Augusto César Saltos Jarrín (Guaranda, December 18, 1899 – Guaranda, August 26, 1976) was a prominent Ecuadorian lawyer, writer, and cultural advocate. He served as a member of the Supreme Court of Justice and was deeply involved in social justice, advocating for the rights of workers and indigenous peoples. A co-founder of the Socialist Party in Ecuador, Saltos also participated in international peace conferences. He was a prolific author, known for his dramas, such as El Minero (1940) and Queriendo ser Grande (1943), which addressed social issues, and for works on Ecuadorian history and folklore, including El Cacique Huaranga (1969). Saltos led the Bolívar branch of the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana from 1952 to 1970.
Early Life and Education
Augusto César Saltos Jarrín was born on December 18, 1899, in Guaranda, Ecuador, to Joaquín Saltos and Evarista Jarrín. Raised in a family known for their strong values, Saltos’ early years were marked by a harmonious childhood and an education that cultivated both his intellect and practical skills. He attended Escuela Simón Bolívar for his primary education and Colegio Pedro Carbo for his secondary education, where he distinguished himself academically and developed a love for writing. Upon graduation in 1918, Saltos pursued higher education at the Central University of Ecuador in Quito, where he obtained a Doctorate in Jurisprudence.
Legal and Professional Career
Upon completing his legal education, Saltos returned to Guaranda, where he began a long and influential career in law and public service. Over the years, he served in several key legal roles, including as a member of the Supreme Court of Justice. He also held the post of Judge of Bolívar and President of the Tribunal of Minors, demonstrating a strong commitment to justice, especially for marginalized communities. Saltos’ legal career was underscored by his dedication to social justice, a principle that informed both his legal work and his broader activism.
Political Activism and Social Advocacy
In addition to his legal career, Saltos was a dedicated political activist. He was a founding member of Ecuador’s Socialist Party and maintained strong connections with global socialist movements. Saltos’ advocacy focused on the rights of the working class, indigenous groups, and other underprivileged sectors of society. He opposed corruption and injustice in all forms and maintained his socialist ideology despite persecution, including imprisonment by the military government. Saltos was also a critic of religious institutions and clerical abuse, which earned him the enmity of some powerful figures, including members of the Church.
Saltos’ international influence was notable. He was invited to participate in three major international conferences—in Beijing, Moscow, and Havana—as a member of the World Peace Movement. These experiences brought him into contact with prominent figures such as Fidel Castro, Che Guevara, and Salvador Allende, with whom he shared both ideological and personal connections.
Literary Contributions
Augusto César Saltos Jarrín was a prolific writer, leaving behind a significant body of work that spanned various genres, including drama, poetry, biographies, and historical accounts. His literary output reflected his ideological convictions, often addressing themes of social justice, cultural identity, and political activism. Saltos’ works include the dramas El Minero (1940), Queriendo ser Grande (1943), and Tiburones Blancos (1954). His dramas were well-received, with Queriendo ser Grande earning recognition from Ecuador’s Ministry of Education.
Saltos also explored Ecuadorian history and tradition through works such as El Cacique Huaranga (1969), which blended legend and folklore in verse, and En Tierras de Bolívar (1969), a collection of local traditions and stories. His biographical works include Feliza Egüez: Su Tierra, Su Vida, Su Obra (1969), a tribute to a prominent local figure, and Siluetas de Viejos Liberales Bolivarenses del 95 (1969), which detailed the lives of notable individuals from Bolívar. Additionally, Saltos wrote short stories and fables, exemplified by Los Gitanos Bandidos (1970).
Saltos’ literary style was often described as clear and concise, but while his writing may have lacked some of the more sophisticated literary devices of his contemporaries, it resonated with readers for its sincerity and social relevance. His works were not only an expression of his artistic talent but also a tool for advancing his political ideals.
Leadership in Cultural Development
Saltos was instrumental in fostering cultural development in his hometown of Guaranda. In 1952, he founded the Bolívar branch of the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana, an institution dedicated to promoting local art and culture. Saltos served as its president for nearly two decades, from its inception until 1970, during which time he played a crucial role in preserving and celebrating the region’s cultural heritage. He was particularly known for reviving the Carnival of Guaranda, turning it into a major cultural event. His efforts to establish monuments, such as those dedicated to Simón Bolívar and the indigenous leader Guaranga, also reflected his commitment to both local and national history.
Personal Life
In 1933, Saltos married Elvira Zapata Martínez, with whom he shared a deep bond. Although the couple did not have children of their own, they raised a niece, Cecilia Campana, whom Saltos regarded as a daughter. His marriage was a source of inspiration, with Saltos frequently expressing his love for Elvira in his poetry. Known for his personal integrity, Saltos lived a life free from vices, abstaining from both tobacco and alcohol. He was admired for his humility, generosity, and dedication to helping the underprivileged.
Legacy and Recognition
Dr. Augusto César Saltos Jarrín passed away on August 26, 1976, in Guaranda. His death marked the loss of a tireless advocate for justice, a respected cultural leader, and a prolific writer. His legacy, however, endures in the institutions he founded and the literary works he left behind. In recognition of his contributions, the Municipality of Guaranda honored him with a place in their hall of distinguished citizens, immortalizing his portrait in the gallery of illustrious individuals.
Saltos’ impact extended far beyond the borders of Guaranda. He was a member of several prestigious cultural organizations, including the Writers’ Societies of Cuba and Argentina, and was an honorary member of the Huiratinga Cultural Society in Brazil. His work as a journalist also garnered respect, and he contributed to various periodicals throughout his life.
Dr. Saltos’ life and work serve as a model of intellectual commitment to social justice, cultural preservation, and political activism. His writings, leadership in the Casa de la Cultura, and dedication to his homeland continue to inspire future generations.
Selected Works
- El Minero (1940)
- Queriendo ser Grande (1943)
- Los Hijos No Acusan (1948)
- Tiburones Blancos (1954)
- El Cacique Huaranga (1969)
- Feliza Egüez: Su Tierra, Su Vida, Su Obra (1969)
- En Tierras de Bolívar (1969)
- Los Gitanos Bandidos (1970)
- Taitamo (1973)
- El Carnaval de Guaranda (1976)
References
- Pérez Pimentel, Rodolfo. “Saltos: Augusto César.” Diccionario Biográfico Ecuador Profundo. Retrieved on September 23, 2024.
- Vargas Campana, Diana. “Augusto César Saltos: Su Obra Literaria y Su Influencia en las Letras Ecuatorianas.” Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana Lotaip. Retrieved on September 23, 2024.