The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-04-28
The City of San Salvador.

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fcred so severely from earthquakes, is
the capital OF the Central American Re-
public OF the same name, and situated
on n small stream that runs into the
Pacific Ocean, 105 miles southeast Of
Guatemala. II lies in latitude l3s ~ !
south, and longitude SOC s. west. The
earthquake shocks continued for full
month, eliminating in disaster which
resulted in terrible loss Of life, fully
500 persons having perishedin the ruins
OF the devastated city. Soyiolent were
the shocks that it is estimated that
property amounting in value TO over
SO, 100000 was destroyed.
To add to the horrors OF the nfIrighted
people, q conAagratiOn broke out rs
soon as the earthquake subsidized, and a
large numbered buildingswere burned.
San Salvador was founded in 1923 by
Jorge de Alvarant Of Cortes, on the site
OF the Indian town OF Cuscutian, about
eighteen miles northward, but in 1889
II was removed TO Las Bermudas, the
position it now occupies. Under the
crown it was the capital OF the province,
and afterwards OF Central America until
its dissolution in 1889. The Republic
is divided into four federal districts for
administrative purposes, and they are
called from their principal cities San
Miguel, San Vicente, San Salvador, and
Santa Anna. The Federal District Of
San Salvador comprises a radius Of
eleven miles round the city, and on the
sideof the Pacific to the port Of Libertad
is twenty.six miles distant. The city
is built in well watered vale, between
wooded heights several thousand feet
above the level OF the Pacific. The
land Is peculiarly adapted for agricul-
tural purposes, the principal products
being indigo, maize, sugar, ETC., and
even cotton has been grown, but in no
considerable quantity. Tobaccofor do
nestle purposes is produced, not only
in the immediate vicinity Of the city Of
San Salvador, but throughout the entire
Republic, and wheat, barley, and other
productions OF the temperate zone are
cultivated in great perfection.
The climate is generally salubriOus,
although its temperature, owing to its
less average elevation, is higher than
that OF Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa
Rica. The heat is never oppressive,
and the seasons are we'll defined, the
wet season commencing in May and ter,
minating in November. For the re,
mainder Of the year the sky is clear and
beautiful, and, by comparison, the rain
fall is considerably greater than in any
OF theadjaeent States. The inhabitanti
OF the city fairly represent the genera
character OF the people OF the State
The ratio Of the white population, OIL
those having preponderance Of white
blood, is probably one-ffth; one-thirt
nre Indians, and the remainder are Ia
dinoS, or persons OF white and Indian
blood. The number Of negroes and
mulattoes is insignificant. The Indian
inhabitants, though professedly Catho.
lies, adhere to their primitive customs
and rites in the city to q certain extent,
but in the State, particularly in the
Balsam coast, they preserve them will
characteristic steadfGstness. The Roman
Catholic religion is the religion OF the
State, but there is q marked absence Of
bigotry, and the private exercise Of al
forms Of worship is guaranteed by law.
Educationis better fostered than In any
city Of the neighboring republics, and
II contains numerous high schools and
one university, which Is endowed BY
the State. About three miles southeast
OF the city is the volcano Of San Salva.
dor, which presents n most beautiful
cone with gently.sloping summit,
crowned TO the highest peak with thick
forests. The crater is partiallyafilled
with water, but is perfectly well pre-.
served, is more than half n league in
circumference, and rises about 1000
feet above the table-land on which II
stands.
The other hills, including those which
belong to the volcanic range south, dc
not rise to greater height thnn 900
feet above the level Of the plain. Al
different periods the city has suffered
from earthquakes, the most notable be.
ing those which took place in 1860 and
1854. There is no historical record rs
to the destruction OF life and property
in 1869, but in 1853, year previous e
the latest chronicled disaster, San Sal.
vador City contained about 10000 in.
habitants, q large and beautiful cathe.
dral, eight other churches, university,
n female seminary, several hospitals,
and two extensive acqueducts for pro.
viding a sufficient water supply. The
city at that period was in very flour.
ishing condition, with rapidly increas.
ing trade, but on the night OF the 10th
OF April, 1854, It was completely de.
stroyed by IN earthquake, when over
100 lives were lost and an incalculable
amount OF property ruined. Subse.
quently new government was laid out
by the city ten miles nearer the sea,
called Nuevo San Salvador, but SO gen
eral was the purpose OF the inhabitants
to rebuild their ruined houses that il
the year 1866 the Legislature determin
ed 10 continue the seat Of power in the
old city. Since that time until the
catastrophe which has Just occurred
San Salvador has been making rapid
advances. Schools, colleges, AMI
churches have multiplied, and the city
was beginning to occupy q proudei
position than IL ever before enjoyed
when this last towering misfortune be,
fel it. In all the various vicissitudei
through which it has passed, It is to the
credit of San Salvador that its influence
has always been exerted in favor OF Q
more advanced civilization, and on the
side of personal and religious liberty.