Republican farmer., 1919-03-07
POPULAR VOTE
 WILL ELECT THE
 NEXT PRESIDENT

Washington, March 1-DT. Saltha- gar Bruu, fnaugurated today presi- dent of Uruguay, by the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, will be the last chief executive of his country elected by Congress. Today the new consti- tuition of Uruguay goes into effect and it provides for the popular election by direct vote of the people of both the President and the National Coun- Cil of Administration.
 President Brun, whose rise in poli- ucal office in his country has been remarkable, visited the United States last August as the guest of the na- ton and created a most favorable impression among officials here by the Quickness of his grasp upor the af- fairs of this country and his sympathy with the ideas which led the United States to take a part in the European war. As Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay he had severed diplomatic relations between his country and Germany and had enunCiated the principle that no American country that in defense of it's own rights finds itself at war with nations of other continents should be considered q belligerent by Uruguay. This made it possible for Uruguay to welcome the American squadron, commanded by Admiral Caperton, to the port of Montevidso, which became the head quarters of the Allies in the South Atlantic.
 The National Council of Admins traton is composed of nine members. each elected for six years, but is re- newed every two years by the election Of three members. Six members, or OT Into oft7se today, are representatives of the majority party, while one third represent the ninorities
 This Council plays an important part in the government of Uruguay, takes some of the load off the should CTS of the Chief Executive, and acts as check upon him. The Council may authorize any member to go be- fore Congress and speak on matters pertaining to his department. If he Is member of Congress and is elect ed to the Council his right as Con- gressman would Ebe suspended. It prepares the budget, collects the taxes, may initiate new laws, ar ranges foreign or internal loans and provides for the increase or reduction of the national currency.
 Many other important features are SOAAbsAAACA III LI4G new CCQSLlIu II. For the first time, beginning today. the church and state are separated in Uruguay. All religious beliefs are free and on an equal footing in the country. No churches are to be tax ed and, as a measure of fairness the government reco gnizes the title of the Catholic Church which was the off cial church, to all churches built or in process of construction with na- tona1 funds except chapels in asy- 4ums, hospitals and prisons controlled by the government.
 The new constitution also provides for compulsory registration of voters. prohibits membership by police or military on active duty in political clubs or their taking part in any poli- ucal activities except to vote, pro vtdes for the secret ballot with full guarantees and integral proportionate representation of all parties
 woman suffrage is not granted at once to the women of Uruguay by the new constitution, but it provides the right to vote in municipal, federal or state elections shall be accorded ,vo- men when Congress by two-tbirds vote of the total membership so deter- mines.