New-York tribune., 1902-05-06

morning were the first official recognition of the
flag the emblem of the new republic. One
was the structure known as Segundo Cabo
which adjoins the palace; the other foated from
the Commandment Marina. Both flags were
raised by order of General Wood as Military
Governor. They marked the opening of the
Cuban Congress. The Senate meets in the Sc
gundo Cabo and the Camara. House. in the
Marine Building. Both structures were profuse-
Iy decorated with the Cuban colors Small
squads of people who the flag raising, which
had not been announced in advance. cheered
heartily.
IN HIGH HATS AND FROCK COATS.
Before meeting separate bodies the mem
bers of the Senate and House gathered in the
reception hall of the palace. All high
hats and frock coats and most of them white
waistcoats. General Wood was surrounded by
his staff in full uniform and by members of his
Cuban Cabinet facing the Senators and Repre-
sentatives He addressed them briefly and
earnestly. explaining how it was his function
to call them together in discharge of the first
duty imposed on them by the Cuban CQnstitu-
tiOn which was to verify the election of Presi-
dent and Vice-President. Much qualification was
shown at his statement Of the purpose of the
American Government TO communicate TO other
nations the fact that Cuba is constituted a
nation. His words were translated by Jose
Varona, of his Cabinet. BY prearrangement
Congress. thanking General Wood. the American
Government and people for the elimination they
had given 10 the aspirations OF the Cuban people
10 constitute Independent republic. Informal
talk between General Wood and his staff with
the Congressman followed. aud thesn soon with
drew to their respective places of meeting
The first session of each body passed off
smoothly the programme had been pretty
well arranged in advance. and the precedents of
the Constitutional Convention were followed.
The chief event the receipt of the Military
Governors communication transmitting the
proclamation from Washington Some members
had supposed they could enter on their legisla-
tive functions Immediately. but they soon
learned that this could not be done till May 20.
The most interest was shown by the public In
the meeting of the House, and the hall of the
building was crowded. AS result of many
caucuses the political groups which unite under
the name of Republicans control the organiza-
ton in both bodies.
The position of President pro TEN Of both the
Senate and the House unanimously ac-
corded to the oldest member Of each body. SAL
vator Cisneros was elected President of the
Senate while Pedro Albarran was elected Presi- !
dent Of the House of Representatives. After ap-
pointing committees to pass upon credentials |
both bodies adjourned until tomorrow.
SUCCEEDS CONSTITUTIONAL CONVEN-
TION.
In-Flse first Cuban Congress. which opened its |
sessions to-day is the successor of something |
il succeeds the Cuban Constitutional Conven- |
ton, which adjourned last October. The con- |
Yentcn not dissolved formally at that time. |
but this is done by the action of General Wood
as Military Governor. In the call which he issued
for the Congress to meet he declared the Con-
stitutioral Convention dissolved So it is no
more.
Another body viii be dissolved tomorrow. |
This is the Election Board. Board Of Scrutiny.
under which the elections held This !
ceases to exist on May q, since its functions will
be completed when IL submits the Congress |
the result of its abors for review The Military |
Governor already has passed on the work OF the !
Election Board. because il its certifca- !
ton that the members Of Congress and other !
officials OF the island were declared elected. The
Congress is convened under the order of the |
Military Governor for the purpose Of examining !
into the credentials of its members and Of count
ing and rectifyng the electoral vote for Presi- |
dent and Vice President
TWO or three days probably will be long |
enough for the members to certify their own |
election. After that will come the counting of !
the electoral vote in joint session, as is done by
the Congress Of the United States. A clause |
in the Cuban constitution specifically sets forth |
the mode Of procedure Naturally there be |
no legislation by the Cuban Congress until after |
May 90 because the military power of the /
United States continues until President Palma's |
Inauguration that date.
It is hardly probable that the rules Will be |
completed and ready for adoption within the |
fortnight that will elapse until the Congress is !
actually empowered to exercise legislative func- |
tons; but 1t may make progress in this direc- |
tion. The rules adopted by the Constitutional |
Convention and the experience gained during the |
sessions of that body will be valuable and will |
furnish basis. Though in the main the par
namentary practice of legislative bodies in the !
United States may obtain Latin procedure will |
not be swept away entirely. and in many
uamentary procedure.
PERSONNEL OF THE CONGRESS.
The personnel Of both the Senate and the
Camara. House. is decidedly interesting.
Some familiar faces which have been seen since
also have disappeared. The leading
in the Constitutional Convention Will be seen
and heard in the Congress. Yet several OF |
the members Of that body who were prominent
lost their influence and not heard from.
Many Of the members are designated as al
caldes." mayors. and aldermen. This means
that they able TO utilize municipal politics |
10 rise higher.
In the Senate. which is composed of twenty
four members. the majority are lawyers and |
planters. The House contains sixty-three Dep |
uties or Representatives Here. too. the law
yers are in the majority. yet there is a fair
proportion OF physicians and several planters. |
There four five editors two cigarmakers
and priest. Seven members simply de-
scribed soldiers"
Both branches Of the Congress have one func
tion ahead Of them which gives them deep per-
sonal concern. This is the determination OF the !