New-York tribune., 1904-08-10
CASTRO MUST BE JUST.
U. S. WATCHING HIS SUIT.
"Snap" Judgment in 1sphaLt Case
WI Bring Strong Protest.
TFRoar THE rRIBT-vr RTrRpAT--l

washington Aug. 9.-Information has reached
the State Department that the Castro admin
istration in Venezuela has brought suit against
General Matos TO recover damages alleged to
have resulted from the Matos revolution
amounting 10 250000OO bolivars. or 5000 900.
AS General Matos is the owner Of extensive pos
sessions in Venezuela. it seems probable that
the state viii be able TO recover the amount de-
manded by conhscation of Matos's estate, pro
Vided' OF course. that the courts uphold the
claim of the administration
The administration further presents claim
against the New-York and Berrnudez Asphalt
Company Of 5o0O0OOO bolivars. alleged damages
resulting from the same revolution. although in
'hlS instance the amount appears to be much
larger While at the State Department en-
phasis is laid on the fact that the course of the
Castro administration is entirely within the law
ana that recourse in the effort virtually to for
felt the asphalt companys property is being
had only TO strictly legal procedure it is learned
from unoHlcial sources that a general impression
prevails that Castro seeks to recover from Matos
ana from foreign concesstonaires a sum Of
money or its equivalent equal 10 the amount
"hich venezuela viii be compelled to pav The
foreign powers as a result of the recent Hague
arbitration.
me rear is guardedly expressed by some per.
sons familiar with the situation in Venezuela
party TO Castrc's efforts to recoup his regime
through the forfeiture OF the New-Yo-t COM
panys property BE that as It may. the State
Department proposes 10 examine with the ut
most care the proceedings of the Venezuelan
courts IN so fa- as they affect the rights OF
Americans. and no injustice VIII be tolerated.
IA lhe verdict Of the court is found to rest on
principles ot equity, the New-York company will
nave no redress. but IL their representations that
they are being treated with gross injustice are
found 10 he correct Minister Bowen win be in
structed to inform President Castro that the
property OF the Americans must be promptly
and wholly restored
While the statement has been made that a re-
ceiver has been appointed for the New-York and
Bermudez Company. that does not convey pre-
cisely the facts. A suit has been brought before
the Supreme Court OF Venezuela praying for
the confscation Of the companys property 10
the government on the ground that the COM
pany has failed to comply with the terms Of its
franchise. and, pending the termination of that
suit. federal custodian. who is charged with
the entire administration Of the affairs OF the
asphalt company, has been placed in charge of
its property.
1t is expected that the Supreme Court Will
render a decision in this case on or about Au-
gust 12 and the opinion OF the court is being
awaited with interest II. perchance. the prayer
Of the government is denied. there will be no oc-
cason for the United States to interfere. but If
the unofi ,ial sdvices. which allege that Prosi-
dent Castro Is merely seeking by means nearest
at hand TO recoup his administration for the
penalties imposed by the so-called mixed court
are correct it is probable that the United States
viii be compelled to lodge further protest with
President Castro.