The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-19
WAR PREVENTS THE
ELECTIONS BEING
HELD IN VENEZUELA
Congressional Elections by
Constitutional Provision
Should Have Been
Held in September

Caracas, Venezuela, January 1S.-Prosi-
tined the central government that be-
cause of the state of war existing 1t will
be impossible to hold elections for con-
gressmen and state officials whose terms
expire in February.
In reply the minister of the interior
Caesar Zumeta, has notified the presi-
dents that the government finds 1t impos-
sible to restore peace because Generals
Cipriano Castro, Jose Manuel Hernandez
(El Mocho), Leopolodo Baptista, Francisco
Linares Alcautara, Regulo Olivarez and
others continue in their hostile attitude,
fomenting revolution both in Venezuela
and abroad.
1t would be impossible, the secretary
added, to disband the army. He has ad-
vised the state presidents themselves to
find remedy for the situation and to de-
eide when to hold new elections.
Washington, January 1s-Congressional
elections by constitutional provision
should have been held in Venezuela last
September. Members should have been
elected TO meet in April of this year to
choose a new chief executive to succeed
Gen. Juan Vicente Gomez, whose term
will expire in June, and who lawfully
cannot succeed himself.
President Gomez, adopting the policy
of the former president Cipriano Castro
suspended the constitution a few months
j tefore the elections were to take place and
declared himself dictator, giving as his
reason that General Castro had started q
revolution to regain power The Venezue-
Ian government declared this revolution
at an end late in August American naval
officers declared General Castro had not
been in Venezuela during the trouble.
President Gomez, at the head of his army
remained encamped al Maracay from Au-
gust until early this month, when he re-
turned TO Caracas. The acting president
DR.. Jose Gil Fortoul, in an address jan
Uary /, intimated that the termination
of the state of war shortly would be pro-
claimed. The government, however, has
not restored constitutional guarantees and
General Gomez remains as dictator.
Unless the congressional elections are
held, General Gomez may obtain the pow
ers of president for another four years.
The United. States does not look on this
prospect with favor, in view of President
Wilson's announced policy that this gov
ernment could have no relation with any
government not founded on law aud cr-
der, and that usurpers could not hope for
support or recognition from Washington.
Gen. Jose Manuel Hernandez. known a
''El Mocho." has been put forward by
the nationalist party as its candidate for
President He is believed to be at Port
Spain, Trinidad awaiting the result OF
congressional elections He was in Jash.
ington last fall and conferred with state
department officials, to whom he eX-
planned the situation. He said ne would
force the Gomez government to hold
fair congressional elections. that the peo-
nle might have an opportunity to express
their preference and he promised to abide
by their verdict.
Senior Rojas, Venezuelan minister here
tonight said he had received no word
from his government in regard to the
holding of elections, and knew nothing
about what was to be done. He declined
to discuss his country's domestic 1ificul-
ties