III
If Salvador sometimes indulges in what the people of larger nations describe as “comic opera,” it is normally peaceful.
It appeared so tranquil at the time of my visit that I was surprised to learn of its being under martial law.
“Oh, that’s easily explained,” said the gentleman who shared my seat. “Our president, Alfonso Quiñonez Molina, is a very excellent man, but he has his enemies. Under martial law, he can draft any one into the army. As soon as an opponent criticizes him, he makes him a General. Thus the critic becomes susceptible to military discipline, and ventures no further criticism.”