New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-09-08
THE PANAMA ELECTION.

The news from Panama is Of exceptional in
terest and Importance, marking something like a
new epoch in the history of that republic. The
National Assembly has Just performed the con-
stitutonal function OF electing three Designates
(sometnes called Vice-Presidents) Of the re-
public. II will be remembered that the old Con-
stirutiOnal Convention. which for a time exer-
cised the powers Of a National Assembly. elected
a President OF the republic DR.. n AmadOr-
Guerrero 10 serve until September 30, 1908. the
constitutional term being four years, but chose
the three Designates to serve only until Septem-
Der 80. 1906. before which time the first regu-
larry elected National Assembly should elect
their successors, the constitutional term of DeS-
ignates being two years. The National Assembly
was elected in July last met according 10 law
on September /. and on Thursday last elected
by overwhelming majOrities three OF the fore
most citizens Of the republic 10 be Designates.
The first of these IS Sehor ]. Domingo Obaldia,
who went 10 BOgota in 1903 TO protest against
the burkiRg Of the Hay-Herran treaty, who was
the last Governor of Panama under the Colon
bian regime. and who has for more than two
years been favOrably and agreeably known In
this country Panaman Minister at Washing
ton. The second is SehOr Federico Boyd, a son
of that American of Irish parentage, James Boyd.
who founded the chief newspaper OF Panama
and one Of the chief organizers OF the revolution
Of 1903 The third is the veteran General Rafael
AiZpuru, formerly a Liberal leader, but now a
member of the COnstitutiOnalist party. It Is
safe 20 say that no other three men could have
been chosen who would have commanded more
respect In Panama or more confidence in the
United States
A part Of the significance OF this election is
that all three Of the Designates are members Of
the Constituencies party. That MEANS prRc-
tically, that the system Of party government is
now completely established in Panama. At the
time OF the revolution party differences were
held In allegiance or, rather, there was by COM
mon consent an equal division Of the Offces be
tween the two parties. Thus, the President was
a Conservative. the first Designate a liberal,
the second Designate a Conservative and the
third Designate n Liberal That system seemed
To work well for a time but within a year IL
began 10 break down and 10 show itself not per
manently workable. Party animOsities arose
and the oniinous spectacle was seen OF some
government officers OF high rank conspiring
against their colleagues and even plotting revo-
luton. The OsteEsible grievance OF the Liberals
was that the Conservatives, or. rs they are now
known. ConstitutiohalisIs, having the Presidency.
dominated the entire government and practically
excluded the Liberals from all but a nominal
share In Il. For this charge there does not
seem 70 have been adequate foundation II Is
we believe matter Of record that President ANA
dor offered some Of the chief appointments under
HIS administration 10 leaders OF the liberal
party, who refused 20 accept them, apparently
preferring 10 remain out OF Office and 10 conduct
a campaign for themselves 10 get entire control
OF the government Under these circumstances
an end OF the bipartisan system. such as has
now been made, was inevitable.
Apart from this establishment OF the party
system OF government, such as prevails In the
United States and is probably the best for All
republics. much interest attaches TO the election