Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-08
in LATIN AMERICA
By CASTOR NERVAL,

is so prodigsl in Latin American poli-
tics, in the same position In which he
put Leguia only a half year before,
Sanchez Cerro tried to overcome the
rebels first by diplomatic means and
then by threats. But, just as he himself
had done before, the leaders of the new
movement paid little attention to either
promises or menaces, and went ahead
with their rebellion.
Soon afterward q like pronuncia-
mento gained ground in the northern
region of the country, and civil war
seemed almost inevitable when Sanchez
Cerro dispatched vessels loaded with
troops to the insurgent points. Fortu-
nately-at least for the preservation
the Peruvian Navy decided to take
hand in the situation. They prevented
the troop ships from leaving port, and
requested in most positive terms the
resignation Of Provisional President
Sanchez Cerro.
Thus came to an end the slhovt reign
Of Col. Sanchez Cerro, and a new tenn
porary government was set up, with the
participation of respected Peruvian
citizens, presided over by the chief mag
istrate of the nation. And thus, to use
the former President Leguia's express
sion, another chapter in Peruvian his
tory was closed" which though not as
long as Leguia's, was equally abundant
in lessons Of political science and gov
eminent.
THE CREDIT SIDE.
Not all is violence and surprises in
Latin American politics these DAYS. In
the past two weeks three Latin Ameri-
can countries witnessed peaceful
changes of government, in which three
men, victorious at the polls, assumed
office through legal procedure provided
by the constitution. And a fourth one
will witness similar event in the next
few days.
New Presidents were inaugurated re-
Gently in Guatemala, FL Salvador and
Uruguay. All of them we're the free
choice Of the citizenry Of those coun-
tries and had been democratically
elected at the polls.
Gen. Ubico. joint candidate Of both
political parties in Guatemala, won the
presidential chair of that Central
American republic with no opposition to
confront. He was inaugurated the latter
part OF February amid demonstrations
Of popular support from all sections Of
national opinion.
The election of Senior Arturo Arauio
as President Of FL Salvador, by a large
plurality Of votes over two rival candi-
dates, was singularized by its unusual
order. His triumph was acclaimed not
only by his own partisans but even by
political opponents, who acknowledged
the correctness Of the electoral process
and the ability Of the winning candidate
to conduct properly the national affairs.
The Uruguayans also had a presi-
Dental Inauguration last week. DR..
Gabriel Terra, successful candidate Of
the Colorado" party, assumed office UNI
der most orderly conditions, precisely at
time when cable reports were men,
tioning the possibility of domestic trou-
bles in that country. AS several times
before. such troubles existed only in the
imagination OF some excited correspond
ent.
To complete this series Of lawful and
democratic changes In Latin American
governments, Senior Daniel Salamanca
the Bolivian presidential candidate, who
was unanimously elected last January
Is scheduled to receive this week the
command Of the Bolivian ship of state
from the hands of the provisional mill
tary junta in charge.
LEADING THE WAY.
The small but most progressive Re-
public OF Uruguay has always stood out
as an example of democratic maturity
in the Continent. For a number of
years Uruguayans have led the way in
Latin America for the perfection of
their political institutions and the spirit
OF tolerance predominant in their do
nestle contests.
A model Of administrative organiza-
ton, Uruguay is mentioned by political
scientists all over the world. The most
advanced theories In government have
been carried out in that Southern Re-
public, and social experiments still in
embryo in the most liberal European
countries have already been put to
test in Uruguay. The same may be said
of educational systems and cultural ac-
tivities, the rapid development of which
has gained for Uruguay the name of
''the Laboratory Of the Americas"
One instance Of the unique character
Of Uruguayan politics Is found in the
way presidential elections are conducted
The last one was held some months
ago. but the Official computations of the
votes were only completed a few weeks
ago. when the Inauguration date was
very nearS This because the ballots
are subject to long process Of check
ing up and scrutiny, which includes the
passing upon each one of them by the
judicial authorities. There is no OPP
portunity, under this system, for forgery
or duplication of ballots, nor for the
barter in votes.
Another peculiar characteristic of the
YTr,.a..aua,a nlanklavaa De that Of tia cn-