Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-09-06
Orderly Ecuador Revolt Shows
Nation Is Maturing Politically

country and relieve the economic dis
tresS OF the Ecua6orean people
In Ecuador. S elsewhere. hard times
are blamed on the government. A pro-
longed ecoppmic crisis necessarily re-
suits in loss of prestige for the men
entrusted with conducting the nations
finances. Confidence in the established
order of things breaks down and the
opposition leaders make good profit OF
public discomfort Any change Of gov
eminent gives hope for a change in
conditions. so those interested in the
change are always sure Of popular sup
port in times of distress.
This phenomenon. nearly as old as
government itself. has occurred once
more in Ecuador The Ecuadorcans
have lost their faith in Dr. Ayora to
lead them out of the economic crisis
in which the world depression and their
own financial complications keep them
This is the only possible explanation of
DR.. Ayora's vanished popularity. 1t will
be easier for students OF psychology and
for those familiar with tie fickleness
of Latin American politics to under
stand this complete about face" in
Ecuadorean public opinion.
Irigoyen's Case Recalled.
Such a thing cannot be surprising in
a continent where President Irigoyen Of
Argentina was overthrown by an al
most unanimous nation wide revolution,
scarcely two years after he had been
made President by the largest majority
recorded in Argentine elections; and
where President AleSsandri of Chile was
twice expelled from tie country and
then welcomed back three times as the
savior Of the nation in only few years.
The orderly and democratic spirit of
the Ecuadorean change is evinced by
cable dispatches coming from Quito
after the resignation of President Ayora.
The populace has Endorsed unani-
mously the new provisional government.
and the army, which in Latin America
is always TIE decisive element in such
situations, has promised not to inter-
fere with domestic politics. In a pub
lie manifesto which has the signatures
of all the high officers of the army,
they pledge themselves rot to influence
in any way the activities of the politi-
cal parties preparing the forthcoming
presidential elections and to insure in
ternal order and normality in the
country.
Encouraging Indication.
This attitude unusual in the annals
of South American politics and only
comparable to that of the Bolivian
army during the recent revolution in
that country. gives an encouraging in
dication that the Ecuadorean change.
will finally result in a step forward in
the nations development.
Another edifying example Is given by
former President Ayora. who instead of
fleeing from the country. as is the usual
custom of depoSed Latin executives, re-
mains in Quito, the Ecuadorean capital.
awaiting in his private residence the
outcome of events. and ready to an
swer any charges Of misconduct or mall
administration of public funds that his
personal enemies may care to make.
press dispatch reports that the re-
firing Chief Executive of Ecuador is to
resume Immediately his professional
duties. Unable to cure the serious eco
nomic and political ills of the nation.
the distinguished NJ. D. will confine
himself from now on to relieving the
physical ailments of his large Glen
tele.
(Copyright. 1917