Evening star., 1943-01-13
General Justo Passes


war period, sudden illness and death
have intervened in Argentina's politi-
cal scene. The unexpected death of
General Agustin P. Justo after brief
illness. removes one of the most
colorful and influential factors in
Argentina's political life. Unfortu-
nately, both those bereavements have
been detrimental to that countrys
attitude toward the United States
and Pan-American cooperation.
General Justo, who died at the age
OF 66, had behind him a long career
as both soldier and statesman. After
able service as Minister of War dur
ing the troubled years which fell
upon Argentina during the world
wide economic depression, he was
elected President for the six-year
term from 1882 to 1898. Ineligible
Immediately to succeed himself un-
der the Argentine Constitution, Gen.
eral Justo did much to insure the
election of coalition ticket by which
Roberto M. Ortiz became President
and Ramon S. Castillo Vice Presi-
dent. The new chief executive was
pledged to a program of liberalism
and reform. When the European
war broke out in the autumn Of 1899,
President Ortiz at once showed his
solidarity with the Pan-American
policy of the United States and his
moral sympathy with Britain and
France as against Axis aggression.
Had he remained at the political
helm, the isolationist and indirectly
pro-Axis policy of Argentina would
never have evolved.
Unfortunately, the President was
stricken by an illness which soon in
capacitated him for his Office. AS
provided by the Argentine Constitu-
ton, the executive functions were
taken over by the Vice President, who
exercised them, first in a temporary
capacity and then as President when
Ortiz sickness was diagnosed as in
durable.
Ramon S. Castillo represents the
most conservative, not to say re-
dictionary, elements in Argentine pol
itics, centering in the big landowners
and commercial interests, which play
a political role disproportionate to
their voting strength. Partly for
domestic reasons and partly because
Of economic considerations, those
elements favored a policy of aloof-
ness toward the war and toward
Washington's mobilization Of the
New World against aggressive Axis
aims. Both as Acting President and
as Chief Executive, Castillo has
hewed consistently to this line, de-
spite growing opposition at home and
increasing diplomatic pressure from
abroad
Against this isolationist foreign
policy, General Justo has registered
consistent dissent. Especially since
the entry of the United States into
the war, he came out as a stanch
supporter of Pan-American solidarity
and the cause of the United Nations.
When Brazil declared war against
the Axis, General Justo offered his
services to that country, thereby
arousing such anger in conservative
circles that he was pelted with a
barrage OF eggs and tomatoes when
he left meeting in which he had
made a strongly pro-Ally address.
Argentina's political pot is already
beginning to boil in anticipation OF
the next presidential campaign, and
General Justo's name was prominent
on the list Of prospective candidates.
That he had presidential ambitions
is more than probable, and his politi-
cal shrewdness combined with his
excellent connections rendered him
a likely rallying point for coalition
of several powerful elements which
could unite on his candidacy more
easily than on any one else. His
sudden removal from the political
arena probably will have disturbing
effect on the formulation Of cam
paign plans. AS a power behind
the scenes and as potential
candidate, General Justo will not be
easily replaced.
Mat E,,II 1;&;,ane