Minister Russell to the Secretary of State.
Caracas, July 8, 1906.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that General Castro entered Caracas on July 4, and the next day, July 5, anniversary of Venezuela’s independence, resumed charge of the presidency.
The day of General Castro’s entrance was made a national holiday, and on his way from the station to his residence he passed under five triumphal arches. At Washington Square an immense arch was erected, and the President left his carriage and placed a wreath at the foot of the statue of George Washington.
The Government had sent me a wreath of beautiful design for Washington’s statue, and this wreath I placed at the same time that General Castro placed his. The Federal District of Caracas also gave a wreath for the statue.
On the 5th General Castro issued a proclamation to the Venezuelans in which he stated that all the political prisoners would be set free, with the exception of “traitors,” and this includes two prominent generals who were tried and sentenced by court-martial. Up to this time there have been liberated about 85 prisoners, and the list includes the celebrated General Rolando, who operated for a time so successfully in the east.
The confiscated property of General Matos and Ortega Martinez have been returned.
On the 5th an executive decree was issued to the effect that the present cabinet ministers would remain in charge of their respective portfolios until the government was reorganized. The only appointments so far have been a new secretary-general and a new governor of the Federal District.
I am, etc.,