St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-03-18
THE CENTRAL AMERICAN BEL1re-

ERENTS.
So little is known of Central American
affairs but few people have any knowledge OF
the military resources of that region. Since
BoMBAsr BARRIos has issued his famous de-
cree intended to consolidate the Central
American republics into one federal govern
ment, and the disposition of the republics TO
kick against the consolidation scheme, few
facts concerning the military strength OF the
beiligerents may prove interesting. We are
indebted to the New Orleans Times-Demo-
crat for comprehensive statement embody-
ing the following statistical Information:
Mexico possesses population of about 49,
100000 souls and not 100000 as erroneous
statistics have asserted. She has therefore $780,
900 men between IS and IS years old From 1855
TO 1876 the greater portion of the adults bore
arms during the war of the reform, that of the
French Intervention, and the numerous revolu-
tons which have since occurred. 1t would be
no exaggeration to assert that at least 100000
men under As years of age, who
have borne arms, could be put in
the field in two months from the de-
claration of war. The regular army numbers
10000, admirably equipped, well disciplined
led are remarkably courageous, and will fight as
long as their officers choose to hold them to it.
Mexico can therefore send frst-class expedi-
tionary force into Guatemala of $1,000 excellent
troops. The greatest problem her war depart
ment has to solve is, how to get this force 10 the
seat of operations: The land journey is long
and dangerous. But by water she can move
troops by either coast. Her gunboats can cover
the Decentralization on either side.
The entire male population of the FIVE Central
American republics are soldiers from the age
of IS to 45 years, and are exercised in the
use of arms at stated periods. Guatemala
with & population of 100000 can form a
force of $40, 600 men. But the government is
poor and cannot raise the means TO pay the ex-
penses OF supreme effort. The regular organ
lied force will scarcely number more than IS, 900
men, fairly equipped, Differed and disciplined.
San Salvador with a population of ESQ 600
souls has 10000 names on her army roll. As the
government is quite well off, it can keep 1900
men in the field for at least year. San Salvador
unassisted and alone would fall an easy prey to
Guatemala.
Honduras contains a population of 100000
sonls and an army roster of 10000 men. AS the
government is poor, its resources would be taxed
to the utmost TO maintain 5000 troops in the
field for year.
Nicaragua is the only Latin American nation
that is free from debt. The government does
not owe single dollar to foreign or domestic
creditors. Her population is not more than $780,,
600 souls, and her army roster contains but
go 900 names The republic can maintain 10000
men in the field for a year.
Costa Iica possesses population'of but about
230, GOO. Her army roll contains $4,000 names.
The treasury is empty, and it viii be difficult for
her to send 1000 troops into Honduras.
The available forces of the belligerents which
can be relied npon for immediate service may be
put down as follows:
Mexico, invading column. .......15,0 900
Nicaragua, invading column. ............. 5000
Costa Rica invading column. ............ 4,00p
San Salvador, army of defense. ..........12,0 900
Total movable force. Observation-Disclosures coo
Guatemala to move into Salvador. 10, 900
Guatemala home defense. 5000
Honduras, to move on Salvador .......... 5000
Honduras, home defense. 1000