Evening star., 1933-08-25
MACHADO REGIME
ERASED BY DECREE
Rule Held Unconstitutional.
Congress Dissolved.
Elections Called.
By the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
HAVANA, August 25-Taking a firm
grip on power. provisional President
de Cespedes today issued a decree
wiping out all vestiges of the ousted
Machado regime. dissolving Congress
and calling new elections for February
"a, 1894.
The measure, signed with the cab
inet's approval and effective immedi-
ately, declared unconstitutional the
Machado administration and its acts
since May 20, 1929, when Gerardo
Machado was inaugurated President for
a second term.
All international obligations are to
be observed, however, even though
contracted since that date.
The action followed a widespread
clamor for a thorough house cleaning
Of the regime that fell two weeks ago.
Welles Opposed Action.
1t was taken over the opposition
of United States Ambassador Sumner
Welles, who, in his capacity as medi-
ator. has maintained that it is neces-
sary to continue constitutional forms.
Secretary of Justice Carlos Saladrigas
pointed out that although the govern
ment maintained Machado acquired
power through a virtual coup detat
and hence unconstitutionally. all for
eign obligations contracted by Machado
and all legislation passed in the last
four years would be considered as
things DONE" and therefore still in
effect
The decree, which DIR. de Cespedes
signed after an extraordinary cabinet
session at which a commission Of
Havana University professors made a
number. of proposals for reforms. con-
tanned eight points. as follows:
l. There will be a return to the
constitution of 1901, adopted during
the military" rule of the United States,
which included the Platt amendment
giving the United States the right to
intervene in island affairs If neces-
sary. and which advanced several ad-
ministrative, educational and civil
service reforms.
Three Justices Removed.
The 1928 reforms are derogated.
These modified the 1901 constitution by
extending the presidential term from
four to six years. Machado was elected
in 1925 for four-year term and later
ran again after the 1928 changes.
2. The administration of Machado
was declared ended.
3. Congress was dissolved.
4. Three justices of the Supreme
Court appointed after May 20, 1929,
were removed.
s. All other provincial and municipal
officials under Machado were removed
g. General elections will be con-
Quoted February "a, to fil elective
May 20.
Z. A consultation commission Is to
be appointed to carry out terms of the
decree.
8. All international obligations are
to be observed, even though contracted
since May 20, 1929.
President Issues Statement
II have given up, as you see, one
year Of the presidency" said DR.. De
Cespedes, referring to the fact that
Machado's term would have run until
1885.
L DO not want 10 occupy tMS pOSlIiOn
q single moment more than is absolutely
necessary for the welfare of my people.
Il hope this will set at rest all oppo-
sition and that we may now 60 on with
the great mission that the country has
given me-
I'VE are confident that all friends of
Cuba and all friends Of law and justice
and order will sympathize with us in
this decisive moment Of our history"
Denying that stroke of the pen
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