Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1904-07-14
Election Of Vice. President and
Change in Constitution With.
out Great Excitement.
Position Of Msriscal,-Ramon Corral
Representative Of the Younger
Element, Chosen 70 Second
Place in Government
SOmcthin of his re.
cord.

While the United States has been In.
dulging in the prclimnaries of the cleo
ton of president and vice president the
neighborng republic OF Mexico has fixed
its rulers for the next six years.
political revolution has been worked
in that republic but it was a revolution
which was initiated and carried through
ny tho government Of President Diaz
AS an outcome Mexico Is "A little closer to
the United States in It's system Of adj
'ninistration and has made some approach
to popular institutions. much of an
approach as the people there are ready
for at this time.
The political revolution began two years
ago. when measures were taken 70 amend
the constitution so the term of presi-
dent should he six years instead of four
and that there should be vice-president.
The machinery of constitutional amend
ment In Mexico is almost as complicated
as with us, but it works more smoothly
and therefore more rapidly.
The extension Of the presidential term
to six years was not OF special impor-
lance, for it is very we'll known that Gen.
Diaz will continue 10 be chief nagis-
trate of Mexico as long as he lives or
cares to hold the office. But there was
much Importance in the provision Great
ing the Office of vice president The
functions correspond to that office in the
United States, but in Mexico hereafter
the actual influence of the vice-prcsident
in public affairs will be much more pro-
nounced. He will be far more than a
presiding officer or n prospective sue
cessor TO the president.
CHANGES IN vICE-PREs1DENCY.
Until the constitution was changed,
Mexico was like most of the other Span
ish-Amorican countries in having ''des-
ignado'' or temporary vice-president
whose functions in the event of the death
| of the chief executive were limited to ad-
mnist"ring the government until an cleo
! ton could bc called and a new president
chosen. This meant that a presidential
election might be precipitated at any
time. The wisost and most patriotic men
in Mexico saw that this was a dangerous
situation for their country.
President Dinz is now we'll past seventy.
He is vigorous and strong. I saw him
| a few months ago and noted, as every
one did. how much stronger he seemed to
be than when the Pan-Americar Con-
eress was in session two years ago. But
| in the course Of nature no one can say
| what bis health will be two or threa
years from rev. II is not only his arnbi.
ton. but his determination. that his
long rule shall he followed by the con-
tinued peace under which alone is posi-
bic the complete fruition of his policies.
! The way to secure this was h., leaving
no doubt about the succession in case of
vision for vice president. who succeeds
til" president permanently or rather for
the torn for which that official is
| chosen.
TIE nationalsts are the dominant
party in Mexico. Their opponents, the
conservative or cloricals, take little part
in politics. They simply hold back and
await the chance for roactionary plans
So they did not bother themselves about
| the vice pre- idencv.
The nationaists held a convention to
nominate a candidate for vice president.
Two candidate were suggested, Ignaclo
Mariscal and Ramon Corral.
POSITION OF MARsICAI..
Mariscal Is tho minister of foreign re-
llatiOns and is the ahlcst diplomat that
Latin America has ever pro1uced Ue
has been the right arm of President Diaa
for twenty years or more. He is said not
to he popular with the Mexican politi-
clans. and he docs not affiliate particu-
larlY with the scientific circle which is
composed OF score Of very able mon in
the capital CITY. But he has the respect
ana love Of the Mexican people. though
his career has not been n military one
As early as last January. whcn talking
with some prominent McNiC1ns I was in
formed that MarisCal would be the man
whi-h had beer fined for some one else
Minister Marisoal is rs old rs President
Iiaz and his health IS not even rs good.
Domestic has come upon him and his
disposition is 10 rctire from public
affairs rs for as possible But like Gen.
Diaz he Is intensely anxious that the fu-
t'lrc Of Mexico shall ~ assured and that
the turmoil ana uncertainty OF an uneX-
necto1 prosendential election shall not
take place. II was certain that he would
not ALI we'd himself to become n candi-
date for Nio"-lrssldent wien every con-
lat, to- @F