The state herald. (Holyoke, Logan County, Colo.) 1887-1921, 1890-07-25
CENTRAL AMERICAN STATES.
Strained Relations Existing Between
Guatemala and San Salvador.

Guatemala and San Salvador.
1t has been reported by telegraph
that . battle has occurred between the
forces Of Guatemala and San Salvador,
and that the former was victorious. This
report Is denied, but 1t would not be sur
prlsing II 1t were true a. there Is hard
feeling between the two republics.
For some time 1t has been known that q
large military force has been modified by
Guatemala along the frontier OF San Sal
vador, ready TO strike blow at the proper
moment At the same time General Ezeta,
the provisional president of San Salvador,
knowing that Guatemala would be sure 10
interfere In the politics Of San Salvador,
as has been her forte for many years, has
been making his preparations to meet
force with force, and has been distributing
arms among her people TO enable them TO
DO ready for the anticipated attack.
Shortly before his death President Menen
DEE laid In quite supply Of rifles which he
imported from England.
Largo orders have been received from
General Ezeta IL San Francisco and else
whore for ammunition. While Guatemala
has mover attempted TO subiugate or annex
San Salvador, she has literally contrived
to control the politics of her neighbor by
having one Of her tools at the head Of af-
fairs In that country. Such was General
Menendez, and now 1t Ia estonceded fact
that General AaSdrez 10 the man Guat-
emals wants TO see the president Of San
Salvador, because with him at the helm
Guatemala would be able to carry out her
cherished plan Of uniting tho five Central
American republics into ono federal union.
To accomplish this has been the aim Of tho
Guatemalan rulers for years past, and 1t
was In the execution Of this scheme that
General Barrios risked his life.
There Is great opposition among the peo-
pie Of San Salvador to the scheme OF o
federal union because they fear the over
wholming influence that Guatemala would
have in the councils II such union was
formed, owing to her greater population
and wealth. Guatemala, however, is as
determined rs ever to push through the
federation scheme, and she has an active
aid in General Belgram, the president OF
Honduras, who is ready and willing to abet
the aims Of Guatemala.
Together they would prove too strong
for San Salvador were it not that Nicara-
qua and Costa Rica must be taken into
consideration. These two states are also
averse to federal union and, while they
facility agree to give the proposed union q
favorable consideration, they are only too
glad OF an excuse to break on with Guate-
mala on this question. This excuse the
present crisis affords them; and it may be
safely predicted that should San Salvador
reach the point where she needs their as
sistance, they will probably come to her
relief. They would mako the contest
about equal, and in that contingency o
desperate conflict may be anticipated.
Perhaps the early hostilities may result
as they have on several prior occasions, in
the discontinue of Guatemala, and under
such circumstances that government may
conclude to play waiting game and lee
matters rest for the present.
Besides, private advices from the City
Of Mexico, both by wire and by letter, in
innate concentrations Mexican troops
In the state Of Chispas, bordering on tho
frontier OF Guatemala From G0O0 TO
1000 men are said TO be distributed along
the principal towns, along or near tho
frontier. II Mexico should SEQ fit to warn
Guatemala to desist from her hostile in
tentions regarding San Salvador, Guate-
mala would be compelled to listen to her
northern neighbours advice, for tho odds
would be too much for her to dare to face
them.
This 10 the first difficulty among tho
Latin-Amcrican states that has occurred
since the adjournment OF the PAM meri.
can congress. DR.. Tairhesta, the Saliva
doran minister at Washington, has been
absent for some time. The other Central
American representatives are also scat
tered, as is usual at this season OF the
year.