New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-09-13
CABLE COMPANIES LOSS.
Castro Hopes to Get Its Property
Unless France Interrenes.

Correspondence of The Associated Press
Caracas. Friday. Aug. 2s.-Following close on
President Cdstro's recent affront to France, when
he refused to recognize the Brazilian Minister IN
charge of French interests in Venezuela. comes
the ton from the judge of the Civil Court of
First Instance Caracas that high officials of the
French government nstigated the alleged revoIu-
tionary of the late French Vice Consul Quie-
vreux and the assertion that, a consequence, the
Venezuelan government reserves the right to bring
what action against the government of France it
may deem proper.
This statement threatening new disturbances and
which cannot but still further embtter France
against Venezuela. made by Judge CHIMES in
his decision in the trial the French Cable Com
pany for completely in the Matos revolution, in
which he condemns the company to pay the enor-
nous fine of almost S. 000, 000 besides large addi-
tional damages to be assessed by experts.
This Judgment against the cable company is an
exact duplicate of that rendered last year against
the New York and Bermudez Company for support
ing the revolution. The fines levied are not
only for the amounts. but they identically
the same damages that is for the cost to the
Venezuelan government of putting down the revo-
luton and the falling off in customs receipts and
general loss of revenue due TO the revolutionary
disturbance The lawyer appointed by the govern
1nent defend the suit of the cable company, after
the Imprisonment several months ago OF the COM
panys lawyer, entered objection against the same
damages being collected from the cable company
as from the asphalt company. and for the Of
fepre. The court ruled, however, tnat tnlS was
legal as the New York and Bermudez Company
had not yet paid their $4,000 900 fine.
President Castro probably has small expectations
of getting any cash from the French Gable Com
pany but he is believed TO have very determined
desire get the coast cables In part payment Of
this fine and chastisement for the alleged COM
plicty in the revolution. These cables connect ali
of the principal seaports of the country. and cost
almost 81. 900 to lay. They would be of great
strategic Importance 10 the national government
especially in case of revolution. As soon as
luton breaks out in Venezuela Geographic communi
cation is constantly interrupted, because ii is such
easy thing for the revolutionists and their sym
pa thzers to keep the wires cut. With the coast
bies Castro could always maintain uninterrupted
communication with all the large ports
The reason that Venezuela has been absolutely
cut off from the world for many years is that
President Castro has insisted basis of settle
rnent with the French Gable Company, that these
cables be coded to the Venezuelan government
indemnity for the participation in the revolution.
The COMPANY has always refused. saying ii could
not give away n million dollars worth of the stock
holders property. But President Castro may
get these cable lines by legal process unless the
French government takes some stand I'm support of