26 DECEMBER 1908, Page 1

While President Castro has been rousing the curiosity of the

European Press, and especially that of Berlin, and exciting the cupidity of concession-hunters, shipbuilders, and the manufacturers of warlike stores, the Opposition in Venezuela has not been idle. On Wednesday news reached this country through Renter's Agency that General Gomez, Vice-President of the Republic, bad substituted for the old Castro. Cabinet a new coalition Ministry. The supporters of Seiler Castro have, however, not only been turned out of office ; they have also been arrested on the ground that they were engaged in a criminal conspiracy, in which President Castro himself is charged with complicity. The fact is that an anti-Castro coup cretat has been carried out in the usual Spanish-American fashion. General Gomez is said to have shown great personal bravery. On Saturday last he went on foot to the barracks, where a mutinous regiment was quartered under the command of President Castro's brother. General Gomez entered the building and himself placed Colonel Castro under arrest. He then went to the "Yellow House" and arrested Seim Torres Cardenas, President Castro's representative. General Gomez

seized him by the shoulders, and, shaking him roughly, said : "I have discovered your plot to assassinate me. You are my. prisoner." Senor Cardenas tried to use his revolver, but General Gomez was too quick, and pinioned his arms.