The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1911-04-07
Advocates Equal Suffrage and Bows 20
Public Sentiment in Its Demand TOT
a Law Forbidding Reelection OF
Federal Officers, including Pres'-
dent.

adjourned until Monday.
It is all quiet here and all celebra-
tons for tomorrow have been called
off,.
There was a large attendance upon
the opening of the congress and am
bassadors and others see the end OF
the present trouble in the message,
particularly as the rumor is practically
confirmed that President Diaz will re-
sign when peace is restored.
The president in his message said he
bowed to public opinion and comedies
the main points made by the revolu-
tionists. He recommends equal suf-
frage for all and no reelection. He
recommends reforms in local Offices,
division of large landed estates and
reforms in the system Of government.
Promises Sincere Support.
The president promises sincere and
complete support to the creation of
anti-reelection laws applying from the
executive down to the elective Offices.
This has been the central demand of
the Maderists. He also advocates leg
islation that will cure the present evils
in the administration of the courts. He
advocates curtailment of the present
enormous power of the jefes politicos
He strongly asks for legislation pro-
viding for the cutting up of many large
holdings, so that it may be made easy
for the people to acquire title to small
farms. He also strongly urges ballot
reform and freedom of elections with
proper qualifications of voters.
Defers to Public Opinion.
These and minor measures embrace
all the complaints of both insurrectos
and disaffected. More than all, he
frankly recognizes an advanced public
intelligence and the desire OF the new
generation to participate in the gov
eminent and explains that the change
Of cabinet was made in Difference to
this new public opinion. s
The record of the revolutionary fac
ton is calmly reviewed and the asser-
ton is made that the administration
places absolute confidence in the ex-
PLANTATION of President Taft regarding
the presence of United States troops
on the border. A high compliment is
paid to the army and confidence is ex-
pressed in its ultimate success.
All of this forms the second step in
the program to restore peace, the cabi-
net change being first. The probable
ity of General Reyes return to con-
Germ himself directly with the revoltos
is the third.
Dehesa's Appointment Important.
Probably the most important of all
is the unofficial but well-based corrob-
Grafton of the report of the appoint
ment of Governor Dehesa. Dehesa is
one of the most progressive public
men now in Mexico. He has had diff
ficulties in the past with Limantour,
but the latter has made the first step
toward reconciliation, according to my
information, by urging Dehesa to ac-
cept the gobernacion portfolio.
AS a matter of politics the message
and the declaration OF the new min
istry leaves no material for the re-
voltos to proselyte, as every one of
their demands has met q promise Of
satisfaction. Diaz has stolen the Ma
deristas' thunder. The only disturbing
point is that they will not believe the
promises Of the government This
makes it obligatory on the latter to
hold things down until the promise is
substantiated by definite action.
At any rate. peace today is strong
odds-on bet and the prospect is mat
either Reyes or Dehesa eventually will
be the next president Of Mexico.
Message Tumultuousiy chsersd.
The presidents message was receiv-
ed with tumultuous demonstration of
applause by the joint session Of con-
gress. There was an imposing mill
tary display. AS the magnificent pa
rade drew up in front Of the new hall
OF deputies the crowd cheered the
president. Today, the anniversary Of
his victory at Puebla forty years ago,
will form q new anniversary, that Of
Mexico's first step toward political
democracy.
The president read the message. TAX
ing fifty minutes. The hall Of con-
gress was filed with spectators and
the diplomatic gallery was crowded.
His illusions to the reform program
were cheered.
The scene was very dramatic and
with the considerable display Of mill
tary. seems to reassure large por-
ton Of the public that has shown ap-
prehension.
The minister OF war will ask con-
gress for an appropriation Of 200, goo
pesos for active field measures.
Women Win n WIoccnsIn.
Madison. Wis. April 3By = vote
LOT is to the Senate passed the bill: