Insult

Ten thousand feet above sea level, in La Paz, "Highest Capital in the World," President Hernando Siles of Bolivia was last week insulted. . .

Dr. Carlos Calvo, rich Bolivian lawyer, was the insulter. Dr. Calvo stood with his back turned at a private reception as the President entered.

When the general handshaking was over, President Siles spoke briefly to his brother, Genaro: "It is your duty to challenge Dr. Calvo in my name to a duel. My office prevents me from doing so, but our honor, and the honor of Bolivia must be avenged. ... He turned his back! Challenge him. . . ."

Dr. Calvo, challenged next day, contemptuously replied that he would fight no one but President Siles in person. He named his seconds. He defied the President to name his.

President Hernando Siles named two seconds. They called on the seconds of Dr. Calvo. Over thick cigars and thin-stemmed glasses there was talk. Then the four seconds, shrewd, announced that Dr. Calvo had turned his back on President Siles by accident, that there had been no insult, would be no fight.