Evening star., 1930-11-30

the brothers Of a well known monastery.
Discussion Unguarded.
Presently door opened and "the tiny
Indian with deep, dreamy eyes," In the
simple khaki uniform of colonel,
walked briskly in, unattended, shook
hands, sat down and began talking.
There was no show of Importance, no
attempt to impress a foreign writing
man, but marked simplicity and unmis-
taxable earnestneSS. have had oppor-
tunities to meet many South American
personalities-statesmen, generals and
scholars. This little colonel, who had
so suddenly, almost overnight, caused
the overthrow and imprisonment of the
most spectacular figure in modern Pc
ruvtan history, feat eminently suff1-
! cient to warrant a feeling of impor-
tance, is about the most ImassuminR
figure that I have ever met south Of
Panama. With nobody to prompt him,
to listen in or even, to look on, he sat
and talked In the most unreserved
manner.
But those deep, dreamy eyes and that
simple, unassuming manner must not be
taken as indications of weakness. He
has been bold figure. Twice he was
banished from Peru for leading revolts
against the government, his active par
tic1pation in which. is witnessed by
many scars and the entire absence of q
forefinger of his left hand.
Born in 1889, Sanchez Cerro was
graduated from military school in 1910,
and thereafter served in various regi-
ments until February 4, 1914. On that
date came the revolution which over
threw President Guillermo Billinghurst
Sanchez Cerro player an active part in
that revolt.
Leads First Revolt.
In 1919 Leguia became President by a
coup detat A revolt was expected, and
In 1922 1t came, with the dreamy-eyed
Sanchez Cerro at its head. He took
possession of the city of Cuzco but was
so seriously wounded that he lost what
advantage he had obtained and the rev.
olution ended. Sanchez Cerro discreetly
ieIt Tor Morocco, where for IA months
he fought the Riffs. Later he went to
France, devoting several wears to ad-
vanced military courses.
Back In Peru again, he obtained COM
mand OF battalion and was promoted
70 lieutenant colonelcy last Summer
But his bold career was not ended
Three months ago came his second re-
volt against Leguia. This time his fear
ieSSneSs brought success. Following his
nlo Tor power in the south, but in the
race OF an uncertain state of affairs in
the capital, he took a couple of aides
With him, flew to Lima ahead of his
own forces, deposed the self-appointed
JunCa, jailed them and proceeded to or
ganlEe his own military government.
am very happy that you came to
see me, that you have come to Peru f"
ne told me. "You have come to a coun-
Try that is old, that has suffered much.
FOR IL years now she has known no
freedom. Nobody dared speak his
thoughts unless they were the thoughts
OF the government. Newspapers could
publish nothing that did not compile
ment the government. FL Comercio. an
old and honorable publication, did not
puollsh an editorial in IL years, until
now. Men were banished for their con-
vlctlonS. They languished in prisons,
while their families suffered alone. !"
InS IN almost plaintive tones.
Americans Invited,
1t was evident that he wanted the
world to understand his position, his
viewpoint, his aspirations.
Il know it is being said that I am
particularly unfriendly toward the
United States and the people from
there. This is not true. On the other
hand, admire them. Because, some
individuals from your country have, un-
fortunately, made mistakes here Is no
reason for condemning a whole nation
All those who have misused their
offices and privileges must answer be-
fore q court of justice. The guilty
should be punished: the innocent set
free. But no one who has been honest
need fear. will see to that.
your country has many interests
here-mines, banks, railroads, airways
They are safe and welcome; all I ask
Is that those at the head Of them re-
Spect us, that they do not look upon us
in patronizing manner. Peru has
glorious history and an ancient cul-
ture Of which she is proud. Peru has
long been an admirer of the United
States-indeed, has emulated it. And
| come in good faith. Nowhere will they
be more cordially received and respect
fully treated"
Tribal Origin Evident.
Then the conversation turned to the
purpose Of the revolution. The dreamy
eyes fairly glistened and his sentences
were punctuated with many, but grace
| ful, gestures. AS I listened to the soft
firm voice I felt sure his spirit trav-
eled back over the centuries to the
glamorous days Of the Incas, when
their power reached undisputed from
what later became Colombia to what
now is Chile.
Peru is a treasure house. Her noun
tains offer us copper, silver and gold
Her valleys grow cotton, sugar Cane
coffee and fruit. She can produce
countless things - enough for herself
and a surplus for the world. No coun-
try Is richer in resources Yet she Is
poor today. Her future has been mort
gaged-many of her resources have
been parceled out to concessionaires
and the money squandered or stolen.
The people could bear this no longer
and we have done what they wished
us to do"
Patience His Idea.
But Sanchez Cerro is not an extrem-
ist. He counsels patience and justice
He will be reasonable If the country will
let him Two days before my conversa-
ton with him watched a huge dem
onStration in the Plaza de Armas,
where thousands gathered before the
palace TO express impatience with the
| slow procedure of the tribunal appoint
ed to try the former officials and Of
tenders. They demand blood-that Is,
extreme measures" said a prominent
business man.
| Sanchez Cerro with his cabinet ap-
| peared on the balcony, listened to the
speeches and answered questions. It
was an unusually orderly gathering
Only one man attempted to heckle him
and, quick as lightning, pointing di-
rectly at the disturber, Cerro shouted
"Snencial" (SilenceD, to the evident
approval Of the great crowd.
1T is justice we wish to exercise" he
! told them, mot revenge. We have to
think not only of ourselves, but of other
people also, the good will of the world.
We must have evidence before we can
punish men. The revolution was for
the purpose of establishing a govern
ment Of laws and not of men,"