Democracy's Return

In 1937 German Busch with the help of the Army proclaimed himself President of Bolivia. His most noteworthy act was to decree that all Bolivia's tin had to be marketed through the State bank. Few months later curly-haired President Busch, 35, acted even more dramatically. He gave a birthday party for his beloved Japanese brother-in-law and at the height of festivities was found dead, "officially" by his own hand. Last month Bolivians went to the polls for the first time since 1931 to elect a President and chose the Army's choice--General Enrique Penaranda del Castillo, not too smart politically and "friendly" to the local "interests."

The voting was scarcely done the North American Way. The voters had been given no opportunity to elect anyone who had not fought in the Chaco War. That invalidated the two other candidates. But General Penaranda no sooner donned his sash of office than he began to claim democracy had been restored, to talk about how warmly he will "welcome" and "guarantee" foreign capital invested "to improve communications and build hydroelectric plants."

Jolly, champagne-bibbing General Penaranda is an almost pure-blooded Indian. He is personally so democratic that La Paz expects him now to marry his half-breed chola, a charming lady who should make it fun to go to parties at the Bolivian White House.

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.