Los Angeles herald., 1908-12-22
GOMEZ SELECTS
NEW MINISTRY
FOR VENEZUELA
CASTRO'S REGIME DONE AND
MEMBERS REMOVED
REVIVIFlED GOVERNMENT HAS
ASSUMED CONTROL
News Censored at Characterization in
Ferment of ReVoIution-Promises
Check Mob-Absent Presi-
dent Denounced

nORT OF SPAIN, Dec. M.-Vice
President J. Yincente Gomez, TO
h whom Gen. Cipriano Castro handed
over the presidency on his departure
for Europe, has established a new gov
ernment in Venezuela.
Fe has replaced the old ministry with
a new body of men. who represent Nari-
Gus factions In the state and who
figured prominently in various ways IN
the country's political history
Not only has DIR. Jose De Jesus Paul
disappeared from the councils of the
nation, but DR. Baldo. who is now
travelling in Castro's suite abroad, also
has been removed from his official posi-
tion as minister of education.
Gen. Diego Ferren, the minister or
war. has been superseded by Gen. Re
dulo Olivares, who took prominent
part in crushing the revoluhonists six
years ago.
Secret advices from Caracas, where
the strictest censorship is being OBJ
served, indicate that the whole Of Nene-
zuela has been in a ferment ever since
President Castro sailed and that the
crisis was reached a few days ago,
when 1t became necessary ior Actns
President Gomez to take decisive steps
The revolutionary factions played a
prominent part in the demonstrations
against the absent president.
These were temporarily checked by
show of force, and later the revolu-
tionary influence that threatens to
sweep the country was overcome In
measure by promises that could not De
held long in allegiance.
The establishment of a new govern
ment in Venezuela has been expected
daily and probably was the outcome or
the demands which began almost the
day Castro sailed for Europe.
Appealed for Gomez
Before leaving. Castro. in proclaim
ing Vice President Gomez his tenn
porary successor, said to the nation:
Surround him and lend your coop
operation In the fulfillment of his mis-
sion as if it were I myself and you will
have done your duty"
In the same proclamation President
Castro gave utterance to what mlght
be taken as a farewell message:
"The Venezuelan nation is already
ON the road to true prosperity ana
greatness because of the strict fulfill
ment of obligations and the condition
of the revenues, and because of the
state of peace which we enjoy and
which it is your duty to maintain that
my work may endure"
On December IA the people Of Caracas
arose against Castro. They tore down
the statues and pictures of the prest-
dent and burned them in the public
places; they wrecked buildings and ap-
plied the torch. sweeping through the
city and gathering strength and fury
with every new act of violence.
Gomez was far from secure. 1t was
brought forcibly home to him that he
must either withdraw from that office
or cast aside those of Castro's minis
ters who still were trying to force the
Castro rule upon the people. Appar-
emily he chose the latter course.
He first declared the country in
state of defense, thereby securing con-
troll of the army and then appointed
new cabinet.
On several other occasions when cas-
tro has turned over the government 10
Vice President Gomez 1t was freely
predicted that Gomez would succeed
Castro as president of the republic.
He had many supporters in the anti
Castro following, chief Of those IL.
favor of his candidacy being General
Arando, the former minister OF war,
who worked earnestly to place Gomez
in power.