New-York tribune., 1909-01-18
CUBANS TO TAKE REINS
RAISE FLAG NEXT WEEK.
Second Republic. Under Gomes,
Bids Fair To Be Successful.

Havana. Jan. 17.-On January Is at noon the
Cuban people will into their own for the SEQ
ond time at the hands OF the American govern
ment- 1t was on May 20. 1902, that the American
flag, hoisted after the with Spain, was hauled
down in favor Of the blue striped. sinsle-starred
ensign of Cuba
This republic for which the Cubans vainy fought
| Spain so many years, lasted little more than the
period between Presidential elections in the United
States In September, 1906, @ company Of marines
landed at the palace from the United States cruiser
Denver and hated victorious revolutionary army
on the outskirts Of Havana, and American inter-
vention. which first came against foreign power,
was once more a reality. this time 10 set things
right among the Cubans themselves.
The members of the Cuban Congress had become
indifferent, and for months prior TO the revolution
IT had been impossible to obtain the attendance Of
quorum This necessitated government by Pres
idential decree. which quickly followed by the
cry mat President Palma was usurpinS the power
and assuming the role Of dictator. The American
provisional governor Charles E. Magoon, has done
all that II possible for him to do to prevent a
recurrence of this OF affairs by decreeng that
Congressman who do not attend the sessions shall
not receive pay and providing limitations to their
obtaining leave of absence. These rules, however,
nave already been declared dctatoriaI and irksone
oy the congressman, and an attempt will undoubt-
edfy soon be made to repeal amend them.
The Congressman also discussing even now
an increase in their salaries from $500 TO $500
month. although the Cuban constitution, like that
OF the United States. declares that an increase In
salaries shall be effective only in succeeding Con
crosses to that amending the law.
The LIBERAL party which asserts that It is the
party Of the common people, is going into power as
the result of remarkably onesided vote its over
whelming success at the polls being one of the
principal foundations for the belief that Cuba is
about to enter into long period of contentment.
Most of the newspapers say that the majority Of
the people deeply numiliated that intervention
in the island affairs became necessary, and urge
the politicians Of all parties to remember the mis-
takes of the past and TO do nothing that would
make another and longer intervention possible.
LOSERS TO GET PART OF OFFICES.
Major General Jose Miguel Gomez. soldier. states
man and veteran of the revolution against Spain In
1886 98 the Presdent-elect, has decreed that al
though the Conservative party vote in the recent
election almost nothing, that party shall have
90 per cent of the appontive offices. The plans for
the inauguration Of Gomez on January Is yet
incomplete. The ceremony will take place at the
palace at noon and will be attended by diplomatic
representatives and special envoys from all coun-
tries. Several American warships expected to
be in the harbor, and they will undoubtedly fire
national salute but neither United States sailors
nor soldiers remaining on the island will take part
in the inaugural parade. IT being feared that thelt
presence might detract from the pride of the people
in the return OF native sovereignty.
Few II any, Cubans who served higher officials
In the various governmental departments during
the period of American Intervention will be
tanned by the incoming administration, which will
undoubtedly cause confusion at first. Con-
rrcss will perfect its organization this week. 1t
will canvass the electoral vote proclaim Jose
Miguel Gomez President and Alfredo Zayas Vice
President and then adjourn until inauguration day.
Some friction has already developed among the
Liberal leaders OF the House over the Speakership
and there may some lively sessions before this
matter is settled