The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-11-17
DEBATE OVER zAYAs' SEAT.
me Conservative DELEGATES n"'t"r-
ate ChRrGeA of ErnML.

L
| HAVANA, Nov. 1s.-The Constitutions
convention sat fol four hours todny. Al
the tIme was occapied in debating tn" re-
| port OF the Committee on Credentials II
| the case of Senior Zayas. one of The
| Havana delegates elected by the National
| party. Gualberto Gomez in a long speech
/, SAID that the proper way for the conven-
ton to regard the question was to re-
| member the exact conditions under wh'ch
the elections were held
The election ticket of the National party
was a governmental ticket, that part!
having two Secretaries OF State, the civil
governor of the province of Havana, the
mayor OF Havana. and two sub secretaries.
Ihls TACT was sufficient to make the eiec-
lions in Havana suspicious. as these OIL
Gals were certain to use their author'ty
to secure the success of their party In
addition to this there were many evl-
dences OF fraud. The convention should
show the Cubans that il regarded the elec-
lions as too sacred to be trified with.
Senior Gomez demanded that the con-
vention uphold the Havana board OF cam
vassers in all its recommendations re-
Senior Giberga presented a motion that
the Committee on Credentials report be
rejected and an investigation made by
the convention into the whole matter OF
the votes.
Senior Zayas asked if he might be al
lowed to speak. The chair ruled that he
could not. as his right to a seat in the
convention was questioned.
Senior Giberga then made a long speech
which stirred the convention. He began
by saying that he was the only repre-
sentative of the party in the convention
that stood for the conservative element.
He had opposed the revolution. but now
found himself among a number of revo-
lutionists. Nevertheless. he would speak
his mind. At this point Senior Zayas
moved that Senior Giberga be not allowed
to speak,
On question of order Senior Giberga
said that Senior Zayas was anxious regard
ing his seat He added that the Yaya rules,
which were drawn up for an assembly of
revoiutionists under arms, should not be
allowed any weight in a serious assembly
Ike the present convention. The Conser-
vatiye party believed that one essential
of settlement of the situation
was proper understanding with the United
States. There We're not any means of
coming to an advantageous settlement
without this. Such an understanding
would be perfectly compatible with indie
pendence. The convention would lose MOTH
ing by having Senior Pierra as a delegate
instead OF Senior Zayas. The former was a
good Conservative
The speaker added that though he could
not prove fraud in the Havana elections he
vas nevertheless morally certain that fraud
lad been perpetrated and every delegate
Knew the culprits were Secretary of State |
ramayo and Civil Governor Nunez.
President Llorrente called Senior Giber- |
ga to order for irrelevancy but not sue
.eeding in asserting himself. finally save |
up az
Seniors Sanguily, Nunez, and others join
I'd in the debate, which, though mainly |
1ealing with the matter in hand, often
from it. Senior Sanguily main
aimed that English was the official Ian
suage of Cuba. No vote was taken on the
question at issue. While unfolding Sem
'r Giberga's arguments. Senior Sanguily
ried indirectly to soften the effects OF the
ormers speech, which appeared to slight
he resi- of the delegates, they being ia
obins.
Apparently all the orators in the con-
'ention. barring Senior Giberga. belong to
he Gomez side. Senior Giberga Is nomi-
laIiy the only conservative in the con
Ientlon. ne mas SHOWN ne is not AFRAID
o speak his mind. 1t will probably be a
ourcc of relief to some of the delegates
o have such a man to express the ideas
Witch they dare not express themselves,
hcugh If secret sessions are held. these
elegates will feel safer in expressing
more moderate views.
All the references made to the United ,
tates were most friendly.
The ayuntamientO has named Senior La {
uereia, and Mr.. Dady has named Mr..
'yrne to apprise the value of the plans {
Dr. sewering Havana. These will choose
enor Villalon. Secretary of Public
Works to act as umpire. Senior viIlalon {
as selected by lot from among three
ames proposed by Mr.. Ryrne and three
Y Senior Laguerela.