Mr. Bowen to Mr.
Hay.
Legation of the United States,
Caracas, December 27,
1902.
No. 145.]Sir: I have the honor to inclose a translation
of a petition to President Castro from the leading men of Caracas asking
that I be authorized to arrange the pending difficulty between Venezuela
and Great Britain, Germany, and Italy.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure.—Translation.]
Caracas, December 16,
1902.
To the Citizen President of the
United States of Venezuela:
The undersigned having assembled for the purpose of trying to aid the
Government in the present conflict caused by the aggressive attitude
of Germany and England, and having been asked by you to submit our
opinion in writing, we do so as follows:
In view of the aggressive acts committed; of the absolute
helplessness of Venezuela to oppose with force the combined action
of Germany and England; and of the absolute lack of resources which
civilization and diplomacy would advise to put an end to the
conflict; and in view further of the fact that the Government and
people of Venezuela have done all that the national decorum and
dignity demand; we consider that the time has arrived to yield to
force, with the proper protests; and in virtue of the foregoing we
respectfully suggest that full powers be given to the envoy
extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States of
North America to take the necessary steps to arrange this difficulty
in the manner least prejudicial to the country.
With all consideration and respect, etc.,
(This was passed about for signatures. About one hundred and fifty
were obtained from the principal men of Caracas irrespective of
party.)
