North Carolina Newspapers

4444444444»44»4444»4«* t THE WEATHER TODAY. 4 ♦ For North Carolina: ♦ X Cloudy; Warmer, t 44>44*4*4« ♦ »4**44444 VOL. LIII. NO. 77. Leads all lorth Carolina Dailies in Mews and Circulation TAB BAPTISTS GATHER IS (MENTION AT DURHAM The Session is Opened With an Introductory Sermon by Doctor Calvin S. Blackwell, of Wilmington. GREAT ISSUES ARE TO BE PRESENTED Work Along Educational Lines First. DEBT OF THE FEMALE UNIVERSITY A Strong Determination Shown to Pay it off and Equally Strong Indications That Steps Will be Taken for a Federation of the Primary or Secondary Schools of the State—The Business of the Convention Begins To-day, (Special to News and Observer.) Durham, N. C., Dec. 10. The town, is filled with Baptists. Ihe seventy-second annual convention J of this body of religious work- 4 ers began this evening with the intro ductory sermon by Dr. Calvin S. Black well, of Wilmington, one of the leaders of the denomination in the State. DR. BLACKWELL’S SERMON. Dr. Blackwell spoke with great power and eloquence. His subject was the Gospel, and he presented it with the 1 fervor and force born of intense feeling. Quoting from Romans 1 and 1 Corinthian [ 17) as his text, he spoke as follows: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Chjist: f'or it_ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth."— Rom. 1:16. “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, j which also ye received, and wherein ye ! stand; by which also ye are saved. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day. according to the ! Scriptures.”—l Cor. 15:1-4. Ours is a gospel-hr.rgry age—an age starving for the g ; el, Christ. It is a fearful thing to preach anything else than the crucified Christ to an age, both as misanthropic and as aspiring as our own. “Dr. Roswell Hitchcock mentions a Bedouin in the desert whose piteous j condition was this: He had been without food so long that he was starving. His hope was that some other traveler, who •had already gone that way, might have j left, by chance or intention, a pocket containing food. Away beyond, near a fountain, he spied what he took to he a traveler’s bag, and to his hunger it must contain bread. Slowly and hardly he pulled himself over the hot sand to the little peueh. He took it up and poured cut before his vacant eyes a stream of glorious gems. As they wooed the sun by their splendor, his famished body fell over, while he murmured: ‘Oh, it is only diamonds, only diamonds!’ Merciful heaven, that this should be an honest description of so much of our preaching. “Diamonds, only diamonds!’’! It is a piteous thing for the preacher and j the people. Both are disappointed sadly. Diamonds! And he, the preacher, works so long to find them, and so hard to grind them well, and so unceasingly, perhaps, to set them in a golden paragraph—and they, the people, want only the bread of life. One mouthful of plain bread and you may have the polished dogmas, the glittering periods, the flame-like phrases, the splendid tenses. The gospel that saves this lost world with an everlasting salvation, must have colossal structural strength. Strong holds of sin are to be torn down. Be sotted, depraved human nature is to be regenerated and built up. What aie the essential structural elements of a gospel sufficient for these things? First— Three Facts to be Believed: (1) the death: (2) the burial; (3) the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Second —Three Commandments to be Obeyed: (1) to Repent toward God; (2) to confess the heart’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; (3) to be Baptized in the came of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Third—Three Promises to be Received; (1) the Remission of sins; (2) the gift ; of the Holy Ghost; (3) Eternal life ini Christ Jesus. THE FACTS. Whatever else the New Testament in folds to begin with, it is a simple record of historical facts, addressed to man’s faith. The unfolding may become a philosophy; a revelation from God of God; an unveiling of the deepest in man; a body of ethical precepts, but it is, j “first of all,” a story of something that took place—to be believed by us. Never to be forgotten is Paul’s “first of all”—important, foundational, super natural trinity of facts, the death, the burial and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These invincible facts believed and The News and Observer. I>P.. CALVIN ' A preached become the everlasting gospel. Mark, “how that Christ died”—not Jesus. It is a great