New-York tribune., 1903-03-23
CASTRO RECONSIDERS.
HE MAY NOT RESIGN.
Asked by Venezuelan Congress to
Remain Their President.

CaracaA March 22-The Venezuelan Congress
by unanimous vote has declined to accept
Presidsnt Castro's resignation and has passed a
resolution requesting him to reconsider his de-
cision- It is believed that President Castro will
yield to this expressed desire Of Congress and
remain in power.
The Congressional Hall was crowded yester-
day afternoon, and all the members Of the diplo-
matte 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 CT his countTymen But" he con-
tirued eff Il Is painful to consider how much
blood and how many tears have been shed. yet
Il Is consolation to think that their bitter
Etream by the law Of compensation will fecun-
date something that should correspond to pres
ent day aspirations, since every struggle begets
en- idea and every victorious idea justihes the
supposition that onward step has been taken
in the road TO human perfection. Our victory,
citizen legislators, over the great adverslties
which have oppressed as must terminate the
4unuits OF our life; otherwise we shall reach
shameful dissolution"
Touching then the question Of the recent
foreign intervention. President Castro said it
had been brought about by league Of people
who unable to submit their claims to the i'm
partiaIity Of the tribunals. had employed force,
and that because he refused to submit TO the
Anglo-Ger7nar exactions they, acting IN collu-
sion with tbs revolutionary General Matos. en-
deavored to get rid OF him In confirmation Of
this latter statement President Castro cited a
letter written by the commander Of the German
warship Stoech- he proceeded to say that now
that the sovereignty Of the nation had been
safeguarded, ct deliver my abdication in order
that you may proceed legally to call on him
who should take my place, that there may
remain to no Venezuelan the slightest pretext
for hostility to his country or for connivance
with foreigners who, without any ground save
force fell upon unfortunate Venezuela tramp
ling under foot reason and justice, to the detr-
raent Of civilization and the beautiful conquests
o. right With head upIifted and with a tran
gull conscience I return to the efforts OF toll
which honor and dignity. All the energies and
possibilities OF my life at your service should
II become necessary to arise and defend our
country against the attacks Of the foreigner.
All the glory ask is to contemplate Venezuela
becoming respected, prosperous and happy
The President Of Congress then received Pres
idert Castros resignation and commission was
Immediately appointed TO draw up reply to the
te~dered resignation.
The news Of the Presidents resignation Gre
ateC intense excitement in political circles, but
the city remained quite quiet
Later a night session Of Congress was held
and n resolution adopted requesting Presl-
dent Castro to reconsider his resignation in view
OF the critical condition of the republic. and q
vote Of confidence in his policy was passed unah-
irnouslv A committee appointed to trans
nit this resolution TO President Castro to-day.
The delegation appointed by Congress called
ct noon to-day at the Presidents residence
Miraf7ores Palace, and transmitted TO President
Ca4tro the resolution unanimously adopted by
Congress refusing to accept his resignation ana
resting him to reconsider his decision. Presi-
dent Castro, in reply, declined to change his
rn.rd but after being urged by his personal
friends he offered to present another message to
~o~r-ess which he will meet On Thursday to
e-ivc solution to the situation.
TIE French warship Troude has left La
Cl-9yra- Her departure is taken as indicating
.Fs- there is no reason to fear internal comph-
cations as result of President Castro's resig-
nation