Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-28

phenomenon among individuals Is un-
doubtedly true of political trends among
the masses of countries which have
their origin, traditions and political
background In common.
1t Is not the least surprising, then,
that political upheaval In any Latin
American country may be the starting
point OF series of similar reactions In
neighboring peoples, where similar con-
ditionS prevail. The Guatemalan crisis
is only another episode in this chain
OF militariStic moves throughout the
Spanish American continent.
In brief, we may say again that the
1890 political disturbances in Latin
America are only the expression of o
political reaction Of popular sentiment
against dictatorial forms Of govern
influence and precipitated by strong
economic factors.
Not the Same Old Picture.
II these revolutions, then, are but the
logical result of well defined political,
economic and psychological elements,
why should they cast a shadow of dis
trust and shame on Latin America?
Why should the year which comes this
week to an end be considered as the
revision Of Latin America to her old
rivalries and struggles for personalistic
selfish purposes? Why should the
widespread political unrest, which may
be the awakening of true democratic
ideals, be confused with that Of many
decades ago, when personal ambitions
and human passions alone were writing
bloody history In that region2
Dissenting from the average press
comments on Latin American politics,
which in the majority Of cases show an
unfortunate misunderstanding Of the
whole situation, q well known lecturer
and authoress recently made certain
statements during a broadcast ad-
dress in New York which ought to be
known by every one interested in Latin
American affairs.
Mrs. M. A. Bence, who has Just re-
turned from a 15,00O-mile tour of the
Latin continent, said, referring to the
latest political turmoils IN several of
those countries:
During the past week South. America
has been front-page news and when
you read the streamer headlines on re-
ports of political changes and disturb
anceS In so many of the countries, 1t
may appear to you here in the north,
unacquainted with these lands and
their peoples, that these revolutions
spell ruin and financial and economic
disaster. But no one who knows the
real South America can make this mis-
take. For no revoltS, no revolutions,
no political upriSingS Of any kind can
stay the great march of progress Of
these South American nations.
They are too advanced culturally
and economically. They are too ideal
istic in their struggles for Self-expres-
sion. -Their desire for the betterment
Of existing conditions is too vital and
driving force to be impeded and frus-
trated and ruined by changes in politi-
cal leadership, or even serious internal
d1SSenSion. These uprisings and politi-
cal changes really spell progress. They
are the growing pains of young nations
striving toward economic maturity"
Nineteen Thirty's Record.
Those are the words Of one who has
gone beyond the mere headlines Of press
reports in order to understand the real
significance of this continental unrest
in Latin America. If every one else
would look at those events In the light
OF such an understanding judgment,
much better Interpretation of Latin
American politics could be had there.
1t does not seem fair to think of
1880 as a year Of political sethacks for
Latin America, as one which has
brought back disorder, decentralization
and old-fashioned anarchy to several
OF those countries. On the contrary,
the year just ending may stand out In
Latin American history IS one Of violent
but thorough political renovation for
the better. It may be the beginning of
real democracy in that part Of the
world.
And the best proof Of this Is the fact
that, during the same year, In those
countries of Latin America where con-
ditions were not abnormal and popular
sovereignty had not been limited by die
tatorial governments, some of the most
eloquent examples Of democratic ma
tIlritN WarA observed In Colombia I'm