truth that Jesus, the man and our brother, yielded to the common lot of us all —death. But when "Christ” died, vastly more is meant, for “Christ” is the name of an office into which is condensed the whole system of sacrificial redemption. It was the 1 “Christ of God’’ who died, and unless it was, the death of “Jesus,” the son of Mary, in agony, however heartrending, j would be no gospel. I do not venture a theory, hut I press upon your profoundest belief the fact that Christ died, and in, his death;, Ijore the sins of the world, and in that awful i load were yours and mine. As if the whole mass of human trans gression was bound together in one black ; and awful bundle, and pressed heavy and hard upon the unshrinking shoulders of this better and stronger Atlas, who bore it all, and bore it all away, i Accept any theory of man’s redemption i that ignores this foundational fact, and ! you may educate, refine, adjust polical 1 relations, give every man a “living I wage,” shape governments according to the newest notions of the century, lug in all the paraphernalia of Altruism, and ; still you have left, the misery of miser, the impudence of wealth, the luxury of j lust, the greed of gain, and sin, sad and I sodden, bitter and biting in the bottom of every soul. Oh, blessed rock —founda- tion fact—“ Christ died for our sins ac | cording to the Scriptures." Nor were these supreme facts to be ' believed thrust into an empty, blank, re ceptive, creedless world. Never. The day after man's Creation the first ecu menical council in hell put forth “The five points of Diabolism,” which have be come the shorter catechism for every un regenerate heart. Every sinner believes with a whole and undivided heart one or all of these fivq points, and repeats them glibly as he runs: First —(1) I believe in the almightiness | of the dollar, with all my mind, soul and body, and I believe have no other gods before the dollar. I will worship at this I golden shrine until I am transformed into the image of my idol, and my very soul takes on its metallic ring. (2) I believe in Present Pleasure, and I will eat, drink and be merry today for I may die tomorrow. I prefer a mess of red pottage today to a vague birthright tomorrow". I will pursue pleasure until my soul is frivolized, volatilized and steril ized so that no divine virtue can grow therein. (3) I believe in the selfishness of my self. Whether I be an Alexander in con quest, a Napoleon in war, a Byron in literature, or a snob in society; I am my own god. (4) I believe in the Omnipotence of Evil —that all virtue has its price, that it is folly to try to tear down the strong holds of sin at home, and useless to send missionaries to convert the heathen abroad. (5) “I don’t know,” is my answer to i the deepest questions of the human heart. Is there a heaven to win? “I don’t know.” Is there a hell to shun? “I ! don’t know.” If a man die shall he live again? “I don’t know.” Over the cradles j “whence,” and the graves' “wither,” I • will put my sign of doubt.” This “Diabolism” reached its climax and fruitage in the Augustan era, when i art, science, literature and philosophy ; were at their best. The schools of Athens had induced the sturdy Romans to divide their energies between the march of empire and the quest of knowl ; edge. But to no avail. The Golden Age of Culture was overshadowed by the des pair of the soul. Their palaces were vocal with the orgies of nameless vices, and the groans of the anguished partici pants. Side by side dwelt misery and luxury. Thousands of knights and sena- I tors in and fine linen, dwelt in the midst of millions of slaves esteemed no higher than sheep and cattle. There j was pride, but no purity, culture, but no 1 charity; palaces, but no hospitality—a RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA, THURSDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 11,1902. world without name of “love.” Mar riage a jest, honest toil disreputable and suicide the fashion. Religion had a Pantheon full of gods, with perfect lib erty of choice, all equally true and equally false. An age dangerously like our own. Into such a world of hopeless despair the angels sang the Nativity song: "Peace on earth and good will to men” —“Unto you this day in the city of David a Saviour is born.” The primary purpose of the Christ life in such a world was a death grapple to meet, refute, destroy and supplant this ; world creed, its Diabolism,” and its des pair. “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested that He might