Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-03-23
CONGRESS DECLINES
To Accept Caatro's Resignation and
Asks Him to Remain.

| Caracas. March 22-The Venezuelan
| congress by unanimous vote has declin-
| ed to accept President Castro's rcsiEna-
| ton and has passed a resolution requiring
him TO reconsider his decision. 1t is be-
| lieved 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 members
| OF the diplomatic corps We're present
when President Castro read his message
to Congress President Castro first pass
cd IN review the terrible conditions which
prevailed in the country and denounced
the errors of his cDuntrymen. But" he
continued, If it is painful to consider
how MUG h blood and how many tears have
hecn Shcu, yet IL is consolation To think
that their bitter stream by the law OF
compensation will fecundate something
that should correspond to present day
pirations since every struggle begets an
idea and every victorious idea justifies the
supposition that an onward step has been
taken in the road to human perfection.
our victory, citizen legislators, over the
great universities which have just OPP
pressed us must terminate the tumuts of
our life; otherwise we shall reach
shameful dissolution
Touching then on the question Of the
recent foreign intervention President
Castro said it had been brought about by
q league of people who, unable to submit
their claims to the impartiality OF tribu-
nails, had employed force, and that be
cause he refused to submit to the Anglo
German exactions they acting in colhi-
sion with the revolutionary general Ma
t0s. endeavored to get rid of him. In con-
iirmation of this latter statement. Presi-
commander of the German warship
Stosch. He proceeded to say that now
that the sovereignty of the nation had
been safeguarded:
Il deliver my abdication in order that
you may proceed legally to call on him
who should take my place, so that thcr,.
est ypretext for hostility to his country
or Tor connivance with foreigners who,
without any ground save force, fell upoii
unfortunate Venezuela, trampling under
loot reason and justice to the detriment
or civilization and the beautiful conquests
of right With head uplifted and with Il
tranquil conscience l return TO the efforts
of toll which honor and dignity. All the
energies and possibilities of my life are
at your service should 1t become neces-
sary to arise and defend our country
against the attacks of foreigners. All the
glory | ask is to contemplate Venezuela
becoming respected, prosperous and hap
py."
The president of Congress then received
PRESIDENT Castro's resignation and a com
mission was Immediately appointed to
draw up reply to the rendered resigna-
The news of the Presidents resignation
created intense excitement In political cir
cies but the city remained quite quiet.
Later night session of Congress was
held and a resolution was adopted re-
Guesting President Castro to reconsider
his resignation in view of the critical con-
Niti'ii VI tLe Iel'uuiIc anu Il vote OF cOnti-
dence in his policy was passed unani-
mously.
committee was appointed to transmit
this resolution to President Castro TODAY
IN view of the, reasons for the resigna-
tlon given in the Presidential message IL
Is believed in political circles that Pres-
dent Castro will retain the Presidential
office.
The delegation appointed by Congress
called at noon. today at the Presidents
residence. Mirafores Palace, and trans
united to President Castro the resolution
unanimously adopted by Congress refus-
ing to accept his resignation and requir-
ing him to reconsider his decision. Pres
ident Castro in reply declined to change
his mind but after being urged by his
personal friends, he offered to present an
other message to Congress, which he will
meet on Thursday to give a solution to
the situation.
The French warship Troude has left La
Gdaira. Her departure is taken as in,ii-
eating that there Is no reason to fear in
ternal complications as result of Presi-
dent Castro's resignation.