"Earthquake! Earthquake!"

MEXICO "Earthquake! Earthquake!" "Mexico's Idol of Flesh and Blood" was boldly denounced and defied before the Mexican Congress last week by fiery spellbinder and factional leader Senor Antonio Soto y Gama. Though he dared not name "Mexico's Idol," the denouncer clearly meant bullnecked, heavy-jowled President Plutarco Elias Calles. When Senor Calles' term expires, in December, it is understood that he will become the Leader ("Boss") of the new "Grand National Revolutionary Party." This will reunite the national majority once dominated by the late, assassinated President-Elect Alvaro Obregon (TIME, July 30); and therefore factional leaders see in the "Grand Party" the doom of their petty potency. "The Grand Party is being formed," thundered Factionist Soto y Gama last week, "solely to perpetuate the rule of Mexico's Idol of Flesh and Blood! ... I and my followers protest! ... Let us not adore idols. . . . We defy the powers of. . . ." Before Senor Soto y Gama could specify what powers he and his propose to defy, the Congress hall shivered slightly and Deputies cried, "Earthquake! Earthquake!" Then they hopped and bolted out the door like prairie gophers. Late escapers said that before they got out the huge crystal chandelier of the Chamber was swinging through an arc of 30 degrees. Had it dragged down the roof and fallen, Mexico's Congress might have been squashed at a single blow. Instead the Earth trembled very gently from 9 p. m. until 3 1/2 minutes past, then settled down for the night. Though the tremors shook nine Mexican states only three deaths were reported and property damage was not great. At the famed seaport of Vera Cruz a strange streaky red glow in the night sky accompanied the tremors, which were strong enough to ring the Cathedral bells. Municipal water tanks at Mexico City trembled until they slopped over.