destroy the works of the devil.” He must needs give the world another and better basis i of belief, another object of faith. We I are transformed by what we believe, ■ rather than how we believe. Though | to do it. it became necessary for the I incarnate God to die upon a Roman cross, j to be buried in an earth grave, and rise oagain the third day. But when “it was finished,” then “All the light of sacred story, Clustered round His head sublime— Christo-centric creed of glory Towered o'er the wrecks of time!” Dogma without the deed is dead. Creed without Christ is cant. What He said, what He did. what He was is our all-sufficient soul-satisfying creed. It was the tragedy of errors that the church, all adotvn the ages, did not stand on this divine original, and press the one burning question upon the conscience of the world—“ What think ye of Christ?” Had she stood united upon this one liv ing, palpitating article of belief, what defeats she would have escaped, what victories she would have won, what multitudes forever lost would be etern ally saved. THE COMMANDMENTS. (1.) The first word of the great com mission that stated the gospel on its world conquering march was “Repent.” “It behooved Christ to sutler and to die that repentance and remission of sins be preached in His name among | all nations. Repentance thus becomes • j the initial act of obedience by which t alienated man is reinstated in divine 1 favor, “His suffering and death” reveal 1 “the goodness of God that leadPth us to i repentance.” Except “He be lifted up,” r j to show forth God’s goodness and love ) : men will never be drawn away from sin f and won back to God. • i The cross is the final proof of God's 1 I all-subduing love. How do we know ; that love exists in another heart for us? (Continued on Third Page.) 1 _ ; THE-STHTtHOfIfI BILL i The Senate Devotes the Ses ? ; sion to Consideration of This Measure. (Bv the Associated Press.) Washington, I). C., Dec. 10.—Almost , | the entire session of the Senate today wa3 I devoted to consideration of the Omnibus , j Statehood bill. The bill came over as ■ the unfinished business from the last I session and by agreement today was fixed i for calling it up. Early in the morning . hour, Mr. Quay submitted a report of his . own, and its reading occupied the time of the Senate until 2 o’clock when the > Statehood bill was laid before the Sen . ate. Mr. Beveridge, chairman of the , Committee on Territories, then presented the committee report. > In the course of the reading cf the . several reports a-nd the Statehood bill, . the Senate passed a bill refunding cer , tain revenue taxes to owners of private . dies, and also a bill relieving certain , importers from the duty on tea placed | in bonded warehouses. , Just before adjournment, Mr. Nelson [ secured permission to withdraw the sub , stitute Statehood bill in order to perfect . it. Mr. Quay promptly insisted that the | substitute, if withdrawn, should be sent back to the committee, hut the Chair | ruled against him. Address by Ex-Speaker Grow. (By Jhe Associated Press.) Washington, D. C., Dec. 10. —The only feature of the House proceedings today was a thoughtful speech by Mr. Grow (Pa.), the venerable ex-Speaker of the House, on the relations between labor and capital. At the end of the present sess sion of Congress Mr. Grow retires, at the age of 70, after a career in public life extending over half a century. His speech was regarded as his vale dictory to public life and was listened to with close attention by his colleagues. His conclusion was that some sort of co-operation between labor and capital was the only solution of the impending problem. A bill was passed in general terms de signed to relieve the tea importers from the effect of the recent decision of the Circuit court in New York, imposing the ten-ccnt war duty on tea imported in bond prior to the time when tea is re ; stored to the Free List, January 1, 1903. Another bill, to refund the duties col lected on merchandise from Porto Rico . , and the Philippines during the* period , I between the ratification of the Treaty | ; of Paris and the Congressional Revenue ' Acts for those islands also was passed, i The Pure Food bill was made a contin i uing order not to interfere with appro j priation bills until it is disposed cf. Bier Tobacco Sales in Wilson. (Special to News and Observer.) Wilson. N. C., Dec. 10.