New-York tribune., 1901-05-01
GOMEZ OUT OF THE RACE.
THE CUBAN CONSTITUTION WON'T BE
CHANGED TO MAKE HIM ELIGI-
BILE FOR PRESIDENT.

From a statement made yesterday by General
Domingo Mendez Capote chairman Of the Gu
ban commission which is now IN this city. 1t ap-
pears evident that Maximo Gomez will not be
the president Of the new Cuban republic. In
stead as printed in The Tribune yesterday, T.
Estrada Palma. who the head Of the Cuban
Junta in this city during the war; Is the favorite
candidate for this office
The three men who have been chiefly men
toned for the presidency according to Sehor
Capote In his talk yesterday with a Tribune
reporter are Generals Gomez. Palma and Masso
With Gomez out of the race the contest now
lies between Palma and Masso. and according
to those who familiar with the Cuban situa-
ton. the nomination and election OF General
Palma practically assured. Both Senior Palma
and Sehor Masso We're leaders in the war against
Spain for Cuban independence. and thus have
the support Of the common people. But General
Palma is also said TO have the support of the
moneyed and industrial classes, and would prove
a more acceptable candidate.
The question as to whether General Gomez
should be the president Of the new republic has
been subject of endless debate and discus
sion throughout the West Indies Inasmuch
as General Gomez was born in San Domingo. he
could not be elected president under constitu-
tion which provided that the chief executive
should be native born. Hence there has been a
campaign led by the friends of the general TO
insert special provision in the new constitu-
tion which would permit Of his election. This
provision, however. ii is said will not be made
part of the constitution. thus rendering Cen
eral Gomez ineligible
When asked about the candidacy Of General
Gomez. Sehor Capote said:
1t is too early to talk of candidates We
must first decide upon our constitution"
"Win the constitution provide that the Presi-
dent shall be a native born Cuben?"
Il believe that it will" was the answer
will that not exclude General Gomez?'
The chairman of the commission here gave
shrug as if the question unnecessary.
rs not General Palma a candidate9''
;Of Senior Palma do not wish 10 speak. It is
too early, too early"
But has he not the support of nearly all the
classes of Cuba?''
Yes. he has" was the answer. There is an
abundance of good feeling for him. He might
make a very strong candidate"
What candidates have been mentioned?'
Generals Palma Gomez and Masso"
rs not General Palma a stronger candidate
than General 9Iasso?"
Yes / think he is
And General Gomez is out of the race?"
Here again General Capote shrugged his shout
ders nonchalantly-
When will your report to the convention be
ready?'
We expect to draw IL up on the steamship
way home"
Have you not fully decided on the pro-
visions?'
Not all, but I must not speak OF the report
now; it is too early.
The five commissioners were visitors yester-
day noon at the Produce and Stock exchanges.
where they were heartily greeted by the brokers
with Cuba Libre!" They took luncheon with
r. A c. Smith, at the Lawyers Club. and din
ner with Senor Martinez, at the Down Town
Associations rooms. In the evening they were |
entertained at the Metropolitan Club
They will sail to-day at 3 O'Clock on the steam.
ship Havana but they are 10 be the guests or |
the Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon 10 oe |
given at 1880 O'Clock. They will spend the |
morning hours in going through the plants or |
the American Tobacco Company and in in |
specting the subway
They expect to have another conference WIN
General Palma before their departure 1t is said |
that he will accept the candidacy II IL is SHOWN
that his support is sufficiently strong
General Palma is a modest man. said one /
Of the commissioners and Will not accept this |
candidacy without due consideration.