Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-09-02
Urges Democratic Election to
End Forever Era of Rule
by Military Chiefs.
SEES OPPORTUNITY
FOR NEW ORlENTATI0N
Asks for Representation of All
Minority and Reactionary
Political Groups.
By the Associated Press.

dent Plutarco Elias Gales in the most
emphatic terms today refused to con-
tinue in Office after the expiration OF
his term November 20, solemnly assert
ing, moreover, that he never at any time
will again be President of Mexico.
This declaration, one of the most i'm
portant presidential messages in the
history of Mexico. came In the course OF
the Presidents address upon the con-
vening of the new Congress in its regu-
lar our-month session this afternoon.
The President urged that only consid-
erations of highest patriotism guide
Congress in It's selection of provisional
President to succeed him in December.
and he appealed TO the army and Lead
ers of all phases of Mexican life to con-
duct themselves with sober restraint Tor
the best interests of the country in one
of the most solemn moments of its his
tory.
DepIores Obregon Loss.
President Gales deplored the "irrep-
arabic loss to the country resulting
from the assassination OF the PreSl-
dent-elect, Gen. Alvaro Obregon, ana
Iamented the situation which IL nao
thrust upon the country.
But he said, this situation presented
the opportunity for Mexico to attain new
political orientation by establishing IN
stitutions and law, not one molvloual'
as the supreme government.
The President declared that II Con-
press. the army, and the Mexican peo-
Die will work unitedly and with patrlotic
motives at this crucial period OF Mex.
ican history. Mexico can at last get
awav from the idea that only strong
military chieftains can govern. In
stead. he said, will be established the
sanctity of power of laws and inStitu-
tions which will command respect for
whomsoever may be made President.
Urges Full Representation.
Attacking the country's problems from
still another angle. the President ad-
vised that all minority and reactionary
groups. even the clerical react1onarles,
have representation in Congress. Con-
tinuine. he asked Congress and the army
so to conduct themselves that In the
elections for his successor Mexico Woud
have a really democratic contest In
which all men, civilian and military
alike. may engage.
Congress was asked not to act hastily
in selecting a provisional President ana
not 10 call the election for the provlS-
ional Presidents successor too quickly.
He said that the idea to be Kept IN
mind always was that everything must
be done calmly and In q democratic
manner.
Sees New Political Era.
This will, he said. bring in . new
political era, giving every candidate an
opportunity and would end an era OF
rule of Mexico by "caudillo, or MILL
tary chieftain.
The President said that although he
never again would serve as President
of Mexico he would not abandon his
civic duties, but would accept whatever
post he considered in the line of his
duty to his country and to the "revo-
luton,
Civic virtue and ability to legiSlate
and rule for Mexicos good alone should
guide Congress in the selection OF a
provisional President, he said, appeal
ing for the abandonment of personal
ambitions and for generosity and purity
of ideals in making the choice.
abandonment of the old style of heated
and undignified contest In the selection
of q successor to the provisional PreSi-
dent which might lead to violence and
disorder. The Mexican revolutionary"
party was urged in the address TO
stand united and avoid diSSension
within It's own ranks lest all the gains
Of the long revolutionary fight Be lost.
Confidence In the loyalty and honor
of the army was expressed in this
most solemn hour of our life," and he
begged that 1t not be beguiled by any,
body into any action against the gov
ernment.
I'm this poignant hour" he said, lit
would be criminal for any man TO at
tempt to come into presidential power
by any other than constitutional
means
THE death Of the President-elect
constitutes an irreparable loss" Presi-
dent Gales continued, 1T leaves the
country in particularly difficult Situ-
alton because OF the total lack, not of
capable. we'll prepared men, which
fortunately We have, but of unquestion-
able outstanding personalities whose
names and prestige have Sufflcient hold
on public opinion to merit general conf
dence. With the disappearance Of Gen.
Obregon the country faces one of Its
graveSt. most vital problems, not merely
of political character but affecting the
very life Of the nation,
WIN Never Serve Again.
II first deem II necessary TO make
a final. unalterahle declaration ON my
word OF honor To Congress. TO the coun-
try and TO the family OF civilized ma
lions" he said. Perhaps never have
placed the head of q
nation in more propitiouS atmosphere
10 return to the principle OF perpetu-
alton in ofiice of one man, suggestions
md promises have been made To me,
wen certain pressure exerted. all under
suise that II wuold be for the best
interest OF the country for me TO con-
Inue We office. But ] have decided
olemniy with such clearneSs OF words
nat V cannot be miSintcrpreted that
shall not seek prolongation OF my
erm either by accepting a prolongation
u my present term Of ONCE or my ap-
'ointment as provisional President
aside nom other considerations. I do
his because of the need I consider
ategorical and final. TO pass from the
ystem Of government by caudilloS 10
! clean one Of government by insti-
utions Never, for any reason, under
my circumstances. shall return to
he presidency.
This does not mean that I have even
he remote intention OF abandoning nv
lyie duties nr Of retiring from the llie
tfsCOtfNYien nn pap~ . F.nf1nam 4