—Notwithstand i ; ing the drop in the price of tobacco, re i ccipts and sales up to this date for • | December have been very heavy. i | Street improvement is progressing , • steadily. BLOOD CRIMSONS A SCENE OF REVELRY Charlotte is Shocked by a Terrible Tragedy. THOMAS WILSON IS SLAIN Arthur Bishop Drinking Wine Wi h Wilson’s Daughter and Another Girl is Ordered From Wilson’s House and the Tragedy Follows. (Special to News and Observer.) Charlotte, N. C.. Dec. 10. —Arthur Bishop, the young traveling man from Petersburg, Virginia, who last night slew Thomas J. Wilson at the threshold of Wilson’s home, is still at large, but the police authorities state that is in the corporation limits of Charlotte, and it is their opinion that Bishop will give himself up before the dawning of another day. The murdered man leaves a wife and six small children. A 17-year-old daugh ter of the dead man, it must be admitted, contributed to her father's death. Bishop came to Charlotte about a week ago ostensibly on one of his regular trips to see the shoe dealers of this city. He travels for F. M. Hoyt & Com pany, of Boston, and it is said the firm enjoys a large trade throughout this section. While here he met a young girl named Lena Shultz, and the two formed a great attachment for each other. Last night Bishop and Miss Shultz met by engagement at the home of Jacob Meyer, who lives three doors from the Wilsons. While Bishop and Miss Shultz were in the parlor. Miss Ada Wilson, a daughter of the dead man,.appeared at the Meyer home, she Was intimate with Lena Shultz, also with the Meyer family. The three were engaged in conversation when Meyer produced some wine. It is now claimed that the wine was pur chased by Bishop and that Meyer only served it. At any rate the two girls and Bishop drank wine for some time and then the Wilson girl invited the two to her home. Another bottle of wine appeared very mysteriously* at the Wilson home, and the three drank of th’s bottle. Just about the time the three had consumed all the wine Mrs. Wilson, who was sleeping In an adjoining room, aroused by the reveley in the parlor went to the door to see what was going on. To her very great surprise she saw her daughter, Miss Shultz, and a str.nige man seated by a table on which were two empty bottles of wine. She called her husband, who came to the door of the parlor and ordered Bishop to leave the house. Bishop retorted that he was a gentleman and wished to be so treated. Wilson caught hold of Bishop’s coat and attempted to force him from the room. He succeeded in dragging him to the door leading to the front porch, and there, while the two men were discuss ing the trouble, Bishop drew his gun and placing the muzzle of the weapon against Wilson's stomach, fired. The unfortunate man fell in his door way and expired in a few- minutes. Bishop fled, leaving behind him his hat, which has a hole knocked in it. The Shultz girl claims that Wilson struck Bishop across the head with a cane. The affair has caused a profound sen sation. All parties are good people. Bishop has a wife and children living in Petersburg. DIRECTORS OF STATE NORMAL Board in Session at Greensboro—Death of Mr C. N. Mebants’s Mother. (Special to News and Observer.)- Greensboro, N. C., Dec. 10.—The Board of Directors of the State Normal and Industrial College is now in formal ses sion in the Benbow Hotel, the following members being present: Superintendent of Public Instruction, J. Y. Joyner, ex officio chairman; W. P. Shaw, Winston; A. J. Connor, Rich Square; J. L. Nelson, Lenoir; C. H. Mcbane, Newton. The session is executive and thus far nothing has been given out, though it is rumored that several large matters are being considered in connection with the recommendations and orders of the board. Ex-Superintendent of Public Instruc tion, C. H. Mcbane, president of Catawba College, a member of the Board of Direc tors of the State Normal and Industrial College, left his mother at Newton last night quite sick, but not considered in danger. He arrived here at 2 o’clock this morning, and just as the board was going into session received a wire announcing the death of his mother at 9 o’clock. He cannot reach home before 10 o’clock tonight on any regular sched ule, and the remains will be brought here tonight. Dr. Mebane meeting them in Sal isbury. The burial will be at Mt. Hope, German Reformed church, seven miles from Greensboro, tomorrow at eleven o’clock, services to be conducted by Rev. J. D. Andrew", of Burlington. Mrs. Meb ane was seventy-eight years old. Sh» leaves the following children to lamenr the great loss of a Christian model moth er: Mrs. W. A. Walker, Minto; R. A. Mebane, Elon College; C. H. Mebane, Newton; Mrs. R. L. Pritchard. Graham. Telegraphers Pay lacrea«ei. (By the Associated Press.) Roanoke, Va., Dec. 10.