Omaha daily bee., 1906-01-13

the French government regarded as Often
sive, he could not prevail on President
Castro to resume his official relations with
the French charge. The climax came on
New Years day when the French govern
ment, supposing that a satisfactory settle
ment had been reached, received with the
usual honors at the New Years reception,
the Venezuelan minister at Paris, only to
learn that President Castro had refused to
do likewise for NJ Taigny at Caracas. This
occasion touched the pride OF the French
government. which felt 1t had been made
the victim OF double dealing and deceit
which fact the French ambassador in
Washington was not slow to communicate
to the State department. Mr.. Russell re-
ported his failure to effect a settlement
thereby making himself unpopular in
Caracas and then came notice from the
French government that diplomatic rela-
tons with Venezuela were completely
severed. There is hint OF punitive meas
ures on the part OF France and the situation
is regarded officially as very unpleasant
with possibilities OF serious consequences.
Critchneld Claim Good.
1t is now admitted that the relations be-
tween President Castro and Minister Rus
sell are not all that could be desired. The
negotiations regarding the New York and
| Bermudez Asphalt company's claim have
failed, but Secretary Root is determined to
exhaust every method OF diplomatic pro-
cedure and has directed Minister Russell
! to take up the Critchheld 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 they were to be ex-
empt from all except few specified taxes
1t is charged that about year ago Presi-
dent Castro imposed prohibitive tax on
| the company, in violation Of the agree.
ment. The Critchfeld claim is regarded
by the Washington government as a faiI
claim and Mr.. Russell will devote his best
endeavors to have it satisfactorily settled
The State department has been advised
that cable communication with venezuela
has been interrupted.
UItimatum Highly Probable.
PARIS. Jan 12-The Venezuelan ques
tion. although subordinated in public opin
Ion to the Moroccan conference. is occupy
ing the serious attention OF the Foreign
Office. but the strictest discretion is OBJ
served in this connection.
A highly Placed diplomat. however, de
clared today that II might be considere,
certain that the moment was rapidly ap
preaching when a crisis would occur il
Venezuela, He was unable TO state the ex
act character which events would assume
but asserted that perfect understanding
had always existed between France and TN
United States. The two governments wer
In absolute accord on the question at issue
Frances line OF conduct being based OF
that of the United States France wa
merely DESTROYS OF securing perfect respec
for its rights.
Though NJ. Marlborough, the Venezuela
ehaTse d afisires. has net received his pass
ports. diplomatic relations between Franc
and Venezuela are considered TO have BEEF
broken on. There Is no question for tn
present of a naval demonstration, but Their
is no doubt that the French governemen
intends TO have the fullest recognition o
and respects for its rights. An offciai not
issued tonight says that although an uIti
matum has not yet been sent to venezuel
France cannot tolerate much longer Pres
dent Castro's refusal to accede 10 tn
French demands without considering III
advisability of taking stronger means I
enforce them. -