The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-03-30
BLUFF BY CASTRO
Dictator Gives Most Defiant
Answer to Uncle Sam.
ARBITRATION is REFUSED
WhiIe Answer is Considered insulting,
No Immediate Action Will Be
Taken, as Venezuela Has Best
Of the Argument Just Now.

OF the argument JUST NOW.
A Washington special says: Pres
ident Castro seems to have called the
administrations bluff, 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 take
its course in the Venezuelan courts
Castro seems to be in a position to sit
back 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
inize. the Importance Of the Venezue-
Ian reply, hembers Of the cabinet
saying tsZt it has: no more effect
than to Teave the situation where it
was q 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 consequence,
q strong position.
Castro has executed shrew flank
movement by entering upon an agree
ment with the English and German
holders of Venezuelan bonds under
the terms Of which sixty per cent OF
the port receipts Of all ports, save
La Guayra, and Puerto Cabello, are to
20 to the liquidation Of Venezuelan ex-
terror debt. The receipts Of the two
exceptions are now being applied to
tho settlement OF ot1er claims. accord
ing to the protocols entered into
ir Washington about a year ago. This
last agreement eliminates the possi-
bility 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 be ascertained, there is
absolutely no warrant for any such
demonstration.
It 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
to await further developments in Ven
ezuela. It is not believed that the
situation now is Of such a character as
to 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.
It Is regarded as possible that fur
ther developments in the Venezuelan
situation may be forthcoming in a few
days. but it is not believed in Wash
ington they will add to its serious
ness.
How Castro Views Matter.
The World prints the following dis
patch from President Castro: II have
received your kilograms. There fs in
reality between Venezuela and Wash
ington no question OF sufficient import
ance to occupy public attention and
worthy Of attention by serious per-
sons. Your. minister holds himself
a1oof from the good understanding
tkat exists, but Venezuela will de-
fend with ardor the common inter
aats and honor of both countries.
"CTPRIANO CASTRO"