"Gone To Get Castro Back."

New York Times 100 years ago today, August 6, 1913:
Yarn About Cruiser's Errand Thrills Brunswick, Ga., Amuses New York.
Special to The New York Times.
    BRUNSWICK. Ga., Aug. 5.— Since the harbor pilot returned from taking the United States cruiser Des Moines to sea on her way to La Guayra to protect Americans in Venezuela during the Castro uprising, a curious report has been in circulation here to the effect that the cruiser's real mission is to "bring Gen. Castro back to the United States." The rest of the gossip accompanying the report is to the effect that this Government will take advantage of Gen. Castro's being still under a bond given in New York pending the Immigration Department's appeal against the decision of the court setting him free under a writ of habeas corpus, and admitting him to the United States. As Castro afterward left the country, the gossip runs, he forfeited his bond and this will afford this Government legal right to bring about his return.
    The hundred marines from Norfolk, Va., reported to be en route to Brunswick to board the Des Moines for Venezuela did not reach here before the cruiser sailed, and it is reported that they have been sent South by rail, to be picked up later, thus dispensing with the necessity of holding the Des Moines a day longer.
    The gossip about the Des Moines errand amused Federal officials last night. It was said on authority that although it was true that Castro was still nominally under a $500 bond in this country pending the appeal of the Government as to his admission, granted on habeas corpus proceedings, he was at liberty to go where he pleased when he did depart, and in leaving the country he did nothing that was extraditable. If the United States could get him back, all it could do with him would be to deport him again.
    "That we are trying to get Castro back is too ridiculous for discussion," said a Federal authority. "When he went away from here it was exactly what Uncle Sam wanted."