The Washington herald., 1908-06-27
CASTRO GETS CHANCE
Given Opportunity to Make
Peace with America.
MAY SEE ERROR OF HIS WAYS
Diplomats Do Not Believe Venezu-
elan President VIII Permit the
Present Condition TO Continue.
May Resume Negotiations With
out Injuring His Dignity.

When the State Department broke off
diplomatic relations with Venezuela it
did not completely isolate President Cas-
tro's government.
A way is left open for official inter-
course with this country whenever the
recalcitrant head OF the Venezuelan
government manifests an intention of
observing International relations as they
are understood by the Washington admin
istTation.
Senior veloz-Goitlcoa, Venezuelan in
charge, is still persona grata TO the Unit
ed States, and the ear of the adninistra-
tion is open to him in case Castro should
change his mind on long-standing ques-
tions between the two countries. With
Consular Agent Brewer in Caracas. where
he is likely TO remain. this government
can readily communicate with the Vene-
zuelan capital
VIII Not Make OVertures.
No overtures will be made fIom this
end. and II is thought conditions must
change, for the better or worse. before
many weeks have elapsed. No change
for the better can come unless President
Castro sees fit to open the way. Diplo-
matte circles do not believe Castro VIII
permit the present anomalous condition
20 continue while an opportunity Is avail
able to him for lessening friction.
1t is felt that be might find a way or
doing this now without a loss OF dignity
since he is not under threat or pressure
The withdrawal OF diplomatic representa-
s,Ff In . ka IN
which 1t has been done. is regarded as
only a mild expression OF dissatisfaction
with the treatment their representatives
received from the Venezuelan administra-
ton. Discussion OF any matters Of State
/ between the two countries was not
deemed possible while pending questions.
which the United States wanted the Vene-
zuelan government 10 submit TO arbtra-
ton. were set aside by President Castro.
Nothing further will be done by the
State Department until the report OF Ja-
! cob Sleeper, secretary Of the American
! Legation at Caracas, who is now on his
way 70 Washington. IS received. Much
depends on what Mr.. Sleeper has TO say
I Some significance is attached 10 a state
ment he made while at Willemstad, en-
route. in which he said that up to the time
/ Of his departure from Caracas he had
/ been courteously treated by Venezuela. In
/ his expression he was joined by Lieut.
! Ruggles. military attache OF the Ameri-
can Legation, in Venezuela. who accom-
panies him. From this It is conjectured
that Mr.. Sleeper's estimate OF the situa-
tiion Will not discourage the idea that
there is a possibility OF closing the breach
before the Washington government thinks
/ II necessary 10 cut off all lines OF com
municRtion by refusal TO longer recognize
Senor Veloz-G Goiticoa. and by removal Of
the American records from the Vens-
zuelen capital.
Some reports have reached Washington
that the American archives at Caracas
have already been removed. and are be-
/ ing brought TO Washington by Mr.
Sleeper. but Acting Secretary Of State
Adee made prompt denial. and added that
such action had not been contemplated.
No sympathy COR Castro.
Representatives hero NJ various South
American countries do not seem to have
much sympathy for Castro. Irrespective
Of the merits Of the American claims.
which the State Department insisted on
pressing. an opinion prevails among them
that the attitude OF President Castro has
not been tolerable. and that. in view OF
\ tllt 0ldhu lhlS government mas taken from
] the outset, followed now BY the diplo-
matte break. President Roosevelt cannot
rest easy. No one anticipates that any
/ hostile proceeding will follow in any cir
cumstance, but II IS pointed out that
| peaceful steps could be taken that would
/ put Venezuela in tight place without the
/ aid or consent Of Congress.
Business is reported almost at a stand
/ still In Castro's country. owing 10 the
withdrawal Of foreign capital and the
/ disinclination OF various governments 10
encourage trade there Germany is the
only one OF the European governments
that has no dispute with Venezuela.