New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-01-06
CASTRO
STILL ABLE TO EAT.
Awaiting Action on Habeas
Corpus Writ, He Champs
His Bit.
WANTS TO SEE SIGHTS
And Makes Affidavit That Such
Was Sole ReaAon for Com
ing to the United
States.

Cipriano Castro. former President Of
Venezuela and at present man without
a country" who has been detained at
Ellis Island since his arrival in this port
on December 81. made an affidavit on
Saturday in which he said:
Nv desire is 90 visit the United states
and spend "A short time seeing its Sights
I have absolutely no intention OF doinS
anything else. and give my solemn word
that nave no intention Of interfering IN
any way with internal or internatonal
affairs Of this or any other country.
While his fate hangs in the balance
General Castro retains his exceedingly
capacioua appetite. He spent most Of his
waking hours yesterday walking. MP and
down the corridor outside his room-and
eating. lie Consumed two breakfasts in
the morning. the first at $50 o'clock and
the second at o'clock. Black coffee,
rolls and grapefruit composed the first OF
these rcpssts. and for the second and
more substantial meal the little man got
away with ham and eggs, two cups OF
black coffee bread. butter and oranges.
Ills MONDAY meal included roast chick
On. rice and radishcs. and he was eagerly
looking forward To the approach Of the
supper hour when last seen.
Mr. Battle mas asked the immigration
officials 20 snow cause why General cas-
tro has been detained At Ellis Island
with guard outside his door day and
night. At first the little South American
cx-statesman was going directly back 90
Europe because OF the personal and en-
barrassing' questions puJ 10 him. but
when Mr. Battle interceded i'm his behalf
the ex-President decided TO fight his eX-
tradition.
In his affidavit Castro tells OF the many
bands OF red tape wound about him since
his arrival on La Touralne ana Of the
many questions put 10 him by the immi-
grafton officials. with the final decision
that he would have TO he detained at Elns
Island.
lie speaks bitterly OF his present quar-
ters at the immigration station. consisting
Of a room 10y = feet without a bath.
lie says he f. forced TO sleep and cat in
this room. and that a guard remains at
his door ali through the day and night
Mr.. Battle. in speaking OF the Castro
case last night. said lie did not know
whether the general would be let out on
bail pending the decision on the writ OF
habeas corpus. The law on this point Is
involved. he said. and he will make no
appeal for bail until he has looked further
into the matter. The Wit Is rcturuable
to-day.
Il have no doubt whatever of the out
come said Mr.. Battle. 1t has Away
been the tradition and policy OF this coun-
Try 10 receive political refugees. Whether
they are 'frebrands' or not is a matter
which has never been considered hereto
fore. l am utterly at a loss 80 under
stand the grounds on which General
Castro 10 being held.
The general tells me, and | have no
reason 10 believe otherwise. that he is
here for only biief visit II our writ is
denied OF Friday | shall certainly appeal.
and Il will be a matter OF months then
before the case comes up IN the Supreme
Court. That viii give General Castro
plenty OF time Tor his visit. regardless of
which way the decision goes. provided. of
course. that he can get out on bail. |
shall take steps to-day TO determine how
the law lies on that point