Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 3, 1906, (In two parts), Part II

Minister Russell to the Secretary of State.

[Extract.]

American Legation,
Caracas, April 15, 1906.

No. 69.]

Sir: Referring to my cable of the 10th instant, confirmed in another dispatch, I have the honor to inform you that on Monday, April 9, General Castro turned over the presidency to General Gomez, first Vice-President, and on the morning of the 10th left very quietly for Los Teques, where he has property. The cabinet resigned in a body, and the resignations were accepted, but no new cabinet officers have been named as yet, the under secretaries having been placed in charge of their respective ministries.

I inclose you herewith a translation of the proclamation of the President upon retiring.

I am, etc.,

William W. Russell.

[Inclosure.—Translation.]

Proclamation of President Castro.

Venezuelans:

Fatigue, produced by constant labor, and which I have been endeavoring to overcome for some time past, makes it imperative for me now, in order to restore my broken health, to retire from the exercise of the office of prime magistrate.

In accordance with a provision of the constitution I have called to power Gen. Juan Vincente Gomez, a very meritorious citizen of well-known civic virtues, who in my absence will fulfill strictly the duties of his office. You all know him, and you know perfectly well that in view of his character you must support him without any hesitation whatever, in order that the administration may continue, as it has up to now, under the surest bases of stability, order, and progress, thus making the action of the executive the most expeditious possible.

On retiring from power I wish you to take into consideration my effort and my sacrifices for the country’s cause, which has been, and still is, the cause of the people, of reason, justice, and right, so that you will agree with me that he who has thus labored has a right to even a slight rest, and this can not be taken except in retirement and solitude.

On the other hand, our present international situation, completely defined and clear, gives us reason to hope that everything will continue harmoniously and on a basis of mutual respect and consideration. Our right is universally recognized, and per force the pending questions will either reach a friendly solution or be submitted to arbitration as the last and supreme resource counseled by civilization. As to our financial and economic situation, it could not be more flattering, in spite of the disastrous times we have gone through up to now, as even nature itself has denied us its kindly benefits. [Long drought.]

However, the whole of Venezuela, as well as the foreigner, knows that in this important branch of the public administration we are keeping up with the time and that all obligations will be religiously fulfilled.

Nothing is necessary, therefore, except a good administration with the support of all truly patriotic and well-intentioned men, in order that, with a continuance of peace, the cardinal foundation for the structure of the future, we may devote ourselves with the greatest confidence and security to work, in the enjoyment of all our constitutional guaranties; work which honors and dignifies, and which is absolutely necessary in order that the cause of the liberal restoration may at length arrive to a realization of its grand ideals and purposes, and that the structure of the Republic may be solidified without detriment to its sovereignty and independence.

On retiring then to private life I must call upon the patriotism of all Venezuelans to lay aside hatred and rancor and support the Government for the common good; and if my retirement, which may be only temporary, shall contribute to the union and confraternity of all Venezuelans and for the complete agrandizement of the country, I shall be very glad to remain in retirement.

Cipriano Castro.

Caracas, April 9, 1906.