The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-08-09
Calls a Constitutional Con-
Ventton Which Adopts an
Amendment AuoGUing Him
10 Succeed Himself.
PROTEST OF POLANCO
COSTS HIM HIS LIFE
Cabrera Embraces His In
tended Victim, oASSurfnq
Him Of His Esteem Death
FolLoGUS Incarceration.

GUATEMALA CITY, July 22-(special
by maiD Manuel Estrada Cabrera,
President of the Republic. has been sue
cessful in his designs. He will be re-
elected President and will practically
become dictator The constitutional con-
vention, called at his behest and filled
with delegates TO do his viii. adopted
an amendment to the constitution Of the
country making this possible.
The Guatemalan constitution provided
nbt "the President shall be elected for
six years, and cannot be reelected until
there shall have interviewed at least one
presidential term" The constitutional
convention amended this to read. The
ERIN of the President. who shall be elect
ed by popular vote. shall be for six
years. thus paving the way for Ca
brera's reelection.
One Voice in Protest.
Everyone knows the thing was cut
and dried, and Il was not deemed posi-
BILE that anyone would raise a voice ir
protest. for such an act meant certain
death man of this kind was found,
however, in Efelgo J. Polanco. He had
risen from obscurity, and his ability and
popularity caused him to be elected
delegate. He was appointed to serve on
the committee to draft the change in the
constitution.
CONSERVATION and surprise -ensued
when he insisted on making a minority
report, declaring that he would stand on
his constitutional right of free speech,
and would oppose the measure.
The Assembly Amazed.
The assembly was amazed when this
"ghost" appeared, especially as an
nouncernent had been made to the pub
lie that the measure would pass; thai
the congress would adjourn next day;
that cannon would be fired. steam whis
ties would be blown. and that general
rejoicing would ensue over the unani-
nous vote of confidence in the govern
ment.
Intimidation failed to swerve Polanco.
He made a rousing speech. told of the
ADMINISTRATORS tricks. berated the gov
ernment for sending 10 the congress
delegates. a majority of whom We're pub
lie officials and employees. He called
Epon the government henchmen present
to tell what had been done with the $780,
BOO sent from Mexico to relieve the
earthquake sufferers and gave the gov
eminent an overhauling for a financial
policy that In four years had caused ex>
change to rise from $50 per cent pre-
MUM TO 1000 per cent.
Applause Went Awry.
A force Of government troops in citi-
gen dress. which had been sent to cheer
for. the government. loudly applauded
Polanco. The poor fellows did not know
when TO cheer. but when POlanco warm
ed UP they thought that was the proper
time. The police used revolvers and
clubs freely, much to their surprise, and
Injured many of them.
But Polanco had sealed his fate, and
knew it. In concluding his speech he
said he knew his words meant death or
banishment. but he was ready 10 suffer
the penalty 10 show the world that
Guatemala still had men who would
stand for their rights ana the honor Of
the country.
The Salute Of Judas
As soon as the assembly adjourned.
after passing the measure desired, the
members proceeded 10 congratulate the
President. Cabrera received them, and
as Polanco was on the committee, he
took occasion 10 say he supposed the
President was already aware Of his &C
ton and position toward the change
effected. and that he was ready 10 stand
the Consequences Of his act
The President opened wide his arms,
clasped Polanco 20 his breast in Span
lsh style. and told him he hOnOred him
above all men. How could Polanco
think the peoples friend, Estrada Cab
rera, OF humble origin himself. could
oppose freedom OF speech2" POlanco re-
tired doubtingly- Three days later he
was arrested on a trivial charge. After
four days in a dungeon II was announced
Saturday, July Is. that he had died that
day. and had been Immediately buried.
No explanation Of his death was given.
but the manner Of his passing can
readily be inferred.