The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1885-04-07
BARIOS BADLY BEATEN.

BARIOS BADLY BEATEN.
Routed with Great Slaughter on
the San Salvador Frontier.
LIBERrAD, April 1.-Autbentica advices
regarding the irst engagement between
the forces Of Guatemala and San Salvs-
dor, on the 30lh OF March, just received
here, indicate that the result will decis-
lvely affect the arbitrary position assum-
ed ny Barrios 1t seems that the Saliva
doranian commander had massed force
OF about eleven thousand men on the
plains of Santa Anna for the protection
Of the frontier. His advantageous po.
sition was gained only by the utmost de-
termination and activity, the troops
evincing creditable spirit and endurance
in forced marches up the difficult noun
tain roads from all parts of the Rcprb-
lie About noon ON SUNDAY, iniorma.
ton was received from disaffected Gust-
emalians at Guaquinjlapa, a town about
three miles from Santa Anna on the
Guatemalian side, of the approach Of
Barrlos at the head Of Is 600 men. The
position of the main body Of Sslvado-
ranians was protected and strong skir
mishing parties at once deployed in diff.
ereht directions to intercept the move.
ments of the Gustemalians. The first
conflict occurred about sunset, when q
party OF Guatemalians, that bad forded
the river Peg attacked party Of Sslva-
doranians accommodating in the neigh
borhood. The fight was very fierce,
lasting until nightfall, when the Guate-
malians were forced back across the riv
er In recrossing the Peg, which runs
down the mountain with strong and
rapid current, q large number OF Bar
ROSS men we're drowned. Skirmishing
was kept up throughout the night with,
ont particular advantage to either side.
Early on Monday morning the Saliva
dcranian commander, learning that Gen.
Barrios, contrary to all the traditions OF
Central American warfare, was medita.
ting an attack in force on e Coco, an
lmportant po ition on the San Salvador
frontier, concentrated bis forces in the
neighborhood. the main body of bis
forces covering Chalchuapo and his
TANKS resting on El Coco and San Lo-
renz, Barrios began the battle about
9 O'Clock by opening fire on the Saliva
doranian position, thus initiating hostili-
ties without q declaration OF war and
breaking his promise to the United States
Government, through Minister Hall. not
10 invade San Salvador. AS Barrios ap
preached El Coco, keeping up fusil
lade Of musketry, the Salvadoranians re.
piled to his IRE ho,ly. Workmanship
is not quality Of the Central American
Indian and the firing on both sides was
wild and Intellectual, save that 1t render.
ed The advance OF the Guatemalisns
slow and difficult. Hostilities we're vir-
tually suspended during the night. but
at daylight the Guatemalisns made q
desperate rush in an attempt to carry the
Salvadoranian position bv storm.
! Only the superior position OF the Sal
vadorapian forces saved them from an
nihilation by the almost overwhelming
numbers OF the Guatemalians. Toward:
the middle Of the day firearms were &c
great extent thrown aside and terrific
hand-to hand fight begun, in which The
troops on both sides did terrible execu'
ton with the sanguinarY favorite weap
on OF the Indian-tbe machete. Thii
is . long and heavy knife or sword
which serves the Central American alike
10 peace and war, being an implemen
constantly used in agriculture here ant
as great isvorite 10 fighting.
After nearly ten hours fighting II
which. as is usual in Central America
quarter was neither given or taken, th'
4 Guate emalisus were completely routed
leaving about 500 OF their number OF
the field dead or wounded. They re
treated across the frontier in great hast
and disorder. Though greatly exhaus'
ted by the engagement the SalvadoraniaI
troops who showed determined sLiri
throughout in great contrast to the fire
quent instances OF hslf-heartednes
dmOuS euc 0uateuohauo- "o'o o"A'o~
to pursue the enemy across the border
but they were restrained from enterin,
Guatemalian territory.
There is q general feeling here ths
Barrios's impulsive haste and rashnes
10 stalking all his fortunes on the cast
a single great engagement will haste
his downfall. His unpopularity Is con
stantly increasing and he 10 10 constar
danger of his life. 1t is thought. too
, that the large element in Honduras OF
posed to Barrios will be encouraged b
the victory of their Salvadoranian friend
2 and q ,ickly extend their influence 10 th
, notification of Barrios's alliance Wit
President BoQrsn.