—The telebraph operators on the Norfolk and Western Railway system have been granted a ten per cent increase in wages, shorter hours, and extrd pay for overtime, ef fective January Ist. The concessions were granted the telegraphers today after a conference between a committee from the Order of Railway Telegraphers, and L. E. Johnston, vice-president and gen eral manager of the Norfolk and Wes tern. Six hundred men are affected, and the increase will amount to many thous ands of dollars per annum. Lecture by Dr. Robertson, (Special to the News and Observer.) Wake Forest, N. C., Dec. 10.—Dr. A. T. Robertson, professor in the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary of Louis ville. Ky., delivered, in the regular col lege course, a lecture of great clearness and power on the Divinity of Christ as portrayed in the Gospel of John. Dr. Robertson is one of the most distin guished alumni of the college, having graduated in 1885. Mrs. Robertson is with her husband and “the hill’’ is de lighted to intertain these good people- Prof, and Mrs. W. L. Poteat, Prof, and Mrs. W. R. Cullum, Mrs. W. W. Hold ing. Prof. J. IT. Carlyle and President C. E. Taylor left this morning to attend the Baptist State Convention at Durham- Robbed of SBOO. (Special to News and Oberver.) Fayetteville, N. C., Dee. 10. —On a war rant issued at the request of O. A. Wad dell, railroad and express agent at Man chester, Tom Monroe, a negro boy, has been arrested charged with robbing the agent of SSOO in money and checks, most of which, belonged to the railroad and express companies. Mr. Waddell had the money locked in a bureau draw in his bed room on the second floor of his residence, and, when he went to get it Saturday, it was gone. The police are not much inclined to be lieve in Monroe’s guilt. MB The Fire at Williamston. (Special to News and Observer.) Williamston. N. C., Dec. 10. —The total loss in the fire here last Friday night was SII,OOO. Individuals losses follow: Mizell & Brown, grocers, stock $2,800, insurance, $1,200; F. K. Hodges & Bro., general merchandise, damage to stock SIOO, covered by insurance; Blount Bros., general merchandise and hotel, damage to building and furniture, SSOO, covered by insurance; W. M. Wilson, grocer, stock, $1,500, insurance $1,00; J. A. Mizell & Co., saloon, stock and fixtures, $2,000. insurance $1,000; Oemmodore Heath, col ored, restaurant, loss $25. TO (10 IHOOCftTIfIi Rockefellt r-Plans to Help De serving Institutions in the South (By the Associated Press.) Washington, D. C., Dec. 10. —It became known today that the bill for the “in corporation of a general educational board,” which recently passed the House of Representatives, is intended to pave the way for the establishment of an educational center of extensive propor tions in this city. The measure was in troduced at the instance of John D. Rockefeller and other persons of wealth, who. it now develops intend to create a fund to aid existing schools and colleges without any restriction as to the age, sex, or color of attendants. The meas ure also is without limitation as to the section of country in which the schools shall be located, but it is known that it is the especial desire of the promoters of the undertaking to improve educational facilities of the South, including those for the improvement of colored youth. There is no intention of building up an educational institution at any place. The headquarters and offices of the corpora tion will be located in Washington. No definite figures can be given by anyone here as to the amount to be invested, but those who know anything of the plans believe the volume of money will be suf ficient to meet all real needs of deserv ing institutions in the Southern States. Mr. Rockefeller has not promised any specific amount, but he has let it be known that he will give liberally. The names of other wealthy men who will join him in the enterprise have not been made public. The incorporators named in the act, are the following well-known educators: Daniel C. Gilman, George Foster Pea body, Morris K. Jessup, Robert C. Ogden, William H. Baldwin, Jr., Jabez L. M. Curry, Frederick T. Gates, Walter H. Page, and Albert Shaw. The understand ing here is that the institution will be put into shape for business soon after (he bill receives the President’s signa ture. FJR EMPTYING GAS R£SERVOiR A. F Brindell Arrested at