's action was unanimous
1t is believed that Castro's purpose
in resigning as President OF the repub-
lie ut this time was in reality to obtain
vote of confidence from the congress.
which has been given him While he
has refused to reconsider his action. he
has promised another solution Of the
problem. which will be announced soon.
Will Retain Control.
He will remain the controIling in
auence in Venezuelan affairs.
Diplomats are not inclined TO discuss
for publication the resignation OF Presi-
dert Castro. and admit that In the alb
sence OF detailed information on the sub
ieet ii is difficult TO rightly estimate the
motives for the abdication Il is the
general belief. however. that Castro will
not loose the reins or power from his
hands at this time.
ing the move. II is almost the unanimous
opinion here that IL was wise one. The
allies have shown from time to time that
it was Castro rather than Venezuela to
which they were opposed.
While the peace OF the country was
seriously jeopardized from without so
long as Castro remained at his post
nothing could better demonstrate his
personal disinterestedness and patriot
ism than q withdrawal when the danger
had passed Castro. however. was al
most certain that the venezuelan con
gress. which he practically controls.
would reject his resignation and beg
him TO remain at the head Of the gov
ernment.
A Hazardous Moment.
To throw the matter for decision be-
fcre a popular election at a time when
the country is torn by a formidable rev
olutiou is an undertaking so hazardous
as 10 be impracticable and II is proba-
bic that Castro VIII be prevailed upon
by the congress to remain or Will sub
NIT plan by which a friend will tempo
rarily take his place.
Minister Bowen is having a long wait
for Information OF definite character
from Venezuela. Thus far he has re-
ceived no personal advices from Presi-
dent Castro or from the Venezuelan
congress relating to the resignation Of
the President. Yet he expresses CONF
dence in the government and feels that
his undertaking here TO settle the re-
public's financial difficulties will remain
stable.
Bowen Not Surprised.
Mr.. Bowen has noticed the reports OF
this morning that Castro discovered that
pIotters had been busy in the past few
weeks while the President was at the
front strengthening against attacks By
insurgent forces and says that this is
not an unusual experience for a leader
Neither Is Mr. Bowen greatly surprised
by the effect upon President Castro Of
this plotting.
President Castro saw that his position
mus be made secure II IL was 10 be
uutenable when absent in conflict as he
frequently Is. Without this security he
was unable 20 proceed with confidence.
He wanted the commercial world to look
upon the government as stable in order
that the country might grasp the bust
ness withon it's reach.
This explains. thinks Mr.. Bowen. the
resignation of the President Mr. Bowen
feels sure also in view OF the imme-
date action OF the congress in voting
resolutions OF confidence IN Castro that
ne VIII be overwhelming elected by the
people and that the Venezuelan govern
ment viii take rank with other South
American republics which enjoy the con-
hdence OF the commercial world. In view
OF the fact that Castro has sent TO the
congress an agreement TO suggest
solution TO the didhculty Il is believed
he may be induced TO retain the direc-
tOrate. especially 81 II is anywhere unan-
imous.