The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-10-22

OF 10000 or less. chief among which are Pana-
ma and Buenaventura on the Pacific Coast ;
Colon lAspinwallD, BHrrauquillR, Santa Marta,
CarthaEcuia, and Rio Hacha, on the caribbean
Sea On the Magdalena River, which is the
largest and the main highway TO the interior,
there are CRlumar, MonepOs Honda, Amba-
lena, Jirsrd0t, Publication, aud Neiva, and in
the interior Modelling, Manzales hague,
Papayan, FacatallVa, aud many others.
The inhabitants, particularly the lower
classes, are mixture OF all nstionalities, prin-
cipally, however, Of Spanish with the native
Indians, and 8 strong strain OF African blood
lslaVery having existed under Spanish rulel,
thus giving all shades Of color from pure white
to jet black. But. unlike the United States
IN this particular, there il no color line, and
al shades, IN the same social scale. are really
on an equality.
LEGAL MARRIAGES
among the common people are rather the er-
ceptiOn than The rule; there being however
by common consent, although not strictly in
accordance with either civil or ecclesiastical
law, method OF marrying simply by agree
tnent OF lhe parties concerned, and with no
ceremonies by either the law or the Church.
These agreements are simply for whatever
length OF time the parties choose 10 live 90.
gether, and may be terminated whenever either
party 20 the agreement ~ dissatisfied. quietly,
OF any Of the attendant scandals or disgusting
details which 20 20 make I'D the sensational
over such matters 30 more civilized countries
Seriously, however while not advocating this
method. ] would ask In al candor Which
method BE-, in reality, tho most m0ralPH Many
OF these unions cont niue for life; aud IN late
years, when the parties have really found
whether they are suited 10 one another, are
fully c0usummated by legal marriage. thus
HNsFF of
heirs Ol Whatever the parents may be pos
sessed in the way Of property; for here, when
d man dies without children fin the ewes Of
the law, the general Government becomes his
heir. aud al property passes 10 Government
notwithstanding be may have left children
who were born out Of Wsdl0ek
A. j have before remarked, the question Of
travel and transportation Is Of the first i'm
portauce. There are only few miles Of rail-
road IN the country, most of which has been
built within few years. One Of the most
important as connecting the navigation Of the
lower and upper Magdalena, was constructed
by the writer previous 10 the last revolution.
aud was run by ham during that struggle, Grst
under the orders OF the iusurgent forces and
later by contract with the general Govern
ment
Everything moves slowly. There are no
roads except such as may he used by pack
mules and saddle-hOrses-m paths except in
lew places. Such n thing ~ a carriage or
wagon was never seen. and would be a great
curiosity. On the plains Of Bogota OK carts
nave been used many years. and In the cities
oi B0Roia aud BaTranquilla carriages are used.
over the BogOta plains, too, "A railroad Us
miles, has been ia use BOW nearly two years,
ana al BarraBquilla one OF some 10 miles, from
the city 10 the seaport NJ Satanlla was the
hfsI railroad 10 tho country. There arc also
somo i've others al various points in the coun-
try, none Of which are completed, aud all are
very little used
Some two years ago two entcrprising Amer
scans started line Of wagons and carriages
between Honda and Mariquita tl3 miles, the
lfst OF the kind IN the country. They have
spent several thousand dollars ia constructing
roads, without any exclusive privilege or Cow
eminent aid. Thus far they have been fairly
successful, but II IL uphill work starting any
such enterprise here as none Of tho people
Know anything about Harvesting or driving
team, on properly caring Tor anything con
nected with the work
Recently, too an American engineer hiss
entered into a contract with tho Government
10 complete one Of the railroads which was
begun lew years ago aud suspended for lack
OF funds. Generally there seems 10 be some
Improvement in the country, but IL is very
SLOW. should there be no more revolutions.
hhd foreigners continue 20 come ia, bringing
plenty Of money. 4 See no reason why the coHn-
Try should Tor very long be so far behind the
rest oil the world; for ia natural advantages.
climate, etc, believe ID 10 Toe the peer Of any
country IN the civilized world