New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-03-11


TUITION OF CIVILIAN FOR MILITARY LEAD
ELECTROMAGNETIC RESOURCES
STEAMSHIP SUBSIDIES AND DpLt
MATIo NEGOTIATIONS.
(rRox STAFF CORRESPONDENT OF THE rRrBuxKl
Montevideo January H.
Uruguay is a stocl-raising and sheep-farmng
country, whose commercial interests are intimately
connected with those of the Argentine Republic
and Paraguay on one side, and with those Of
Brazil on the other. 1t was originally dependency
of Brazil. but broke away from the Empire In
1925. and adopted a constitution in $50. After
a transition period of political confederation with
Paraguay and the Argentina one of the United
Provinces Of the Rio de la Plata it is now a self
governing State, in close commercial intercourse
with those Republics. well as with Brazil
The Government is nominally republican, nut
resembles in fact little less than military
oligarchy. The Presidents with the army and
police behind them. have exercised almost dcspotio
political power. There have been two legislative
houses Senate elected by indirect suffrage in
nineteen departments, and Chamber of Repre-
sentatves, chosen in the proportion of one for
every 5000 men who can read and write. In
the interval, when the houses are not in session,
there is q legislative committee nomlnally in con-
troll of the Government; but practically the
President with his seven Ministers of State. is
master of the situation. He is rot eligible to
reelection and hence has limited term of power;
but during four years his will is the strongest
political force in the State. One hears in Monte
video blood-curdling tales of military cabas and
political assassnations in the recent annals of
so-called republican government. Revolutionary
ho1-a hs0r
common here as in other sections of Spanish
America. Happily the era of irresponsible power
seems to have drawn to close. The present
ADMINISTRATION has marked what is generally
regarded as a transition period between military
dictatorship and genuine republican government.
The President of the Republic is General Maxine
Tages man of remarkable political capacity
and force of character. He was elected III
November, 1856, under unfavOrabc conditions
for the development of liberal principles of admins
tration: but ne has brought the pOwcf Of an
infexbe will to bear upon the promotion OF the
ends Of progressive government. Under his
Administration the finances have been we'll
dered political crimes have been suppressed.
public order has been Icsolutely maintained. and
both the capital and the departments have been
well governed. 1t has been era of progress
and prosperity, and the country would be fortu-
dcncy for a second term. This is impracucabc
under the constitution, and preparations are now
making for the election of his successor in March.
Formerly retiring President has virtually named
his successor but General Tages in the interest
of republican institutions. disclaimS any Intention
of interfering with the voluntary action of the
legislative chambers There are pessimists who
refuse 10 give TO him credit for sincerity IN his
professions a reformcr and persist in believing
that he will place political ally N the Presiden-
tal office. and thereby retain personal control
over the Administration. If he were to do TINS
his action would be in conformity with a long line
OF bad presidents; but if his friends are 10 be
believed he has no candidate for the succession,
and is bent upon allowing the Legislature 10
exercise its constitutional functions without press
ure from either the Executive Office or from the
army. Meanwhile candidates are placing them
selves in nomination. Among these is Dr. juno
Herrera Y Obcs formerly Prime Minister. man of
political capacity whose relations with the Prcsi-
dent have been somewhat strained. He has an
nounced his canddature in an address opulcnt
in promises of good administration and progressive
reforms Other candidates are taking the field
against him. with similar professions Of LOYALTY to
the Constitution and zeal for the service Of the
State The next President will he elected by
Legislature which has been chosen in sections
at various times by suffrage more or less indirect
The result is awaited with keen feeling OF
anxiety in Montcvideo
The President for many years has been. If
not military dictator. at least a military gov
ernor If General Tages pcrseveres in MS patriotic
policy Of abstaininS from Influencing in any
respect the choice of the Legislature, he Will
effect the substitution of a civilian Tor military
governor. Such action will have a most i'm
It'll. Z ...
progress Of self-government in Uruguay. II Will
be a policy of political regeneration after
series of military dictatorship and assassination
lotteries Uruguay will still be long way from
Presidential elections by popular vote but new
stage of civic progress will have been reached by
the voluntary choice of the Chief Executive by
the representatives of the departments and the
general electors The force of public opinion IS
ordinarily lacking in South American politics.
Presidential elections instead of possessing pOpn-
lar sanction and developing public sentiment
have been factional military adjustments ef-
fected BY ambitious and unscrupuions mctaloIS.
General Tagcs may he unable to resist the temp'a-
ton to appoint his own successor By br nelns
military pressure 10 bear upon the members OF
the Chambers: but if lie has the courage ana
patriotism u allow what is practically National
electoral college 10 choose It's own cand'da'e' a
powerful impulse will be impaired TO clvil Derry
in the Plate countries In the Argentine Repub-
lie where the evils of military government are
also known. the impending Presidential election
in Uruguay is watched with absorbing interest.
ANY advance in civilian over military leadership
here will be repeated there with the progress OF
public enlightenment
There has been marked Improvement In
financial astnini stratOn durirt recent years.
There is National debt of $4,000, 00c, which
has been funded at lower rates and consolidated
The interest has been promptly paid and the
currency has been reduced 10 gold basis,
condition markedly in contrast with the financial
disorder prevailing in other South American
countries Railways have been opened between