Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1903-03-26
VENEZUELAN SENSATION
CASTRO HAS RESIGNED PREsl.
DENcY.

DENcY.
Head Of Venezuelan Government Sud.
denly Decides to Step From
Power.
Caracas, March 23.-President Cas-
tro has resigned. He placed his resig-
nation of the presidency Of the repuo-
lie of Venezuela in the hands of the
president of congress after the presi'
Dental message.
Senior Castro handed over the exer-
else of the presidential functions to
the president of congress.
In the ordinary course of events
President Castror's term would have
ended Feb. 20, 1908. He was elected
president of Venezuela in February Of
last year for six years. beginning Feb.
20, 1902. He had been elected provis
ional president of Venezuela on March
30, 1901, by the constituent assembly.
Senior Castro, when the presidency
changed hands sometime previous to
that date, had proclaimed himsei.
president and the United States gov
eminent in November, 1899, officially
recognized the de facto government
headed by him. The action of the
constituent assembly legalized his po-
sition and vested him with the full
powers of presidential ruler to the
limit of its authority. Up to that
time while being generally recognized
as president of Venezuela, he had in
reality been simply dictator of the
republic. A year later, as already
stated, the Venezuelan congress rati.
fed his election and regularly install.
ed him as president of Venezuela for
term of six years dating from Feo.
20, 1902.
Washington, March 23.-The first
intimation received by Secretary Hay
of President Castro's resignation was
given him by the Associated Press
dispatch announcing the fact. He
would not discuss the matter, however,
beyond stating that the news was un.
expected. Herbert w. Bowen, Vene-
zuela's plenipotentiary here, likewise
had not been informed until shown
the dispatch. Until officially advised
he said he would be unable to give ex.
preston to any views on the subject.
From an authoritative quarter, how.
ever, 1t was learned that this move
on the part of President Castro has
long been contemplated. Representa-.
lions were made to him several months
ago by the leaders of Venezuela that
his resignation would have the effect
of enabling the people of that coun.
try to present a solid front to the
world in the matters in controversy
with the several powers. The state
ment was made that the resignation
is the result OF a secret agreement
with the leaders referred to that Presi.
dent Castro temporarily relinquish his
office pending the adjustment of the
matters which Minister Bowen has in
hand.
II was intimated by the Associated
Press informant that while President
Castro nominally gives up his office,
1t is the intention to keep 1t within
the family by an arrangement to make
Castro's brother vice president, so that
he would succeed to the presidency.
1t is the belief here, based on informa.
ton which until now had been kept
inviolate, that the present plan is 70
allow President Castro to remain out
of office for a short time and then re.
elect him at the next elections. Mr..
Pulido, the Venezuelan charge DAT.
flares, is absent from Washington,
and 1t was states. is now on his way to
the Venezuelan capital.
Caracas, March 23-The Vene
Zuelan congress by a unanimous vote,
has declined to accept President Cas-.
tro's resignation and has passed n
resolution requesting him TO recon
slider his decision. 1t is believed that
President Castro will yield to this ex.
pressed desire of congress and remain
in power.
Caracas, March 23.-The delegation
appointed by congress called at the
presidents residence. Miraiores pal.
ace, and transmitted to President Cas-.
tro the resolution unanimously adopt.
ed by congress refusing to accept his
resignation, and requesting him to re.
consider his decision. President Cas-.
tro 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 to the situation.