Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-19
TO DEMAND APOLOGY
France Determined to Deal
Firmly With Venezuela
OVER THE TAIGNY AFFAIR
Special Meeting of the Cabinet at
Paris Today.
WASHINGTON TO BE POSTED
Premier Rouvier Said to Have Decid-
ed to Ask for an Extra
ordinary Credit.
WASHINGTON TO BE POSTED

fAhlS. January 1S.-Ine Venezuelan
fair occupied the attention. of special
meeting of the French cabinet today. 1t
is understood in ministerial circles, but the
fact has not yet been officially given out,
that Premier Rouvier has decided to de-
mand an extraordinary credit. This will
give rise to debates in the chambers, whose
assent is necessary for grant
The government is fully determined to
act with the greatest firmness, at the same
time adopting a prudent attitude, owing
TO the unstable character of the Venezuelan
government. which may change at any mo-
ment
The authorities at Washington are being
Kept fully acquainted with frances atti-
tude. and nothing will be undertaken with
out the absolute cosnizance of the United
States
AT cabinet council held in the Elysee
paIace today, President Loubet presiding
premier Rouvter explained the Venezuelan
situation. No intimation whatever has been
given out relative to the councils decisions.
NJ. Loubet during the meeting of the
council expressed admiration of the calm
ness and dignity displayed on the occasion
of the election of his successor at Yer
sailles January II. He said he hoped
France would benefit therefrom in the eyes
of the world.
NJ. Rouvier replied that France could feel
proud of setting such dignifed example
o
After the council had adjourned the ca BIZ
net ministers presented Nine. Loubet with
a superb silver cup a souvenir from the
last ministry during NJ. Loubet's term as
president.
1t is learned here that France will de-
mand an immediate apology of President
Castro for what is regarded as his insult
ing and unwarrantable treatment of M.
Taigny, the French charge d'affaires. Three
French warships within striking dis
tance of the Venezuelan coast, and two
more it has been reported from Paris,
on the way to West Indian waters. What
form the displeasure of France will take
has been tentatively decided, and the details
of the program will be communicated con-
fdentially to the Washington government.
Not until President Castro has felt the form
of French dissatisfaction will the world
know whether peaceful blockade is to be
established or whether custom house will
be seized.
Should the seizure of custom houses along
the coast be decided on 1t is not unlikely
that in order to dsabuse the anxiety of the
European powers lest the payment of the
claims is to be stopped. France may ask
some outside neutral power to act as re-
ceiver for the custom house returns until
President Castro has apologized and given
assurance of his intention to resume diplo-
matte relations with France.
Although 1t is admitted that France
and Venezuela are dangerously near the
brink of open hostilities, the impression
prevails in conservative official circles
that actual war will still be averted. The
severance of diplomatic relations, al
though a serious matter in itself, does
not necessarily involve the parties into
clash of arms and there are many Off
cials who believe that the differences be-
tween France and Venezuela may yet be
remedied without recourse to force
the part of either.
What form the displeasure of France will
take to satisfy its sense of honor has been
fully decided upon al Paris. it is said. but
so far has not been made public II is ex
pected. however, that the United States
government will be advised of the French
policy before any steps are taken to coerce
President Castro or to interfere in any way
with the political status of Venezuela.
1t Is taken for granted that France will
not undertake to interfere with the collec-
tion of revenues at the ports of La Guaira
or Puerto Cabello, now being operated in
the interest of Germany, Great Britain and
Italy without first obtaining the taclt ap-
proyal of the governments directly inter
ested.
Four French cruisers and about $50 men
are now within striking distance of the
Venezuelan coast, and 1t is reported that
two more warships are to be sent there
from France. The vessels now in Venezue-
Ian waters are the armored cruiser Dessix,
the second-class cruiser Jurlen de la Gra-
Were, the third-class cruiser Troude, and
the barbette cruiser Duguay Trouin
Against this squadron Venezuela has only
three small gunboats-the Bolivar with six
guns. the Miranda with two guns, and the
Restaurador with five guns. the transport
Zamora. the propeller Zumbador, and the
torpedo boat Margarita-
NJ. Jusserand, the French ambassador, re-
turned to this city late last night. and this
afternoon had a conference with Secretary
Root at the State Department relative to
affairs in Venezuela. In the course of his
talk with Secretary Root NJ. Jusserand said
that several cablegrams of the greatest i'm
portance addressed to NJ Tagny by the
French government Were never delivered to
him.