Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-13
EFRANCELOST PATIENCE
/
Resented Castro's Snub to Her
Representative.
LIMITING AT PUNISHMENT
War Fleet May Be Ordered to La
Guayra. geo.
FORCE NOT NOW IN VIEW
No Violation of the Monroe Doctrine
Proposed-Our Own Dispute
With Venezuela.
LIMITING AT PUNISHMENT
FORCE NOT NOW IN VIEW

Although the present breach in the diplo-
matte relations between France and Vene-
zuela is technically chargeable against the
personality of NJ. Taigny, the French
charge at Caracas, the real issue, as 1t Is
understood here is the attitude of Presi-
dent Castro toward the properties and
franchise of the French Cable Company.
The president asserted that the cable COM
pany lent active assistance to the Matos
rebellion. Therefore, he began proceedings
in the Venezuelan courts against the COM
pany on that score and also complained
that the company had violated the terms
of its concession in not laying certain coast
lines of cable, and especially In crossing
the Island of Santo Domingo with lana
wires subject to frequent interruption IN
times of rebellion on that island.
The courts sustained the Presidents view,
and in fact practically took possession OF
the company's offices at certain points
when the French government INTERVIEWED.
In the absence of the regular minister, M
Taigney presented written protest TO llle
Venezuelan government President CaStfo
regarded this note insulting TO MS gov
eminent and refused to have anything more
to do with NJ. Taigny. But the French gov
eminent refused to allow the dispute to be
made a personal one. and declared that M
Taigney in his presentmenL had followed
precisely the instructions of his foreign
office.
Minister Russell Intervenes.
At this roint Mr.. Russell, the United
States minister at Caracas, INTERVIEWED IN
the interest of peace, and, after many pa
tient exchanges. it was believed that he had
finally succeeded. But while he induced
President Castro to withdraw note TO NJ.
Taigny which the French government re-
garded as offensive, he could not prevail
upon President Castro to resume personal
and official relations with the French
charge. The climax came on New Year
day when the French government received
with the usual honors of the New Year day
reception the Venezuelan minister at Paris,
only to learn that President Castro had re-
fused to do likewise for NJ. Taigny at Car
This omission touched the pride of
the French government, which alleged it
had been made the victim of double deal
ing, which fact the French ambassador in
Washington not slow to communicate
TO the State Department. 80.
Mr. Russell reported his failure to effect
settlement between the parties and then
came notice from the French government
that diplomatic relations with Venezuela
Were completely severed. There Is hint of
punitive measures on the part of France,
and the situation is regarded officially as
very unpleasant, with possibilities OF Sc
rlouS consequences.
In the event that the request is made by
France permission will be given to United
10 look after French interests until set
Element between the two countries is
reached.
To Be Kept Advised by France.
There is reason to believe that the United
States government will be kept advised by
France of its intentions with regard to Ven
ezuela, and that there will be no violation
on the part Of France of the Monroe doc
trine- The French war fleet now at Mar
Unique may be ordered to La Guayra to
take NJ Taigny away in state but 1t is
not likely that any attempt to blockade
or lombard the port will be made at this
time under the peculiar international condi-
lions prevailing at Venezuelan ports,
To Take Up Critchfeld Claim.
The negotiations between the United
States and Venezuela regarding the Ber
mudez Asphalt Company's claim have not
been successful up to this time, but Secre-
tsry Root is determined to exhaust every
method of diplomatic procedure He has
already directed Minister Russell to take
up the Crltchfield claim. which is without
complications and involves no claim on the
part of Castro that this company engaged
in abetting a revolution. This company in
vested about 100000 In railroad and an
asphalt plant under agreement that they
were TO be exempt from general taxes 1T
Is charged that about year ago President
Castro imposed a prohibitory tax on the
company in violation of the agreement.
The Critchlield claim is regarded by many
officials as a fair claim. and Mr.. Russell
Will devote his best endeavors TO having 1t
ed