Evening star., 1936-01-08

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c a n observers j
after days OF M c.rery.
listening to the
kaleidoscope views Of Cuban factions
1t is the only way the pieces OF ms
formation supplied by numerous un'
uuotable but well-informed sources
can be put together to form a COM
plete picture of the Cuban jig saw.
1t is characteristic of the tension
in Cuba today that no responsible
leader will be quoted for publication
when he begins to deal with the real
facts underlying the political situa'
ton. 1t is also characteristic OF the
present state of affairs that from nc
one of them can the entire story be
CLEANED. But once the seemingly di-
vergent views are focused on a single
screen, against a neutral historical
background, this composite picture
becomes clear:
Turmoil Has Subsided.
The turmoil following the downfall
of President Machado In August, 1888
has subsidized remarkably, thanks to
an improvement in economic condl-
tions and the development Of strong
militant backing for the government
There is no longer a spontaneous
viva" for any one who suggests a
change. In fact there is surprising
apathy among all but the professional
hired follow
Many business and professional men
would be content to delay the elec-
tions longer If assured that this would
promote tranquility rather than dis
order.
The chief desire of the properued
classes is a stable government and
a continuation of the relatively good
trade conditions now existing. They
are not greatly concerned whether
the President elected next Friday Is
Miguel Mariana Gomez, head OF q
coalition in which the Liberals pre-
dominate, or Gen. Mario G. Menocal
who has served two terms as Presi-
dent and is the leader Of the ole
Conservative party. They ask only tc
have it settled and to be left to Their
own pursuits for a while. The rapid
succession of five Presidents, one OF
whom lasted only 80 hours. following
the fall of Dictator Machado (who
had remade the constitution in ar
attempt to perpetuate his reign) was
ruinous to business.
Gomez May Be Choice.
Gomez is the probable choice-anc
has been ever since President Harold
w. Dodds Of Princeton University
presented his formula for legalizatior
of a coalition of parties which Cuba!
supreme electoral tribunal had vetoed
President Dodds did not, of course
directly dictate the choice Of Gomez
Observers regarded it as significant
however, that he offered his propose
soon after reviewing the situation will
Mr.. Caffery-who must have known
what the result would be.
The plan was to allow the Marian
istas, who originally nominated Gomez
and the Liberals, who had named
Carlos Manuel de la Cruz, to choos'
between the two candidates. An.
one in Cuba at that time could hav,
foretold the outcome.
The Liberals, now completely di
vorced from the leadership of tn
eXiled Machado. have a strong holt
on the Negro vote. The MeRocalista
depend largely upon the old con
servative and aristocratic creole class
That means, in reasonably free elec
ton, victory for Gomez, for tn
Negroes far outnumber the old auto
Gratis. 1t would be unfair, however
to imply that all Of the support TO
Gomez comes from the Negro ele
ment. Many substantial business mel
join in backing him, possibly follow
ing the implication that he
Caffery's choice.
The possibility that the election
will not be reasonably free" mus
always be recognized in Cuba. Tn
political bosses of the United State
could learn a trick or two from tn
Cubans in stealing an election, TO
they have developed what seems t
be 'foolproof' system.
Pay for Votes Here.
The boss in the United State
usually is naive enough to pay 70
his votes and trust the voter to cas-
the ballot as instructed. In Cuba tn
system is C. o. d. The first man t
enter the polling place receives an of
fetal ballot, which he keeps, deposit
ing a sample ballot he knows wi
not be counted. Upon returning tn
official ballot to the boss he receive
his pay and that ballot is marke,
for the second man to deposit. Vote
! No. 2 brings back an unmarked Of
fetal ballot and is paid upon delivery
So it goes all day long, with as
surance that only the first bough
vote will be challenged.
It must also be admitted that
large radical element, the followers o
former President Grau, who call them
selves the Autenticos, and a numbe
of other advocates of revolution WI
| take no part in this election. The
had their chance for regular participa
| ton, however. and spurned it. The
prefer to settle the issue with bullets
and that is the real dread OF man
Cubans, who would prefer to delay tn
election rather than invite furthe
political disturbance and possible
| violence.
But Mr.. Caffery. the father of thi
election, sees nothing to gain IN wait
! ing and is willing to take that chance
He places his faith in 6 vastly i'm
| proved army under Batista and tn
notorious inability of the radicals u
make common cause Cat least to tn
| extent of pooling their funds). AM
as a career diplomat intent upon doinl
| q Job that will earn Q promotion, h
cannot avoid Q dssres Of emharrass