Mr. Russell to Mr. Hay.
Caracas, September 23, 1899.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge and confirm cables1 to and from this legation bearing on the present revolution, copies of all of which will be found on the annexed sheets.
[Page 797]Confidential. Valencia was taken after bloody battle in which the Government troops were severely defeated. The President had left Caracas to take command of the troops in the field, but returned after the fall of Valencia. General Castro, the revolutionary leader, has a powerful and well equipped force. The government officials were badly demoralized, and the city of Puerto Cabello was abandoned by the custom-house officers, who fled to La Guaira on a man-of-war.
After Andrade’s return to Caracas there was a renewed effort on the part of the Government to mass its forces for a resistance. Puerto Cabello is in the hands of the Government, with a general in command of the town.
The Detroit arrived on the 18th, and after a consultation with Captain Hemphill it was thought best for the ship to go to Puerto Cabello, as that was the place nearest the scene of action and where trouble was most feared at the time. The Red D steamer Caracas and the Detroit left on the evening of the 18th for Puerto Cabello.
I received a cable from Captain Hemphill to-day as follows:
Business entirely suspended here and streets deserted. Town quiet but uneasy. Some deserters from Government forces.
For the last two or three days there has been a dearth of any official news regarding the movements of Castro, but it is generally conceded that he has advanced a considerable distance from Valencia and is supposed to be somewhere near Maracay, which is about five hours by rail from Caracas. The cabinet is divided as to the policy to be pursued; some advocate resistance, and others advise Andrade to make some overtures looking to a surrender of the power. The Government has a great many troops, but the most of them have been recruited lately and are a sorry lot. Treason exists on all sides and the administration is not popular.
After the fall of Valencia the diplomatic corps met daily at the various legations and the dean was sent first to the Vice-President, who acknowledged that the Government was in a serious predicament, but promised to do all he could to avoid bloodshed in Caracas. After Andrade returned the dean also called on him and the situation was again explained, but in a little more favorable light. He also said that he would prevent bloodshed in the capital.
Gen. Luciano Mendoza has been appointed chief of the Government troops and this has caused much alarm, as he is a desperate man and stops at nothing. In 1892 he collected large amounts of money by force from the merchants and his name is coupled with many acts of lawlessness. As far as accurate information can be obtained, the situation seems to be that Castro is advancing, and the general opinion is that this Government will fall.
Something decisive can be expected within the next week. I will keep you informed by cable. The English man-of-war Proserpine arrived at La Guaira yesterday, and a French cruiser is standing at Curaçao.
I have, etc.,
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