File No. 839.011/3.
[Untitled]
Washington, January 18, 1914, 11 a.m.
Your January 11, 10 a.m. The Department believes that with the object of assuring honest elections for the future not only should the Constitution, be amended but that several of the organic laws should be reformed in order to establish a real civil government. Among these reforms should be included establishment of habeas corpus, bail, military, conscription, an electoral law and a law of government for the provinces. Electoral law should make definite provision of adequate representation of opposition parties on electoral boards. Law for government of provinces should aim to relieve provincial governors of exaggerated powers, they now wield. The enactment of this law should not be made the occasion for increasing the provincial governmental machinery and payrolls, but rather should be calculated with a view to material reduction in expenditures. The Department feels confident that by guarded and friendly suggestions you can be of real service in securing needed reforms; whenever in doubt consult Department before taking action. Keep us informed as to important issues raised between parties. It would seem desirable following our plan to have the governors elected by the people rather than appointed by the Central Government.