The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-03-23


Cipriano Castro fought his way to the
presidency I'm 1901 and has held the office
against ten revolutions.
The story is told that he was a mule
driver in n hamlet In the Andes when
the ambition TO be president seized him.
that he gathered seventy men OF his
stamp. set out for the capital, collected
recruits by the way until he had a large
army, won n series or notable victories,
sent word To President Andrade 10 clear
out and. being obeyed, occupied the va
Gated place.
When Castro arrived in Caracas three
years ago IL is asserted that me had not
money enough TO pay for a nights lodg
ing. Now IL is estimated that he is
worth $5,000.000. His enemies call him
'"The Robber President"
On overthrowing President Andrade.
Castro proclaimed himself dictator.
March 30, 1901. After that he was elect
ed provisional president by tho const-
tuent assembly he organized, and In Feb
ruary OF last year was regularly elected
by his own congress for term OF six
years. His term would have expired
Feb. 90, 1908.
It was largely due to President Castro's
stubborn policy that tho recent Venez-
uelan-German-E English controversy arose.
The debts due citizens OF those coun-
tries were admitted, but Castro claimed
that all the republics revenues were
needed TO suppress revolutions.
He never had the confidence OF the
state department at Washington. and
diplomats think the United States con-
sented TO the tactics employed by Ger
many and England in order that Castro
might be taught a lesson.
That he did not have the confidence
OF his own people was shown by the
mass-meeting held directly after the
blockade began, at which resolutions
were adopted calling on him to resign.
Disregarding the advice OF the busi-
ness men of his country 10 yield TO SUI
pertor force. Castro issued a proclama-
ton calling on the citizens OF Venezuela
TO organize and prepare to repel the in
vasion.
BY finally yielding 20 Minister Bowen
complete authority TO conduct negotia-
uons Castro prevented the overthrow OF
his government at that time
The latest revolution under Gen. Matos
has been the most formidable OF all. Ma
tos has had the support OF the better
element of citizens and foreigners, and
many believed II was only va question OF
time until Castro would be overthrown.
He Is OF extremely nervous tempera-
ment and in constant fear of assassina-
ton. After one attempt TO assassinate
him Castro moved from the yellow house,
the presidential mansion OF Venezuela,
to Mirafores palace. There in a room
the walls and floors OF which are Said
TO be OF steel, he eats and sleeps. The
steel house Is bullet-proof.
Even though his resignation has been
rendered, II is not likely that he will be
permitted 10 remain In the country, as
his presence would be a constant menace
to the government.
The Venezuelan congress by a unani-
nous vote has declined to accept Presi-
dent Castro's resignation. and has passed
a resolution requesting him to reconsider
his decision. 1t is believed that President
Castro will yield to this expressed desire
OF congress and remain in power.
The congressional hall was crowded
yesterday afternoon, and all the MEM
bers OF the diplomatic corps were present
when President Castro read his message
to congress.
Touching then on the question OF the re-
cent foreign intervention. President Cas-
ira said IL had been brought about by a
league of people. who, unable to submit
their cloims to the impartiality Of the
tribunals. had employed force. and that
because he refused to submit to the An
glo-German exactions. they, acting I'm
collusion with the revolutionary Gen. |
Matos endeavored TO get rid OF him.