The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-10-02
GUATEMALA AND BARILLAs.
A Country That for Half . Century Hal
- Had Its Full share OF RevoIutions.

WARRINGTON. Sept. 3O.-It is we'll to keep In
mind. In reference to the reports Of the trou-
bles in Guatemala. that this republic isnow the
scene OF heated canvass preceding the
Presidential election. Tho present incumbent.
Gen. Manuel Lisandro Barillas, under the Con-
stitution Is not eligible for reelection. Never
theless. some Of his, opponents insist that he Is
plotting. to continue his hold upon the office.
He has publicly declared in the most solemn
manner that he will hand over his authority to
the citizen whom the vote Of the people may
select Referring to the rumor that he
was about to call an extraordinary session
OF Congress-. demand tho powers which 1t
had already refused to grant. and In case Of
It's refusal declare himself perpetual dictator.
he asserted that nothing could induce him to
strike such q blow at republicahism and the
Constitution. There would be less doubt Of
the sincerity OF this avowal were it not that
some OF the newspapers have insisted that his
candidacy might be necessary: so that the
suspicion is aroused that they take their cue
from him. The leading candidate Of the oppo-
sition is Gen. Jose Maria Reina Bsrrios. Some
of his supporters seem to fear that Barillas
may cause himself to be voted for. and by
forcibly controlling the elections become the
person indicated by the popular voice. to
whom he has promised to turn over his power.
It is remembered that distrust Of Balmaceda
70 avn war In Chill just before his term Of ONCE
Guatemala has for more than. fifty years
been q countryof insurrections After the con-
81
the Government Of Guatemala and kept him
s IN Tas er pdss9db o.
slant rsyeIIations. At length: IN 1871; ceTna
The FORMER was NJ made President. and two
$sisnss Esess ~ e =
Y s re his ST so
elect lon. OF ,Sa!diyar. one Of Ills friends, ,as
Influence in Honduras. At length. in 1856, no
proclaimed the union Of Central Ansriea
doq haa
Barrios promptly Invaded Salvador: being in.
sepsed at what he considered the treschery Of
tls, and Barillas, succeeded him. /, Shortly
afterWard 9 revolution overthrow Zaldiyar;
s ssS ss sfxs KS
With these precedents in her stormy his
tory. It will not appear strange that the re-
Credible, Indeed, the term Of Bariiias has
outset the contrast b stween his IDEAS q juss
tlce and the tyrannioal force resorted to BY
HarrlO6 gained MIN favor. soon. however. the
Iron hand began 70 appear. The first evidence
Constitution BY Executive decree and his sum
nloning Of Constitutional Assembly to carry
out certain measures which he thought to be
for the interest OF the people. His complaint
tast ths upSs the
compashod without much difficulty. but the
summary method showed that no was capable
Of dctatorial acts. provided he felt justified In
the motive. Many changes OF Cabinets also
occurred. and revolutions. broke out which
prominent soldiers and citizens.
The next great step In the career OF Barillas
was his attempt last year TO overthrow Ezeta.
who had brought himself into power through
o successful revolution. during which Menen-
dss Tho has been WAS a.
previous year the movement for Central Amer
lean union had been revived; and was favored
by. Barillas In Guatemala and by Menendez In
Salvador. Since Ezeta opposed the project
war AGAINST the latter. 4 But Gaqte%ala Was
defeated under circumstances which greatly
reduced. her prestige and that Of Barillas,
Ever since there have been rumors OF
revolution In Guatemala and OF revival 81 the
war with Salvador II cannot pc questioned
had was severely shaken BY the affair with
finances have been mismanaged. The &C.
count Of the troubles In Guatemala city In
dictate that the street riot which occurred on
ths n9ns s sheF bSt Ps
OF the Government quickly Put 1t down. It
seems to have arisen from indisoreet praise Of
Barlllas In one. OF the public speeches. which
stirred up howls OF dissent from the opposing
END qnd NTH
UraaafOn.