New-York tribune., 1912-03-24
KNOX FETED IN CARACAS
Venezuela Makes Holiday on
Occasion Of Secretary's Visit.
GREAT POPULAR WELCOME
Horse Races, Receptions, Drives
and Sporting Events Organ.
ICED in His Honor.

Caracas, March 23.-A sprinklins Of rain
this morning, the forerunner Of the rainy
season. did rot interfere with the lavish
entertainment in honor OF Secretary Kno,
and the other American visitors. 10 wh,ca,
the whole capital was given over. The
shops were closed and business was virtu,
ally suspended by government decree.
The programme which was carried out
was so arranged that at every place visited
one Of the ministers received the American
Secretary. An escort OF cavalry proceed
ed from place to place with the party, but
no guard attended the Secretary. There
were 80 carriages in the drive about town
yesterday. The points OF interest included
the home of eXPresident Castro, in the
outskirts, which IS now closed.
A slight earthquake occurred on Thurs
day, doing some damage to the railway
bridge, which. however, was repaired be-
fore the special train passed over It from
La Guayra on Friday.
From the time Of the arrival Of the Secre-
tary until last midnight the festivities con-
tinued without interruption. The Plaza
Bolivar was literally rooted with electric
lights. The explosion OF fireworks was
deafening, and could only be compared with
an old-fashioned American Fourth Of July.
Dense crowds surged in the streets, fol-
lowing the Knox party everywhere. The
demonstrations were unprecedented Every
member of the party was attended by an
official.
Special horse races have been arranged
for Sunday.
Ia,
panied by President Gomez, paid a visit
to the Military Academy. The party then
proceeded to Washington Square where
wreaths were placed on the statue OF
George Washington. whose memory Is held
in equal esteem with that Of Simon Bolivar,
the Great Liberator, on whose statue in the
National Pantheon a wreath was this
morning placed by the Secretary Of State.
Other visits were paid to the National
Museum, TO Bolivar Square. where there is
another statue Of Bolivar, and to many OF
the public buildings.
A luncheon in honor of the Secretary of
State was given at the American Legation
and in The afternoon a reception was held
at the Ministry OF Foreign Affairs.
The visit to Venezuela promises TO be
very strenuous one. The reception accord
ed to the Secretary OF State was remark
able. the spOntaneity Of the popular well
come. during which the populace was en-
thusiastic and apparently happy, contrast
ing with the greetings in some Of the Cen
tral American republics. where the crowds
were curious but entirely undemonstrative.
There was a great show OF military OF.
ficers I'm brilliant uniforms, as well as Of
civilian officials.
The programme for the Secretary Of
States visit is a most elaborate one, con.
siSting of incessant receptions, luncheons,
dinners, drives and sporting events. The
voyage Of four days from Guatemala was
a welcome respite TO the Secretary of State
before renewing his campaign of diplomats,
missionary work. ~
Castro is reported still lowering on the
Colombian border, waiting in hope that the
present government will not last, but ne
appears to be friendless here.
The newspapers are enthusiastic over the
Secretary Of States visit and most Of
them publish pictures Of Washington, Lin
coin, Taft, Knox, Gomez and Bolivar.