Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-11-11
SATURDAYS Election in Cuba.

Cuba will make beginning toward
another attempt to manage its own
affairs by holding an election next Sat
urday for president, vice president and
members of congress. 1t made Il fail
ure Of it's first attempt at self govern
ment after it's freedom from Spanish
rule mad been won by American inter-
vention, and now that order has been
restored and government affairs put
on a sound basis by the representatives
of the war department at Washington
ity to make another trial The cleo
ton and it's results will be watched
with keen interest throughout the
world for if Cuba demonstrates its
unfitness for self government upon this
second attempt there is little doubt that
the American flag will be raised over
the island and remain there.
As to the election itself next Satur-
day. which is the first step in Cuba's
second attempt to walk alone, every
provision for absolute fairness is be-
ing made by the provisional govern
as there must be in any well regulated
republic but it is little difficult for
us to figure out the differences in their
platforms and policies The Conserva-
tives are headed by General Mario
Menocal and DR.. Rafelo MontorO. the
presidential and vice presidential can
didates respectively, while General Jose
Miguel Gomez and his former bitter ri
val in the party leadership, Alfredo
Zayas. are the nominees of the Liberal
party, the Miguclsta and Zayista fac
tons of which finally united their for
ces in support of General Gomez, on
the understanding that he would not be
nominated for second term.
Both of the political leaders have Civ
en- absolute assurances that they will
accept Loyalty the result of the popular
verdict There is practically no differ
ence in the platforms of the two par
ties. both having as their chief planks
the preservation of the republic equal
ights for all citizens, the encourage
ment of agriculture and commerce and
the maintenance of friendly relations
with the United States. The struggle
is, frankly, for the possession of the
Government and the control of public
patronage Both General Gomez and
General Menocal are veterans of the
revolution and have a large following
in virture of their distinguished ser
vices in the field DR.. Montoro is the
foremost oartor in Cuba and was NOM
| mated in the expectation of his being
| able to control the large Spanish vote,
| but he is unpopular with many Cubans
| on account of his attitude during the
revolution, when he held office in the
| last days of the Spanish regime. Senior
| Zayas is the idol of a large section of
| the Liberals. He was the leader OF
the last uprising against the late Presi-
J dent Tomas Estrada Palma.
There are 149S polling places on the
| island and Governor Magoon will see
| that order prevails and that there is no
| intimidation at the polls. The electoral
| college will consist of 101 members. and
| the Congress will have &c members In
one branch, siA from each of the six
provinces, ard SO in the other. To the
| new government. according to the pres
| ent program, the fate of the restored
| Cuban republic will be committed on
| the termination of the government of
| intervention Jan 2S, 1909. The troops
| of the United States will be Withdrawn
| on that date which is three days in
| advance of the date originally set, in
+, order that their departure may mark
| the anniversary of the birth of Jose
Marti. the Cuban patriot.