Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-23
CONFIDENCE IN CASTRO
VENEZUELAN CONGRESS ASKS
HIM TO RETAIN OFFICE.
He Had rendered His Resignation as
President - Matter Still
in Allegiance.

A dispatch from Caracas yesterday says:
The delegation appointed blythe Venezue-
Ian congress called at noon today at the
presidents residence, Miraflores Palace
and transmitted to Castro the resolution
unanimously adopted last night by con-
gress refusing to accept his resignation,
rendered the congress Saturday, and re-
questing 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 pre-
sent another message to congress. which
he will meet on Thursday, to suggest
solution of the situation.
The congressional hall was crowded yes
terday afternoon, and all the members OF
the diplomatic corps were present when
President Castro read his message to con-
gress. President Castro first passed in
review the terrible conditions which pre-
vailed in the country, and denounced the
errors of his countrymen. But" he con-
tinued, IF 1t is painful to consider how
much blood has been shed and how many
tears, It is a consolation to think that
their bitter stream by the law of compen-
sation will fecundate something that
should correspond to present-day aSpira-
lions, since every struggle begets an idea
position that onward step has been
taken on the road to human perfection.
Our victory, citizen legislators, over the
great Universities which have just OPP
pressed must terminate the tumults of
our life, otherwise we shall reach a shame
full dissolution
Touching, then, on the question OF the
recent foreign Intervention, President
Castro said it had been brought about by
a league of people who, unable to submit
their claims to the impartiality of the
tribunals had employed force and that
because he refused to submit to the An
glo-German exactions, they, acting in col
fusion with the revolutionary general,
Matos, endeavored to get rid of him. In
confirmation of this statement President
Cactro cited letter written b. the COM
mander of the German warship Stosch.
President Castro pointed out that the
sovereignty Of the nation had been safe
guarded, and said:
Il 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 Venezuelan the
slightest pretext for hostility to his coun-
try or for connivance with foreigners who,
without any ground save force, fell upon
unfortunate Venezuela, trampling under
foot reason and justice to the detriment of
civilization and right. With head up
lifted and with a tranquil conscience, 1
return to the efforts of toll which honor
and dignity.
"All the energies and possibilities of
my life are at your service should it be-
come necessary to arise and defend our
country against the attacks of the for
egners. All the glory 1 ask Is to con-
template Venezuela becoming respected,
prosperous and happy"
The president of congress then received
President Castro's resignation and a COM
mission was Immediately appointed to
draw up a reply to the rendered resigna-
ton.
The news of the presidents resignation
created intense excitement in political cir
cles. but the city remained quiet.
Later, night session of congress was
held and a resolution was adopted re-
questing President Castro to reconsider his
resignation, in view of the critical con-
dition of the republic, and vote of con-
fdence in his policy was passed unani-
mousiy. A committee was appointed to
transmit this resolution to the president
which was done today.
In view of the reasons for the resigna-
ton given in the presidential message it
is believed in political circles that Presi-
dent Castro will retain the presidential
office.
The French warshlp Troude has left La
Guaira. Her departure is taken as in
dicating that there is no reason to fear
internal complications as a result of Pres
ident Castro's resignation.