New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-06-07
THE GUATEMALA STORY.
WHAT FOLLOWED THE DEATH OF BARRIos.


results of the battle at Chalchuapa indicated that
the uatemaltecan army had been utterly routed,
the truth is that there was no victory for either
side, except that Zadivar secured his end In the
death of Barrios.
When Zaldry ar promised Barrios that he would
support his union scheme no one ever thought that
az soon as the decree was issued the tleacherous
Doctor would 80 completely antagonize 1t as he did
Barrios depended on Zaldivar his best FRIEND and
as everything indicated that the people of Salvador
would favor union it was the greatest surprise OF
his life when Barrios learned that while Zaldivar
was personally sending him protests OF friendship
no was plotting for his overthrow. The resolutions
of the Senate conforming the using Of force to
secure the union aud other important instructions
were sent to Barros and the United States Minister
here by cable. But as Guatemala has no direct
connection with the cable these dispatches had to
pass through Salvador before they could reach
here. Barrios was evidently expecting every day
some word from Washington. but none came MT
II. G. Hail. the United States Minister, was more
than perpexed. He could hear nothing At last
Barrios determined. if not to attempt to force the
union, to give Zaldivar sound thrashing, which
every honorable man believed he richly deserved
He took tire field. Tho result is known. Barrios
was shot. The Guatemaltecan troops were walking
would have bagged the whole army. bad not
Barrios like the true soldier he was, fallen at the
very front of the line. The Guatemala troops were
fighting for hun. Ho was dead and they had moth
ing more to fight for II there was victory 1T GER
tainly ought to DO claimed for Guatemala for one
hour more would have put the troops in the plaza
of Chalchuapa from which the SalvadOraneans bad
already begun TO move.
After it was all over the secret Of the non-arriva
of dispatches from Washington came out. Copies
of the dispatches sent by mail three weeks pre-
yionsly were received and then it was seen that
Zaldivar had entirely suppressed the dispatches Of
tine United States Government which had been
delivered by the cable company to the Salyadoranean
Government Telegraph Line for transmission to
Guatemala Zaldivar know that II those dispatches
arrived Barrios would not take the bed, and 1t
being his evident desire to secure tho destruction of
Barrios he had sharpshooteIs posted so that he
cond he picked OIL, rs it was known that he would
he found IN an exposed position.
The news. of Barrios's death paralyzed Guatemala
for two DAYS. There was fear of anarchy Military
law was declared Sinibald, the First Vice-Presi-
dent took the OATH but being a very weak man he
resigned. Barross body was brought in for burial.
Barrundia the Minister of War, attempted to get
tie army to declare for him az President He stole
from the International Bank some 100000 which
he distributed among his friends for the purpose OF
securing their adhesion. His plan was that as soon
as tho funeral ceremonies were completed the
soldiers were to give the cry, viva ell General
President Barrundiaw But it failed to work. The
game was well understood in time. The Second
Vice President, General Barrilas. the Governor OF
the Department of Quezaltenango, was already on
his way TO assume the duties of the office. lie
hurried from the city Of QuezaltenanRo and arrived
in the capital during the funeral ceremonies. lie
proceeded to the cemetery, and just as Barrnnda
was about to place himself at the head OF the pro-
cession. at the moment when he thought his friends
would declare for him. General BarrilIas rode up
and took his place at the front 1t was complete
and dramatic surprise to BArrundia. Barrillas al
once took control with a master hand. He asked
for the resignation Of the old Cabinet. Barrnndis
said he would think over il. He was told he had
nothing t. think over; that the request must b'
complied with instantly. He resigned forthwith
In order to get rid Of him for the time being he was
appointed Minister to Italy. lie went to the port
of san lose to take steamer, but as the ship wa:
DELAYED there was time to unearth some OF his
horrible crueltes 10 IS now that the real tigor
tho real tyrant, has been Barrundia. and while
Barros may have known something OF the
atrocities that were perpetrated. Barrundia WAS
directly responsible for them. While he was
DELAYED at the port he Invested OF his creden-
tails and sailed from Guatemala forever, despsed
by both friend and foe. He secured drafts on
Europe for most of his spoils, but the Government
has taken steps to stop payment, SO that his last
pIunder will not avail him much. lie had always
been source of teri, to the people and the whole
nation breathed freer whom it knew he was gone.
Barrlllas at once set about forming now Cabinet.
IL is understood TO he provisional In some OF Its
members All of them are men OF ability and u
moderate views Tho same policy Barrl0S pursued
will DO continued. But there will be stricter
system of auditing Of accounts. 1t IS ascertained
that the steangs of officials under the old admin
stration were something enormous. Men who az
least have u reputation for honesty are rapidly
replacing those who have proved unworthy Oh con-
ldence. ,., r.
Business men generally are very hopeful Con.
fdence is increasing every day. The Government
Is rapidly paying all it owes to employees and there
is good reason to hope that the entire foreign debt
ENTERPRISE of the Northern Railroad will be pros.
ecuted forthwith IL Is understood that the central
Pacific Company will undertake 1T and it will be
wear is 10 per cent over the average and although
the price is low there will be u fair profit. -,
A word should besaid IN reference to the admirable
mana cement of the United States Minister here the
Hon Henry G. Hall. This Government has always
sought the counsel and aid of the United States
and always has shown marked attention 70 thelp
one that through all the recent troubles since
Barrioss death Mr.. Hall has been the leading MIND
In bringing about q peaceful solution OF diDIcultes
and promptly restoring confidence. Every one
sought his counsel from the President down. MT
Hall has been longer in the consular and diplomatic
service than any other man at present or recently
in Government employ, certainly for over thirty
years He has never resigned and never been
dismissed and it is Of great Joy to all the
American colony here, that Mr.. Hall Is to be
for this most would defeat his retention. Mr.. Hall
has practically spent his life in diplomacy and is
so emineptly fitted for this position that 1t would
be an impossibility for another to hil his place.