The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1903-03-23

CARACAS, March 22.-The Vene-
kuelan congress, by unanimous vote,
has declined to accept President Cas-
tro's resignation and has passed a reso-
luton requesting him to reconsider his
decision. 1t is believed the president
will yield to this expressed desire of
congress and remain in power.
The congressional hall was crowded
yesterday and all the members of the
diplomatic corps were present when
President Castro read his message to
congress. President Castro first
passed in review the terrible conditions
which prevailed in the country and
denounced the errors of his country
men.
But" he continued, "if it is pain
full to consider how much blood has
been shed and how many tears, it is
a consolation to think that their bit
ter stream by the law of compensa-
tion Will fecundate something that
should correspond to present day as
pirations, since every struggle begets
an idea and every victorious idea JUS
tifies the supposition that an onward
step has been taken on the road to
human perfection. Our victory, citizen
legislators, over the great adVersities
which have just oppressed us must
terminate the tumultS of our life
otherwise we shall reach a shameful
dissolution"
League of People Responsible.
Touching then on the question of
the recent foreign Intervention Presi-
dent Castro said it had been brought
about by a league of people who, un-
able to submit their claims to the i'm
partiality of the tribunals, had en-
plOyed force, and that because he re-
fused to submit to the Anglo German
eXactions4 they, acting in collusion
with the revolutionary general, Matos,
endeaVored to get rid of him. In con-
firmation of this statement President
Castro cited a letter written by the
commander of the German warship
Stosch. President Castro pointed out
that the sovereignty of the nation had
been safeguarded and said:
I 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 VeneZue-
Ian the slightest pretext for hostility
to his country or for connivance with
foreigners who. without any ground
save force, fell upon unfortunate Ven
eZueia, trampling under foot reason
and justice to the detriment of civili-
ZatiOn and right. With head uplifted
and with tranquil conscience 1 re-
turn to the efforts of toll which 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
/ ask is to contemplate Venezuela be-
coming respected, prosperous and
happy
Resignation Received.
The president of the congress then
received President Castro's resignation
and a commission was Immediately ap-
pointed to draw up reply to the ten
dered resignation.
The news of the presidents resigna-
tion created intense excitement in po-
litical circles, but the city remained
quiet
Later a night session of congress
was held and a resolution was adopted
requesting President Castro to recon
slider his resignation in view of the
critical condition of the republic, and
a vote of confidence in his policy was
passed unanimously. A commission
was appointed to transmit this resolu-
of the reasons for the resignation given
in the presidential message 1t is be-
lieved in political circles that Presi-
dent Castro will retain the presidential
office.
Castro Receives Delegation.
The delegation appointed by con-
gress called at noon today at the presi-
dents residence, Miraflores palace.
and transmitted to President Castro
the resolution unanimously adopted by
congress, refusing to accept this resig-
nation and requesting him to recon
slider his decision. President Castro
cision. President Castro in reply de-
clined to change his mind, but after
being urged by his personal friends he
offered to present another message to
congress, which he will meet on Thurs
day, to suggest a solution to the situa-
tion.
The French warship Troude has left
La Guaira. Her departure is taken as
indicating that there is no reason to
rear internal complications as a result
of President Castro's resignation.
London is Surprised.
LONDON. March 22.-The news of
President Castros resignation came as
complete surprise to people here, but
London is deserted today by diplomats,
and the event is little discussed. Until
last Saturday afternoon President
Castro's tenure of office was taken as a
matter of course. In fact, the reported
bitches in the negotiations with the
powers were privately attributed here
to President Castro's endeavors to
make another bid for popular favor.
Some months ago the possible deposit