The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-03-27

Caracas. March 22.-The Venezuelan
congress by a unanimous vote has de-
cIined to accept President Castro's res
ignatiOn and has passed a resolution
requesting him to reconsider his de-
cision1 1t is believed that President
Castro will yield to this expressed de-
sire of congress and remain in power
Compression hall was crowded yester-
day afternoon and all the members of
the diplomatic corps were present,
when President Castro read his mes
sage tc congress. President Castro first
passed in review the terrible conditions
which prevailed in the country and de-
nOunced the errors of his cOuntrymen.
But" he continued, IF it is painful to
consider how much blood has been
shed and how many tears, it is a con-
ISOLATION to think hat their bitter
stream by the law of the compensa-
ton Will something that
should correspond to present day as
~piratiOns, since every struggle begets
an idea and every victorious idea JUS
titles the suppOSitiOn that an onward
step has been taken on the road to
human perfection. Cur victory, Cit
izen legislators, over the great adj
VersitieS which have Just oppressed US
must terminate the tumults of our
life, otherwise We shall reach a
shameful dissolution"
Touching then the question of the
recent foreign in zrvention, President
Castro said it ha-- been brought about
by a league of + pie unable to submit
their claims to lie impartiality of the
tribunals. He 5 ID hat because he re-
fused to Subn to the AnglO-German
eXactions, act = in collision with the
revolutionary General. MatOs, they en-
deaVOred to " Il rid of him. In confirm
alton of this statement. President Cas-
trO cited a ! tier written by the COM
mander of the German Warship StoSch,
President castro pointed out that the
sovereign of the nation mad been
s~afe-guar ID, and said:
I now deliver my abdicatiOn in or
der thu you may proceed legally to
call on him who should take my place
so that there may remain to no Vene-
Zuelan the slightest pretext for hostii>
tty to his country or for c~OnniVance
with foreigners who, without any
ground save force. fell upon unfOrtun-
ate Venezuela, trampling nde foot
reason and Justice, to the detriment of
civilization and right. With head up
lifted and with a tranquil conscience I
return to the efforts of toll with honor
and dignity. All the energies and pos
SibilitieS of my life are at your service
should it become necessary to arise
and defend our country against the
attacks of the foreigners. All the
glory l ask is to contemplate Vene-
zuela becoming respected, prosperous
and happy"
The president of then re-
ceiVed President CaStrO'S resignation
and n committee was appointed imme-
diately to draw up a reply to the ten
dered resignation.
The news of the presidents reSigna-
ton created excitement in political cir
cles. but the city remained quiet A
late night session of congress was held
and a resolution was adopted request
ing President Castro to reconsider his
resignation in view of the condition OF
the republic and a vote of confidence
in the president passed unanimously.
4 committee was appointed to trans
NIT this resolution to the president to-
day. In view Of the reasons for the
resignation given in the presidential
message. it is believed in political cir
cles tia President Castro will retain
the presidential office.
The delegation appointed by con
gress called at noon today at the pres
dents residence transmitted to
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 personal friends he offered to
present another message to congress
which will meet on Thursday. to sug
EeSt a solution to the situation.
The French WarShip TrOude left La
Guaira. Her departure is taken as in
dicating that there is no reason to fear
internal combinations as a result of
President Castro's resignation.