When the minister protested, Castro expelled him.

Thereupon the Netherlands instituted a blockade of the Venezuelan ports.

What might have happened if Castro had remained much longer in charge, may be guessed.

Toward the close of 1908, however, he departed for Europe to undergo a course of medical treatment.

Hardly had he left Venezuelan shores when Juan Vicente Gomez, the able, astute, and vigorous Vice President, managed to secure his own election to the presidency and an immediate recognition from foreign states.