LATIN AMERICA: Notes, Sep. 1, 1924

Mexico. From Vera Cruz to Jalapa, more than 100 miles, were “hordes” of grasshoppers, gaily munching crops, stopping trains and stridulating with much gusto. It was said that the Isthmus of Tehuantepec was virtually covered with the insects. Although the Department of Agriculture was busy fighting the plague by issuing instructions to farmers, who waged an energetic war upon the hoppers, the latter were reported to be getting the better of the encounters.

General Higenio Aguilar, 90-year-old revolutionary veteran, surrendered to the Federal authorities. This venerable Mexican gentleman boasts that he has taken part in all the major revolts during the past 65 years, including the de la Huerta revolt (TIME Dec. 10 et seq.). It was not thought that he would be executed.

Bandits captured and held for ransom one R. T. Berrinean, an American, General Manager of a lumber and turpentine company. U. S. Counselor of Embassy H. F. Schoenfeld reported the matter to the Mexican Foreign Office.

Honduras. Following the decision of U. S. Minister Franklin E. Morales to return to Washington (either on vacation or to report to Secretary of State Charles E. Hughes, or both), came the news that George Catewood Hamilton, American, and Charles Edward Rimmer British, had been killed. The U. S. Department of State kept its peace while waiting for further details. Nothing was heard from London. It was presumed that the foreigners had been killed during the revolution, which was still in progress.

Brazil. Brazil’s revolt continued. The Federal Troops scored several victories and were said to be gradually cornering their enemies. On the River Paraná a whole boatload or rebels was sunk by gunfire; many lives were lost. According to one report, the campaign against the rebels was being conducted with prudence, owing to the Government’s desire to spare the lives of Federal soldiers “who are more valuable to the country than the rebels and the mercenaries in their service.”