Stories from Jail

In prison last week, along with an estimated 1,500 other Argentines caught in Peron's latest roundup of political opponents, was Alfredo Palacios, 72, mustachioed ex-dean of the University of Buenos Aires' law school, grand old man of Argentine socialism, veteran of 70 duels. Also in jail: ex-Senator Nicolas Repetto, 81. "Unheard of!" barked Palacios to a fellow inmate as he tramped across the patio of Buenos Aires' 23rd precinct station during the prisoners' exercise period. "Under arrest without charges! There is no more respect for old age and venerability."

"But Don Alfredo," said his companion soothingly, "you are still a young man."

"Why of course," snapped the old dandy. "I was not referring to myself, but to old Repetto."

The story about Palacios, which, like several others, leaked out of jail last week, typified to Argentines the spirit of defiance and even gaiety with which many of Peron's recent political prisoners bore their lot. High-spirited Victoria Ocampo, sixtyish, wealthy editor of Buenos Aires' highbrow literary magazine Sur, reportedly kept her sister prisoners laughing by telling jokes, organized a drama group to put on French plays. But the hero of most of the stories was indomitable old Alfredo Palacios. When fellow prisoners speculated whether there had really been an organized anti-Peron plot, Palacios snorted: "Of course not. If there had been, you can be sure I would have been head of it."

Transferred to the national penitentiary, the old bachelor protested because prostitutes, held in the same jail, crossed his path during the prisoners' daily walks. Roared he: "Never have I met a female whose hand I did not kiss. But I tell you these females are not ladies."

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