Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1906-01-18
TRANCE BREAKS
WITH VENEZUELA
ALL DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BE-
TWEEN TWO COUNTRIES
ARE BROKEN.
CABLE COMMUNICATION CUT
PUNITIVE MEASURES ON PART
OF FRANCE ExPEcTED-slT-
uATIoN GRAVE.
CABLE COMMUNICATION CUT

Washington, Jan. 14.-The state de-
partment has been advised that cable
communication with Venezuela has
been interrupted
All diplomatic relations between
Venezuela and France are broken.
There is a hint of punitive measures
on the part of France, and the situa-
ton is regarded officially as very I'M
pleasant, with possibilities Of serious
consequences.
This situation will involve the early
departure from Venezuela of M. Taig-
ny, the French representative there,
and from France of M. Maubourguet,
the Venezuelan agent at Paris.
Watch With Keen Interest
The officials here are awaiting the
turn Of events with keen interest, al
though it is expressly stated that the
definite news regarding the next step
that France will take is yet to be re-
ceived. In the event that the request
is made by France, permission will be
cabled to Minister Russell to look af-
ter French interests.
Relations between President Castro
and Minister Russell are not all that
could be desired. The negotiations re-
garding the New York and Bermudez
Asphalt company's claim have failed,
but Secretary Root is determined to
exhaust every method of diplomatic
procedure and has directed Minister
Russell to take up the Critchfield
claim, which is without complications
and
Involves No Charge
on the part Of President Castro that
the company engaged in abetting a
revolution. This company invested
about 100000 in a railroad and an
asphalt plant, under agreement that
the company was to be exempt from
all but few special taxes. 1t is
charged that about a year ago Presi-
dent Castro imposed prohibitory tax
on the company, in violation of the
agreement.
The Critchfield claim is regarded by
the Washington government as fair
claim and Mr.. Russell will devote his
best endeavors to having it Immediate
ly and satisfactorily settled.
Understanding Is Perfect.
Paris, Jan. IA. - The Venezuelan
question, although subordinate in pub
lie opinion to the Moroccan confer
ence, is occupying the serious atten-
ton of the foreign Office, but the
strictest discretion is observed in this
connection. A highly placed diplo-
mat, however, declared yesterday
that it might be considered certain
that the moment was rapidly ap-
preaching when crisis would occur
in Venezuela. He was unable to state
the exact character which events
would assume, but asserted that per-
feet understanding had always existed
between France and the United
States
The two governments were in abso-
lutte accord on the question at issue.
Frances line of conduct is based on
that of the United States. France
was merely DESTROYS of securing per-
feet
Respect for Her Rights.
Though M. Maubourget, the Ven
ezuelan charge d'affaires. has not yet
received his passports. diplomatic re-
lations between France and Venezuela
are considered to have been broken
off.
There is no proposal as yet of a
naval demonstration, but there is no
doubt that the French government in
tends to have the fullest recognition
of and respect Of her rights.