Wilmington—Elko’ Charitable Plan—Killed at Gin. (Special to News and Observer.) Wilmington, N. C., Dec. 10. —Begrimed with tar and grease from a small cellar under the gas house where it is alleged he turned on an escape pipe with the malicious intent of emptying one of the large reservoirs of the Consolidated Railways, Light and Power Company. Augustus F. Brindell, a white man of Wilmington, was arraigned in the police court todav, charged with injury to per sonal property. Several times lately there have been large escapes from the tanks of the company and a detective was engaged to discover the cause. Be fore day yesterday morning another leak was discovered. Brindell was found in a small opening under the purifying room ; and was dragged out. The drip in the pit I for turning out gas and tar was turned ! on and the man was just under it, more “VENEZUELANS. TO ARMS!” CRIES IRE MCE OF CASTRO # The Combined German and British Fleet has Seized * all Venezuelan Vessels in the Harbor of La Guaira. PRESIDENT CiSTIIO’S APPEAL FOLLOWS dead than alive. He was locked up on the charge of having purposely caused the , loss. He plead drunkenness, but the case against him will finally be heard in the higher court. The second annual fair of the Wilming ton Poultry and Pet Stock Association will be given here the week beginning January 6th. The railroads will give reduced rates for the occasion, good for ten days. Th,e Elks of Wilmington will give a Christmas tree aud supper to one thou sand poor children of the city during the holidays. While superintending the operation of a gin on his plantation near Hamer, S. C., yesterday afternoon, P. G. McEachern, a prominent, farmer in that section, had one of his hands badly lacerated in the saws. When extricated from the machinery, Mr. McEachern was bleeding profusely and suffering great pain. A messenger was dispatched to Dillon for the nearest phy sician, but before he could reach the in jured man death had ensued. OFFICEBS BAPTIBT STATE CONVENTION These Were Elected in Darbam tt t.e Opening Meeting. (Special to News and Observer.) Durham, N. C., Dec. 10.—After the close of the annual sermon preached by Rev. C. S. Blackwell, of Wilmington, the con vention were organized. An address of welcome was most feli citously delivered by Judge R. ,W. Win ston, and this was most felicitously re sponded to by Prof. F. P. Hobgood, of Oxford. The election of officers resulted as fol lows: PRESIDENT—Dr. R. H. Marsh, of “Oxford. VICE-PRESIDENTS—Messrs. I. Mc- Intyre, of Lumbertcn; R, W. Winston, Durham; C. B. Justice, Rutherfordton. SECRETARY—N. B- Broughton, Ral eigh. ASSISTANT SECRETARY—H. C. Moore, New Bern. CORRESPON DING SECRETARY— Livingston Johnson, Raleigh. TREASURER Walters Durham, Raleigh. ASSISTANT TREASURER—J. M. Stover, Asheville. AUDITOR—J. B. Martin, Raleigh. TRUSTEES—W. C. Tyree, Raleigh C. M. Cooke, Louisburg; F. P. Hobgoor, Oxford; . A. Briggs, Raleigh; L. R. Mills, Wake Forest. To Indict Another Registrar. (Special to News and Observer.) Lexington, N. C., Dec. 10. —It is re ported that Registrar J. H. Moyer, of this place, is to be indicted for refusal to let negroes register in the November election. Two negro teachers —Ellis and Lowe —are now in Charlotte giving evi dence to District Attorney Holton. The registrar, Mr. Moyer, is one of the first citizens of Lexington, and nobody here believe the prosecution will amount to anything. The British Foreign Office Speaks. (By the Associated Press.) London, Dec. 10.—7 p. m.—ln response to an inquiry made at the Foreign Office, a representative of the Associated Press was informed that, up to 7 o’clock this evening no information of an official character had been received from Vene zuela, everything being left to the com mander of the British fleet, who had re ceived explicit instructions as to what course to pursue and regarding the ag gressive measures to be undertaken. The Foreign Office explains that last communication sent to President Castro was not a second ultimatum, but a noti fication that the commander had been in structed to send, to the effect that the second stage of the reprisals, which in clude other measures besides the seizure of the customs, would be commenced unless a satisfactory answer was re ceived- The Foreign Office has heard nothing from United States Minister Bowen, who has charge of British and German interests at Caracas, regarding the imprisonment of British subjects. It still things, however, that the British at Caracas probably will be safer in prison than