Not This Time

On Oct. 29, 1945, the Brazilian army rose in a bloodless coup to overthrow Dictator Getulio Vargas. Ever since, the date has been celebrated as a kind of second independence day,* with speeches about democracy and grateful bows to the army for ending 15 years of strong-arm rule. This year, with presidential election tallies showing Getulio Vargas leading almost two to one, Brazilians wondered whether or not the Oct. 29 "Week of Democracy" would be observed. Last week the army, navy and police gave them the answer: since no one had ordered any festivities, there would be no celebration.

* Brazilians date their independence from Sept. 7, 1822, when Braganza Prince Dom Pedro tore up Portuguese crown orders to return to Lisbon, proclaimed Brazil a free and independent nation.

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