The weekly true Democrat. (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1905-1912, 1905-03-31
CASTRO GIVES
TART ANSWER
Refuses Fatty to Arbitrate Differ
ences Over Asphalt Matter.
UNCLE SAM NGNFLUSSED
While Reply is CtnsiIsred Insulting
No Action Can Be Taken, as Dc
tatOr Has Law on His Side.

A Washington special says: Pres
ldent Castro seems to have called the
administrations blum, and from pres
ent indications. the United States can
do nothing further, Minister Bowen
Cabled that the Venezuelan president
had finally declined to submit to ar
bitration the claims Of the asphalt
trust, holding that the case must tako
It's course in the Venezuelan courts
Castro seems to be in q position to sit
hack and say; What are you going
to DO about it?"
It is known that Minister Bowen
commented pretty severely upon the
action Of the Venezuelan president
and It Is understood the minister goes
to the extent OF pronouncing the reply
insulting. The case in all It's bear.
ings was discussed at the cabinet
meeting. The tendency was to min
imize the importance of the Venezue-
Ian reply, members Of the cabinet
saying that 1t has no more effect
than to leave the situation where It
Was a year ago. and there is dispo-
sition TO believe that Mr. Bowen may
be needlessly excited.
In endeavoring to force Castro to
arbitration there is distinct reversal
OF the policy Of the government, which
has always been that claims Of the
character Of this one OF the asphalt
trust must be settled in the courts
OF the country granting concession
and Castro occupies, in consequences,
strong position.
Castro has executed a shrew flank
movement by entering upon an agree
ment with the English and German
bolders OF Venezuelan bonds under
the terms OF which sixty per cent OF
the port receipts of oil ports, save
La Guayra, and Puerto Cabello, are to
go to the liquidation OF Venezuelan ex-
terior debt. The receipts OF the two
exceptions are now being applied 70
the settlement OF Otl er claims. accord
ing to the protocols entered into
ir Washington about q year ago. This
last agreement eliminates the pbssl"
billty OF European interference and
apparently leaves the United States
high and dry. There Is nothing a
naval demonstration of Venezuelan
ports could accomplish. and the only
effect Of such a move would be to
make this country ridiculous. So
far as can he ascertained, there is
absolutely no warrant for any such
demonstration.
II Is the indicated intention OF the
president and Secretary Taft, who. In
the absence OF Secretary Hay. is be-
ing relied on for advice in matters
pertaining TO foreign affairs, simply
/ 70 await further Developments In Ven
Ozuela. II is not believed that the
situation now is OF such character al
"a warrant alarm. Indeed, the pres
ident is proceeding with the arrange
ments for his southwestern rtip with
out reference to the Venezuelan i'm
broglio.
II is regarded az possible that fur
Their developments In the venezuelan
situation may be forthcoming in few
days, but 1t is not believed In Wash
lngton they viii add to its serious
ness.
How Castro Views Matter.
The World prints the following dis
patch from President Castro: Il have
received your kilograms. There Is In
reality between Venezuela and Wash
lngton no question Of sufficient import
ance to occupy public attention and
worthy Of attention by serious per
sons. Your minister holds himself
aioof from the good understanding
that exists. but Venezuela Will de-
fend with Rrdor the common inter
ests and honor of both countries.
"CIPRIANo CASTRO"