So many times in late years had the story come down to Caracas that for hours no one would believe it. Finally, though, there was no denying it: The Meritorious One (El Benemerito), was really dead. President Juan Vincente Gomez. 78, had died quietly in his bed of the uremia from which he suffered for many a month. With his General's cap and all his medals beside him, they laid him out in the village church at Maracay. All night long barefoot peasants shuffled past, their black eyes wide with wonder. In his...
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