The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-04-09
CENTRAL AMERICA.
R.rrios Defeated and His Death Reported.

On March 80 Gen. Barrios attacked the Sal
vadorian frontier position FL Coco, thus break
ing the promise given by him to the United
States Minister not to invade Salvador, and
commencing operations without declaration
of war. The battle ragged fiercely until night
fall, when the Salvadorian forces concentrated
upon Chalchuapa. At daylight on the 3lst
fighting commenced around San Lorenzo. After
q severe engagement, which lasted 10 hours,
the Guatemalan forces were completely routed.
Their losses were very heavy.
The excitement in Guatemala Is intense.
Barrios is increasing his army every day, and
conscripting men. On the line of the railroad
from Puerto Cortez his officers have been busy
impressing every able bodied man they could
lay their hands on. The result is panic
throughout the country. The banana planters
along the road have fled from their places to
escape service. The war WILL therefore, prob
ably seriously affect the shipment of tropical
fruits to this country. At Truxillo and other
points on the coast of Honduras and Guatemala
earthworks have been thrown up to protect the
towns from the Mexican or American Navy.
In regard to the Barrios movement, resident
of Guatemala writes as follows:
Honduras enters heart and soul into the idea;
Salvador facilitates; Nicaragua defends herself
" to the last drop of blood and Costa RIGA is not
yet heard from It is daring step on the part of
Barrios, worthy of 50 bold man. As Salvador
now sends (soon to arrived Ambassadors to discuss
cause, Barrios has deferred offensive operations
STILL not to be taken unawares, he has dispatched
las they say) 10000 troops to the frontier. think
the number may be exaggerated, but troops are
leaving every day. Volunteers come pouring in
from all quarters without the necessity of return
ing the ropes" for this man has, as he alone can
do, impaired his magnetism to the people. Many
foreigners are Offering their services, and things
are being pushed with vigor and energy that
leave no doubt of speedy and glorious termination
of the conflict Barrios all, understands all,
orders all. With memory that staggers at moth
Ing, perception as quick as lightning, mental
scope taking in everything at glance, a personal
bravery amounting to temerity, a cool head that
never loses its dgment. and an energy that knows
no faltering. he compeis success, and will before
many months roll round make of this weak, disin-
tegrated country solid. strong prosperous Re-
public.
A late telegram states that Barrios was again
defeated at Chalchuapa, and that he was killed
on the San Salvador frontier, but this report is
not confirmed.
SKETCH OF THE LIFE OF BARRIOs.
Gen. Justo Rufino Barrios was born July 10,
1885, in San Marco Guatemala, not far from the
scene of his alledged death. He was of pure
Spanish descent and his father, Don Jose lgna-
clio Barrels, was a farmer in comfortable cir
cumstances. Showing little inclination for farm
life, Rufino was sent to the University of San
Carlos, in Guatemala City, to study law. He
was not distinguished as a student, and with
out being graduated he left the University in
d
joined the revolutionary forces under Gen.
Serapio Cruz and soon became distinguished for
his daring and activity. His sudden and sue
cessful attack in August of that year on the
fort and garrison of San Marcos gained for him
great eclat, and was the beginning of his promi-
hence in Central American politics. This move
meut ended with the killing of Gen. Cruz at
Palacio in 1869. During one of the guerrilla
skirmishes Barrios was severely wounded by a
shot in the leg. Two years later Barrios was
fighting under Gen. Garcia Granades, whose
character and ability have made his name
" illustrious" in Central America. This move
ment succeeded after five hard fought battles,
and Gen. Garcia Garnades became President. On
the accession of President Garnades, Barrios was
appointed Military Governor of the Department
de los Altes on the northern frontier, and to-
wards the end of 1873 he succeeded Granades in
the Presidency, which he has since held. The
IL years of his administration have been any
thing but peaceful. A revolution breaking out
in 1874, he adopted stern repressiye measures,
proclaiming himself Dictator and putting down
opposition with strong and ruthless hand. In
1876 he commanded an expedition against Sal
Salvador at the head of L, 900 men. His abso-
lutte power and relentless methods have made
him greatly feared in Central America, and he
made MANY enemies. His wealth is estimated
at nearly $10,0O0,0O0, all accumulated during
his IL years of office, though his legal salary was
but $4,000 year. When he was in New York
city about two years ago he bought the large
and handsome house No. 931 Fifth avenue, for
which he paid $240,00O.3 He also owned house
in Paris palatial mansion in the City of
Mexico and considerable real estate in Guate-
mala, including the largest coffee plantation in
the Republic.
The latest kilograms announce positively the
death of Barrios.