The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-06-16
GERMANY D|SC[A|MS STEAMER GROSTUCK
Ship Declared an Inter-
 national Pirate
IS CASTRO ABOARD?
No Authentic Report Can Be Had of Venezuelan's Whereabouts If Captured May Be Sent
 Back to Europe

Berlin, June 15.-The German govern ment disclaims all responsibility for the steamer Consul Crostuck. which is re- ported as flying the German flag, and announces that the blame for any com plications that may result from the land ing of Cipriano Castro. the exiled pres ident of Venezuela will rest upon the Haitien government
 It is stated emphatically that the steam CT has no right to display the German colors. It was formerly the Italian crui- ser Umbria, and was purchased from Italy by Haiti. The latter country is the one now properly concerned with the move ment of the vessel.
 American Ambassador Hill called at the foreign office today, presumably to dis cuss the situation brought about by the reported presence of Castro on the Con- sul Grostuck.
 The steamer recently arrived at Port de Paix Haiti, and according to advices received at Washington from the Amer ican consul at Port Au Prince, has on board the exiled Castro, who Is supposed to be attempting to return to Venezuela in the hope of being able to rally his erstwhile followers and so regain the presidency from which he was deposed after he had left the country for visit to Europe in the fall of 1908.
 An afternoon paper here states posi- lively that Castro is aboard the Consul Grostuck, which he purchased and fitted ,4a at a fa based on a letter alleged to have been written by the German commander of the Grostuck to his wife in Germany.
 The foreign office, however, is ignorant as to whether Castro Is aboard the yes sel and says that if German Is fin com mand he Is not authorized by the Ger man government, but is acting privately as an employe of Haiti.
 The United States has made no over lures to Germany regarding International action against Castro.
 New York, June 15-Prince Lazarovich Hrebelianovich of Servia, an arrival today from Venezuela, says that former Pres ident Castro is completely discredited and has no influence in the country. The prince visited Venezuela to study the manners, customs and the condition of the country. He said:
 The people are tired of civil war and are bent on improving their ma tcrial conditions. The international conditions are good, economic and po- litical security exists and there is no lik kelihood of any disturbance during the 4a1 of President Gomez, who possesses the confidence of the people"
 Washington, June 15.-The Consul Grostuok may be regarded as a pirate ship if the declaration of the German government that she has no right to fly the German flag Is officially com municated to the various governments interested in the case.
 Under cover of this flag the com lnandet of the steamer has heretofore refused permission to various author ities to search the vessel It Is said at the navy department that the ship is subject not only to search but to summary seizure if she attempts to fly the German flag, following the Berlin announcement.
 At the instance of the state depart ment some of the American naval ves- SelS at Guantanamo and In that .V1cin- ity will look after the Grostuck and she is liable to be made captive unless a very satisfactory explanation of her mysterious mission is supplied.
 It is possible the Consul Grostuck may change her status by transfer to the Haitien government, IS was orig irally intended If Castro should be found aboard it is stated here that he will be sent pack to Europe with the steamer.
 Caracas, Venezuela, June 1.-The Venezuelan has no authentic advices concerning the whereabouts or the in tentions of President Castro. It is of fclally announced. however. that any vessels of a hostile attitude In Ven ezuelan waters will be declared a pirate. The government is awaiting conirma- ton of the report from Hayti that Castro is aboard the steamer Consul Grostuck and if necessary 1t will proceed ener- getically.
 It is pointed out by members of the government that public opinion would defeat Castro or any other attempting 8 revolution In Venezuela which is now at peace and making preparations for the centennial celebration in July.