Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-07-31
PRESIDENT BARRIOS EXPLAIN.
His Severity Necessary 60 Preserve
the Government.
PhtladeEphfa Press. .r,,,u q

Philadelphia Press, July "a.
Upon being approached Yesterday bv ,
reporter OF this paper, President Barrioi
said: "All sorts of ulterior imputations have
been accredited to me by foreign papers.
am accuse OF wishing to foster an inimica
feeling between the United States rnC
MexIco-bahl l desire the right of Guste
mala, nothing more. Listen l have beer
called tyrant, a military despot I have
been accused OF unheard of cruelties ir
securing the Presidency-Pestel II people
rebel, they must expect the fate ol
rebels; II women associate and ic,in
in the acts of rebellion, they must
take the consequences. All has beer
grossly exaggerated. When l assumed
power in Guatemala the whole country was
under the rule of the priests. The only
coius In circulation were pieces of metal cut
In the form Of crosses. There were neither
telegraphs, railroads, or efficient postal ser
vice; and our treaties of commerce were OF
the most rudimentary description. have
altered everything. First, | got rid Of the
priests. expelled the Jesuits, and opened
the doors OF the nunneries and the monas-
teries, and freed the recluses. Then issued
decree giving universal religious tolera-
tion. Next, Itnaugurated system of teIe-
grAphy all over the country; then | built q
railroad. l opened a mini, recalled the
cross money snd Issued proper coins.
Finally, l effected p decent system of
portage, and then l turned my eyes
to the commercial capabilities of the
country, which were in a dreadful
state OF confusion and neglect. have Ger
taln treaties with my neighbors and other
foreign countries. Reciprocity treaties are
only ootalned by degrees. | hope to have
one shorilY with this country. Nv Secre-
tarY OF state Is engaged In the matter. But
all that have done could oulv be secured
OY $40" progress with constant battle
agalnst every KIND OF obstacle. | had to
rule with severe frmness, or where should 7
have beene Was there ever a nation on the
face OF the earth which did not wade
through blood to reformg My country Is
dear TO me. The best proof that have sue
ceeded in restoring state of tranquil pros
perity is in the fact that l can leave my
capital and travel" -
''Shall you make an extensive tour?''
''FOr some months lopger-yes. To NOR
row / go to New York. l wish to visit
some stock farms in New York State. l am
very fond of horses and cattle. | have
twenty-five blOoded mares on my farm in
Gustemala. In week or two | shall sail
for Europe and visit the continental coun-
tries, particularly England. l shall be ac-
companied only by my wife, perhaps one
child, and the Secretary of State, SeDor
Fernando Cruz"
"Have you enjoyed your visit to Amerl-
ca?"
every much, indeed. l have been greatly
impressed with all that / have seen. The
order, cleauliness and conVeniences of your
cities are most admirable. l regret / have
only been able to make cursory examina-
tion OF everything. There is so much to see
one becomes bewidered. l shall have SO
many Improvements to suggest in Guate-
mals when | return | shall not know where
to begin. The weather is very hot here.p
"Worse than In Guatemala?"
ayes, much warmer. The climate of nv
country is perfect. Never too warm, never
too cold, and thoroughly healthy, except
perhaps near the coast. 1t would not do to
build very high houses in our cities, how
ever. Shocks of earthquakes are by no
means uncommon. The shocks are very
seldom severe, but tall houses would be
dangerous Nearly all our edifices are
built long on the ground aud one story In
height"