Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1903-03-23
URGE COUNTRrs CRITICAL CONDITION
Endorse Present Administration and Recon-
mend Its Continuance.
EXECUTIVE STANDS BY HIS DECISION
Refuses to Withdraw, but will Offer Some
Suggestions.
CLAIMS ALLIES SECRETLY AIDED RiBELS
Scores BIockudinE Powers for Resist
ing Arbitration and Insurgents for
Accepting Foreign Aid
in Revolution.

CARACAS, March 22.-The Venezuelan
congress has unanimously declined to ac-
cept President Castro's resignation and has
passed a resolution requesting him to re-
consider his decision. It is believed he
will yield to this expressed desire and re-
main in power.
The congressional hall was crowded yes
terday and all the members of the diplo-
matte corps we're present when President
Castro read his message to congress. After
first revolving the terrible conditions In
the country and denouncng the errors Of
his countrymen, he added: III it is pain
full to consider how much blood has been
shed, there is consolation in the thought
that out OF this bitter stream, by the law
OF compensation, something corresponding
to present day aspirations must inevitably
spring Every struggle begets an idea and
every victorious idea justfes the suppo-
stion that an onward step has been taken
on tho road to human perfection. Our
victory, citizen legislators, over the great
troubles which have just oppressed us must
terminate the tumults of our life, other
wise we shall reach a shameful dissolu-
ton"
Allies Seek to Aid MatOs.
Touching then on the recent foreign
blockade, President Castro said it had been
brought about by a league who, unable to
submit their claims TO the impartiality Of
the tribunals, had employed force, and that
because he refused to submit to the Anglo
German eXactions, they, acting in colluslon
with the revolutionary general, Matos, en-
deavored to get rid Of him. In confirmation
of this statement he cited a letter written
by the commander of the German warship
Stosch.
President Castro pointed out that the
sovereignty OF the nation had been safe
guarded, and said
l 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-
son, and justice to the detriment Of civili-
zatlon and right With head -uplfted and
with a tranquil conscience return to that
toll which honors and dignihes. All the
your service should 1t become necessary
TO arise and defend our country against
ask is to contemplate Venezuela becoming
respected. prosperous and happy.
Resignation is Quickly Refused.
Tho president of congress then received
President Castro's resignation and a COM
up a reply.
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 a resolution adopted requesting
the president to reconsider his resignation
In view Of the critical condition of the
republic and a vote of confidence in his
policy was passed unanimously. COM
mittee was appointed to transmit this res
olution to the president today.
In view OF the reasons for the resigna-
tion given in the presidential message 1t
is believed, in political circles, that Senior
Castro will withdraw his resignation.
The delegation appointed by congress
called today on the president and pre-
sented the resolution unanimously adopted
refusing to accept his resignation and re-
questing him to reconsider his decision.
President Castro, in reply, declined ia
change his mind. but after being urged by
personal friends. offered to present another
message to congress on Thursday, to sug-
gest a solution to the situation.
The French warship Troude has left La
Guayra. Its departure is taken to indi-
cate that there is no reason to fear in
ternal complications as a result of Presi-
dent Castro's resignation.
London IL AstOunded.
LONDON. March 22-The news Of Presl-
dent Castros resignation came as a COM
plete surprise TO people here, but London Is
deserted today by diplomats and the event
10 little discussed.
Until Saturday, President Castros tenure
OF ONCE was taken as a matter Of course
In fact, the reported bitches in the negotia-
tions with the powers were privately at
tributed to his endeavor to make another
bid for popular favor. Some months age
the possible deposition OF the Venezuelan
president was discussed at the foreign
once as a serious objection to making
terms With Venezuela, with nothing but
President Castro's signature as a guaranty
but since then officials were inclined to be,
lieve that his position was well estab
lished.
Germany Expects Assurances.
BERLIN March 22.-The German govern.
ment had no warning OF President Castro
retirement. The feeling in official quarters
Is rather one OF regret than otherwise, be
cause the resignation creates uncertaint!
regarding conditions that were understood
during the unfinished negotiations a
Washington. A declaration from his sue
cessor that the terms OF the settlemen
already reached will be fulfilled is ex
pected here.
The official mind declines 10 consider tn
contingency that the payments under tn
protocals may be defaulted or the settle
ment repudiated. On the contrary, Il as
sumes that the new Venezuelan executive
will stand by President Castro's engage
ments abroad. in order to have free han,
In Quieting the internal disorders.
Pope Prays for Peace.
ROME, March 22.-Considerable impres
sion was made here, especially at the for
sign once. by the news Of President Gas
tro's resignation, which is regarded as
sign that the internal situation OF Venezuela
Is much worse than appeared from the new
which had boen allowed TO leave Venezuela
II is hoped that President Castros actiol
will lead to the paeihcation OF the countr
and the re-establishment OF order. Tn
belief prevails that his disappearance an