New-York tribune., 1907-11-18
FOR CUBAN ELECTIONS.
DEMAND FOLLOWS COUNT.
Provisional GoUernOr Disturbed
OUer Recommendation.

Washington Nov. 17.-Coincident with the re-
reipt Of news from Havana OF the completion Of
the Cuban census has arisen a demand from many
sources that time be fixed az for the holding
Of municipal and national elections in the island.
Officials Of the War and State departments, who
have had much 20 90 with formulating answers TO
questions concerning Cuba since the provisional
government was established and American troops
were stationed there, agree that the problem is
not solved by the termination OF the census emu
rnerafion the tabulation Of the returns 20 form
electoral registration lists The provisional gov
cnOr is greatly disturbed over the recommenda-
lion he must make concerning the time Of holding
elections and it appears that he cannot expect
aid from the various political parties inasmuch as
the leaders hold widely varying views now as
they did al the time the census was ordered
TIE taking Of the census in Cuba by American
methods Is recognized every side great and
needed work but in the present instance there is
no Disgusting the fact that st used means
Of legitimately delaying the time when the United
States again must surrender the rens of govern
rnent TO the Cubans. 1t hoped that by the
time the enumeration had been completed an
agreement could be reached by the political leaders
70 the time Of holding the elections, and that the
United States would be spared the necessity of
incurring the enmity OF any Of the parties. 1t had
been hoped. too. that time would have healed much
OF the soreness engendered by the revolution
against the Palma government and that all par
ties would become imbUed with desire TO hold a
peaceable and fair election. While these hopes
have not been fulfilled, II Is true tnat
States now occupies a more favorable position In
the matter than il did year ago
At the present time there are four political par
ties in Cuba. Two of these factions Of the Lib
eraI party and are Of about equal strength though
the faction headed by Jose Miguel Gomez asserts
that it controls the political situation and is de
rnanding that the municipal and national elections
be held simultaneously not later than February
next. Gomez is popular with the masses, and espe-
cially with a large part of those who participated
in the revolution against Palma. He was a leader
Of the Liberal party and was the candidate against
Palma
The other wing of the Liberals is dominated by
Alfredo Zayas president of the Liberal party and
OF the revolutionary committee. Ever since the
resignation Of President Palma Zayas has been a
candidate for the Presidency. and it the rival
ambitions of Gomez and Zayas that the split
in the Liberal party. The recognized leader of the
Independent party is General Mario Menocal The
party has not united a candidate but those most
prominently spoken Of General Menocal. SEN
ator Manuel Sanguily. Of Matanzas, and Senior
Quesada, the Cuban Minister to the United States
The fourth party is composed mainly of the old
Moderates, Palma party. 1t includes many
prominent and able Cubans, but yet none has
been brought forward a candidate.
All except the Jose Miguel Gomez party
willing have the elections fixed for year hence
and opposed to election in February next.
In other words three of the parties prefer the
shdL OoI'iiue ''e PAo'ISOliai 5O'eli
ment rather than take chances on the election of
Jose Miguel Gomez. If conditions should change a
new alignment might be looked for. the present
arrangement IS second choice with the leaders of
each Of the parties.
Recent reports received IN Washington make it
appear that there viii be dissatisfaction with the
result of the election whatever it is. The only
thing hoped for IS that a majority of the best
classes OF Cubans Will that the United States
is doing its best TO insure fair election in
10 live up to the promise made by President Roose-
Welt that the American troops shall be withdrawn
al the earliest practicable moment and the govern
meHt affairs restored to the Cuians 1t is not be
heFed here that Governor Magoon is ready to say
when he believes such an election possible but that
a date will be liked arbitrarily within a year If
municipal elections are held first the new registra-
ton methods can be tried out, and Cubans will
have an opportunity TO become used TO American
election methods.