The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1913-09-16

the lsland-F ormer President Gomez,
Popular With the Masses, Not Ad-
verse to Serving Aaain--condition
Are Summed Up In Nutshell.
Havana, Cuba.-Many in close touch
with the ins and outs Of Cuban condi-
tions, political and commercial, be-
lieve the republic faces the most seri-
GUS problem since the American flag
was lowered from the national palace.
1t will require skilled diplomacy, po-
lotlcal craft and a flrmness yet un-
known In Cuban affairs to bring about
! a stable solution. 1t is generally be-
lieved that President Menocal Is strong
enough to tide his administration over,
but 1t is also conceded that he has a
strenuous proposition on his hands.
He is apparently trying to give an
honest and capable administration, op-
posite to what many politicians and
their adherents want.
The successful politician In Latin
America, especially Cuba, is he who
can provide the most jobs for his con-
stituency. Ability to get jobs is a
valuable political asset The average
henchman knows but little and cares
less about matters of state He wants
to get on the government payroll, and
he doesn't relish any position that re-
quires much physical exertion.
Briefly, Cuba at present faces con-
ditions that might be subdivided into
fourt parts:
First.-A chaotic political condition and
the attempt of professional politicians and
those who crave power to overthrow the
influence of and discredit the Menocal ad-
ministratlon.
Second.-The action of congress in re-
fusing TO accede 20 the wishes of the pres
ident and temper the immunity clause
Of the constitution SO that its members
would not be entirely immune from civil
courts.
Third.-The recent presidential decree
that dissolved the Ports Company Of Cuba
and annulled millions of invested foreign
capital. which may serve to cheaper, the
commercial integrity OF the republic with
foreign investors.
Fourth.-The recently enacted military
retiring law, by which nearly 100 army
officers have been retired and which polit-
ical factions have seized upon for cam
paign material to stir up discomfort In the
| army.
Cuban politics probably has not
been so thoroughly stirred up and dis
organized since President Taft and Dr.
Alfredo Zayas overthrow the Estrada
Palma administration and set up the
government of 1906. The last presi-
dental election shattered the Liberal
party. The patriotic conjunction"
composed of Conservatives and "As-
bertistas,' exiles from ali parties,
elected Menccal. His Inauguration in
that now he might be called presi-
dent without party. 1t is generally
conceded that the party Is broken up
beyond reorganization. The last con-
ference of the leaders resulted In
widening factional breaches, and DIR.
Enrique Jose Verona, vice president OF
Cuba and president of the COnserva-
tives, was called upon to resign the
leadership.
The row among the Conservatives
was brought about by the apparent
honesty of Menocal. They wanted the
''rascals turned OUT and themselves
ensconced in political jobs The "As-
bertistas' also wanted pro rata Of
jobs for their part in the patriotic
conjunction" Instead of listening to
party clamor, Menocal set about presi-
denting in a business way. Where a
man of opposite faith was efficient he
was retained in office This policy was
also adopted by Colonel Charles Her
nandez, the new postmaster general
This line of official conduct could
not be reasoned out by the politicians;
consequently the howl they raised
could be heard from one end of the
| island to the other. A senator from
an interior province, soon after Memo
cal took office. sent one batch of fifty
men to Colonel Jose Villalon, secretary
of public works. saying they were his
political allies, and asked that they
be provided with government jobs.
The refusal of congress to temper
the immunity clause" which allows
members to slay and pillage without
! fear of civil courts. was a slap at the
president. This wrange grew out OF
the killing of General Armando de ].
Riva, chief of the national police. Un-
der this clause the expressed consent
of congress must be obtained to allow
civil prosecution. but public opinion
was so strong that congress consented
to the trial of Senator Morales and
Representative Arias. but refused to-
further modify it. President Menocai
used his strong influence and sought to
WELD the big stick" but congress
simply "set down in harness and ask
ed, "What are you going to do about
it?" Anti-administratio forces rallied
to congress and prevented a quorum,
and the president was left high and
dry. In the meantime the hearing con-
| tinues.