The Evening Star SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1930. LATIN AMERICA'S TROUBLES.

Evening Star, Issue 20612, 11 October 1930, Page 14

The Evening Star SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1930. LATIN AMERICA'S TROUBLES.

Most of tho States of South and Central America are immersed in a sea of troubles. They are the- result of domestic friction and not of disagreement with their neighbours. The interstate relations seem to be quite friendly, an illustration of which is the formal ratification in August hy Peru and Chile of the new frontier, fixed in accordance with the Treaty of Lima, which settled the Tacna-Arica dispute. The difficulties in, this matter were of very long standing, and another serious breach between the two countries was always a possibility. The settlement was not easy of achieve- - ment, find the conferences this year lasted for several months, but ultimately matters relating to the disputed territory were adjusted, and tho entire line dividing tho two States was ■ harmoniously rearranged. Chile is one of the very few of the South American republics that have been free from political upheavals. In Peru dissatisfaction with the Administration ended in President. Leguia being deposed and tho new Government taking office. Colombia effected a change by means of the ballot box. Tho victory of Dr. Herrera was a striking one, for in tho contest for President he was opposed hy a prominent member of the Conservative Party, which had been uninterruptedly in power for forty-five years. Significant congratulatory comment was published on tho fact that tho Conservatives made no attempt to tamper with tho election results. Pride was expressed that none of the political groups had formulated a single complaint, just or unjust, against the executive or the electoral authorities “on the ground that rights were violated or duties unfulfilled." This may sound strange to British ears, bub in Latin America the sanctity of the ballot box has been slow in obtaining the recognition associated with it in British communities. The latest developments; too, in other States show that physical force is often preferred as a means of expressing dissatisfaction with an administration to the operation of the electoral law. In addition to Peru, successful revolutions have occurred in Bolivia and Argentina, Brazil is in the throes of a serious revolutionary movement, and Venezuela, the island of Cuba, and the little State of Panama are seething with unrest and discontents The latest news from Brazil reveals a most serious position, and it is evident that the Government is faced with most formidable risings in the North and South. Brazil is so large.in area that there is little community of interest among various sections, and in time of trade stress it is no easy matter for the Government to reconcile the differences that arise. The present position is largely tho result of political quarrels, and the minority parties have made uso of the existing depression in pursuit of their aims. Fears of violence wore expressed at tho time of tho elections in March, but these passed off without serious disorders. An incident that happened subsequently, however, gives an indication of the intensity of the feeling that prevailed. This was the assassination of tho President of the State of Parabyha (one of the areas now disaffected) and Liberal candidate for Vice-President in the elections in opposition to the ticket headed by Dr Prestes, who was elected President. Tho murdered man was the nephew of a former President and possessed many influential friends, and it can b© imagined that this event further increased sectional passions that were already almost uncontrollable. Tho position in Brazil is obscure at the moment because of the strict censorship that prevails. It would appear that unless the Administration, following the example of tho Governments of Bolivia,. Argentina,, and Peru, is willing to go out of office, severe fighting may be recorded.