New-York tribune., 1908-07-27
DISORDERS In CURACAO
Mobs Seeking Venezuelan Consul
Dispersed by 1rmed Troops.

WilIemstad Island of Curacao. July 26-Tne
relations between Venezuela and the people OF
the island of Curacao, Dutch West Ind1es. are
strained to the breaking point FoiloWlns d
long series of what the residents of Curacao
regard as antag agonistic actions on the part OF
President Castro, directed against themselves
and the Dutch government. mobs gathered in
force in this capital last night and to-nlsnt anu
expressed their resentment in an attack upon
the home of a Venezuelan who had puoished
matter in Venezuelan papers derogatory to the
island and later held violent demonstrations III
front of the residence of the Venezuelan Con-
su1 surrounded the German Consulate wnere
the consul had taken refuge. and compelled inc
ordering out of armed troops to protect MIN
from injury
The demonstration before the residence of the
Venezuelan Consul, Senior Lopez. occurred late
last night and although no actual attack was
made it is said that two shots we're nfe lroiii
the ,consurs house no one. however, being in
jured.
Prior to this about 10 o'clock at night, a MOB
of about one thousand gathered in front of the
dwelling of a Venezuelan resident VINO hao at
t.ctad curacao in the Venezuelan papers, broke
down the doors with stones. and. seizins the
man compelled him to sign a paper Whlch SET
forth an elaborate excuse for the puDhcatioh vi
the matter objected to.
The leaders of the populace also forced hiiil
TO make a public apology from the palcohy VI
his home while the crowd below hooted anu
.roaned in accompaniment. Furthermore. MEM
hers of the mans family were compelled 10 play
the Dutch national hymn. while the people De
1osr shouted Down with Castro. Long may
wihelmina live!
THE police were entirely unable to cope with
the crowd. and their efforts in this direction
uara somewhat feeble. No bodily harm was
done to any one. but the shouting and cheering
continued for a time and then procession was
formed and a march made upon the consuls
house.
This morning it was noted that there was no
shield on the building occupied by the ven
ezueIan Consulate. II is not known whether IL
was removed by the Venezuelans or torn down
by Curacao natives. There was a gathering
again of the mob in the morning. and when 1t
was learned that the Venezuelan Consul had
proceeded to the German Consulate this build
ing was surrounded by the ever increasing mob
The Attorney General made a determined eff
fort TO quiet the crowd which becoming
more and more excited all the while. small
military force attempted to check the demon
stration, but for time that found impos-
sible.
It became necessary eventually to call out ad-
dtiona troops. and these at once proceeded to
patrol the streets and stopped the riOting Con-
sui Lopez escorted to the Venezuelan Con-
sulate by armed force. He gathered up the
official documents of his office and escorted
back to his home. The troops that accompanied
him were compelled to force their way through
the jeering crowds that had gathered.
An armed guard left to protect the Ven
ezuelan Consulate and another guard was sta
toned at the consuI's residence. Other troops
patrolling the city.