outside. The reports of friction between Ger many and Great Britain are denied. The Foreign Office says that to all intents and purposes the two powers are taking joint action, though in certain eventuali tes each country is free to act independ ently. Fayetteville, N. C., Dec. 10. —Ten or more white workmen were engaged in erecting a dry kiln at the plant of the Harnett Lumber Company, several miles from Manchester, when the partly finished structure collapsed, burying seven men in the wreck. One named McNeill was badly hurt about the head; a man named Wilson was injured internally and all were much bruised and scratched. When last heard from the injured men were doing well. 444444444444 *4444*444* 4 THE WEATHER TO-DAY. 4 4 Nor Raleigh: | Fair; Warmer. | 444444444444 444*44444* PRICK FIYL CEV7S. The Venezuelan Coast is to be Blockaded. BOVEN SECURES RELEASE OF PRISONERS Castro Frees Some of the Principal British and German Subject* With Reluctance but our Minister Will Endeavor to Have Him Release the Remainder—Washington Regaids ihe Situation as Extremely Critical. ❖ *> *i* Paris, Dec. 10.—A Venezuelan gov- d* *> ernment communication is issued *> ❖ here stating that President Castro •$* ❖ has appealed to the Venezuelan peo- ❖ *l* pie to take up arms against Ger- *> ❖ many and Great Britain. ♦J* *j» Castro Declares it an l ct of War. (By the Associated Press,) Paris, Dec. 10. —A Venezuelan govern ment communication to the representative here protests that Great Britain and Ger many, acting in concert, have committed an act of hostility in a manner as arbi trary as it is unprecedented by the seizure of Venezuelan vessels lying at LaGuaira. The communications says that indignation in Venezuela is at its highest pitch aud the government is resorting to justifiable ! reprisals. It lias arrested - tho resident. 4 | subjects of both hostile countries and has seized the railways and other undertak ings belonging to them. At the same time, aidds the communication, Presi dent Castro has appealed to the Vene zuelan people to take up arms. He has decreed a general amnesty for all politi cal offenses and has ordered the restitu tion of the confiscated property of Vene zuelan citizens. Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Dec. !). At 4 o’clock this afternoon the combine.l German and British fleet seized and towed outside the harbor of La Guaira all the vessels which were then there. These were the warships General Crespo. Totumo, Ossun and Margarita. The ships were manned by 90 men. The news of the capture of the war ships is not yet generally known in the capital. Great excitement undoubtedly will prevail when it is announced. Capture of ihe Bolivar. (Bv the Associated Press.) London, Png., Dee. 10.—The Admiralty has received information of the seizure of' the Venezuelan gunboat Bolivar at Tort of Spain. Island of Trinidad. The seizure of the gunboat was ef fected on instructions previously issued ; by the British Admiralty. By the Cruiser Charybdis. (By the Associated Press.) Kingstown, Island of St. Vincent, Dec. 10.—The British cruiser Charybdis was the vessel which seized the Venezuelan gunboat Bolivar in the harbor of Port of Spain, Trinidad, last night. British warships have left Trinidad to poen the Orinoco river to free navigation and trade. It is reported here that the British I and German warships will blockade Ihe ! entire Venezuelan coast from the Orinoco | to the frontier of»Colombia. A Cablegram From Bowen. (By the Associated Press.) Washington, D. C., Dec. 10.—But one cablegram has been received today by the State Department from Minister Bowen, at Caracas. That relates to the seizure by British and German vessels of the Venezuelan navy at LaGuaira. He makes no reference whatever to any seizures of customs houses. Mr. Bowen expresses the opinion that similar seiz ures of vessels may have been made at ! other ports. and Castro in Conflict. (By the Associated Press.) Washington. D. C., Dec. 10.—The State Department has been advised that a “peaceful blockade” exists in LaGuaira, which is the port of Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. The difference between this state and a state of war is not very strongly marked, except in tho .oppor j tunity afforded by the peaceful blockade to effect a settlement without recourse to actual bloodshed. The situation is here regarded ac critical. Minister Bowen, at Caracas, has accepted the trust placed upon him to look after the in terests of British and German citizens in (Continued on Page Six.) k