The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-03-18
FRENCH PATIENCE
ABOUT EXHAUSTED
Representations Made to Uncle
Sam on Venezuela
CASTRO IS TOO UpPIsH
France, In Her Dealings With the
Country, Wants to Follow the
Policy Of the United
States.

Washington, March 17.-France has Of
ficially informed the United States of the
action of the Venezuelan government
against the French Gable company which
she regards as high handed and unwar-
ranted. While insisting that diplomatic
means will be exhausted in the effort TO
relieve the situation, it is declared that
President Castro is rapidly exhausting
French patience and thereby forcing
France toward the limit of diplomacy.
France has invited the attention of the
American government to the Venezuelan
situation because Of its interest in Pan
American affairs and in order that she
may ascertain the probable course of ac-
ton which this government will take
against Venezuela. 1t is the wish of the
French government to act along parallel
lines as far as practicable. These devei-
opments in the Venezuelan situation to-
day are regarded as the preliminary step
toward the relief of a situation in Cara
cas-. which Europe as well as America
has some time regarded with dissatisfac.
tion.
Calls at State Departments.
Early today M. Gesserand, the French
ambassador. sent his first secretary, NJ
de5 Portes de la Fosse, to the state de-
partment to inform the officials there of
the situation Of the Venezuelan govern
ment against the French Cable company
and of the concern which this action has
caused the French government NJ Fosse
gave the acting secretary of state the
substance OF tie cablegram from Paris
and asked Linn aoout the probable line Of
action
plated in connection with the asphalt
case which also is in President Castro's
courts.
1t was. impossible for Mr.. Adee to COM
nit the government on this point until
the Venezuelan courts have acted, but
he thanked the secretary for advising
this government In the matter and prom
ised him information as soon as the
government was prepared to make an
announcement. AS soon as the French
secretary left Mr.. Adee called at the
War Department where he had a long
conference with Secretary Taft In the
absence of Secretary Hay, the acting
the secretary Of state is consulting on
ali matters of Importance.
Outlines French Position.
1t is probable that upon the Presidents
return from New York M Gesserand.
the French ambassador, will outline to
nm the position in which the French
government finds itself as the result of
President Castro's latest action and dis
cuss generally with the President the en-
tire situation about which France is
keenly annoyed. 1t is pointed out that
1t is the wish of the French government
to settle as quickly as possible its diff,
ferences with Venezuela and in case a
French ultimatum is followed by. no re-
lief in the situation France Will have
well night reached the limit of diplomacy.
In view OF the unfavorable conditions
in Venezuela at this moment the French
armored cruiser Duplex and the protect
ed cruiser Julien de Gravierre of 23 knots
speed, which are now in the Caribbean.
will be retained in that vicinity indef-
nitely.
Part of Fleet viii Remain.
Although the greater part Of the North
Atlantic fleet is soon to come north as
far as Pensacola for target practice
an adequate contingent VIII remain In
Dominican waters to guard American In
terests there and in case of an emer-
gency in Venezuela the fleet at Pensacola
will be in easy cruising distance. II is
possible that the French cruisers may
touch at Pensacola during the stay there
of the American fleet to obtain supplies
or merely to pay friendly visit.
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