The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1908-12-23
CASTRO AND HIS SCHEMES.
Pennilcss When He Usurped Presi-
dency, He Amassed Millions.


dency, He Amassed Millions.
Cipriano Castro was born in the
state OF Tachira, Venezuela, in 1850.
Mother a negro; father an Indian.
Kept small store and cared for faith
er's cattle. He Is small in stature; In
cress extravagant-effects gray
frock coat in imitation of Napoleon.
Conspicuous at social affairs for his
fantastic capers. Courage illustrated
when, during earthquake of 1900, he
abandoned his wife in palace and
Jumped 20 feet to the ground.
Penniless when he usurped presi
dency, eight years ago: annual salary
$4,000; now has millions. Owns finest
ranches in Venezeula, "houses without
number" including two palaces. Also
steamers Of the former Orinoco Com
pany and of Lake Maracaibo. Tachira
Railway, Puerto Cabello wharf bonds.
two-thirds OF Dutch diplomatic debt,
s2.000,000 Venezuelan debt, and mil
lions on deposit in English and French
banks"
1899 Castro raised a revolution, de-
teated the government and proclaim
I'd himself president.
March, 1901, elected president, after
putting down the revolts of various
'eaders who deserted him when he
usurped the presidency. In 1905 elect
I'd for second term Of six years.
July, 1904. seized asphalt lake own.
ID by New York and Bermudez Com
pany. refusing request of the United
States for suspension of proceedings
pending investigation. Property se-
1uestered In hands of representative
OF Castro. who has since sold and re.
tanned proceeds Of asphalt mined.
1902. as result Of policy Of despoiling
foreign industry. Great Britain. Ger
many and France. Joined by other
power. blockaded Venezuelan ports.
December. to enforce claims of citi-
Sens. Puerto Cabello bombarded
December Is. San Carlos bombarded
January II. 1903. Castro extricated
from this difficulty BY insistence Of the
United states that disputes be arbi-
trated. Protocols signed February IS
provided for payment Of 100000. ad-
justment OF remaining claims and ar
bitration Of preferential treatment
question.
1s05-1s0s Castro's hostility toward
the French Cable company and insults
to French minister led to severance
OF diplomatic relations January TO-
In April he resigned the presidency
but resumed office three months lat.
er. 1t was generally supposed that his
retirement was due to the desire TO
saddle his successor with the response
oiiity OF enforcing Jaws which were
distasteful to the Venezuelans.
In March. 1907, he refused to arbi-
trate the Jannet claims He also an
nulled various contracts made by his
government with other foreigners, in
cluding two English companies and
French company. In July, 1908, he
expelled the Dutch envoy, resulting in
the breaking Off Of diplomatic rela-
lions. The origin Of this trouble was
due to the breaking out Of the bubonic
plague In Venezuela. A quarantine
was established at the Dutch colony
OF Curacao. and Castro retaliated with
number OF repressive measures.
The relations became so strained that.
at one time, war was expected between
the two countries, but hostilities never
materlalized. From time to time, be.
fore Astro sailed for Europe, rumors
were current Of a movement to oust
MIN. from the presidency He had
knowledge of the dissatisfaction of
the Venezuelans with his administra-
ton. and with characteristic clever
ness, he avoided such a contingencv
by becoming i'll and deciding to go
abroad and consult surgeons. He sail.
ed from Caracas November "a.