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Spanish Story of the Treaty of Zanjon: Council

The provincial law shall also be modified in all such points as this "basis" shall designate as coming within the jurisdiction of the Council of Administration.

All questions relating to the constitution of town-councils, to matters pertaining to elections, competency of nominees, and the like, shall be determined by the provincial chamber of deputies.

It will be observed that the word readjust is used as the key to the intention of this instrument. The date arranged was perhaps the most critical in the history of the Island-March 15, 1895. The war-cry had been "sent forth" February 24, 1895.

In the Council of Administration, if anywhere, was the healing capacity for "modification" and "readjustment," and it was agreed that this council should be constituted as follows:

The governor-general, whether permanent or provisional, shall be President. The governor shall appoint by royal decree fifteen councillors. The council shall have a secretary's office, with the personnel necessary for the transaction of business.

Every member of the council shall, as such, have the right to vote. To hold the office of councillor, in addition to a residence of four years in the country, some one of the following qualifications is required: To be or to have been president of the Chamber of Commerce, of the Economic Society, or of the Planters' Club.

To be or to have been rector of the university, or dean of the college of lawyers of the capital of a province, for a period of two years. To have been for a period of four years before the election one among the fifty largest taxpayers in the Island, whether on real estate, or for the exercise of a profession.

To have exercised the functions of senator of the kingdom or deputy to Cortes in one or more legislatures.

To have been once or more than once president of one of the provincial chambers of deputies of the Island; to have been for two or more terms of two years each a member of the provincial commission, or for eight years a provincial deputy.

To have been for two or more terms of two years alcalde or mayor of a capital of a province.

To have been councillor of administration for two or more years, previous to the promulgation of this law.