The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1895-02-09

MAI w SE AAAA ~
boundary line, and ON several occasions
the United States has attempted TO set
tie some point in the dispute or prevent
threatened hostilities.
In 1878 a number of Guatemalans
settled at Bejncal, in the disputed terri-
tory, between the Mexican state Chiapas
and Guatemala, and expressed D desire
to become citizens of Mexico. President
Diaz at once established Mexican Off
oials ON the spot. ~whereupon Guate-
mala protested, claiming that Bejucal
was her territory. Mexico replied that
she would permit no discussion concern
ing the possession Of Chiapas and 6oco-
nusco, both of which ENTHUSIASTICALLY
belonged to her. For q time the outlook
seemed very squally. but finally in
1874, the two republics agreed upon q
mixed commission composed of engi-
neers to examine the dividing line and
make a report. While the matter was
still undecided the project OF San Mar
cos. asmall town In Guatemala, destroy
ed o boundary sign temporarily recog-
nized by both countries as marking the
line during negotiations and erected an
other sign many miles farther north in
Mexican territory.
Enraged at this audacious act, Mexi-
CO promptly dispatched troops to the
scene, tore down. the new boundary sign
and placed it where IL had been before.
A new treaty concerning the boundary
question was signed in New Y6rR in
1882, both governments agreeing Ito
have the line established at an early
date by a commission. This commission
has been continued i'm existence from
time to time, but the two republics seem
NO nearer an agreement than they did
half q century ago.
In the event OF war Mexico would
certainly win unless Guatemala should
succeed in enlisting the aid of the other
Central American republics. Mexico has
a population OF about 12, 600, 900. while
Guatemala has about /. 800, 900 people.
Mexico has a standing army of 40, 900
and d reserve force Oh, It's, 900 militia
and could without doubt have an army
Of over 200, 900 in the field threatening
the Guatemalan frontier in a very few
weeks.
Mexico also possesses five small war
ships that do not amount to much when
compared with the ships of a country
that pretends to maintain a navy. but
they could undoubtedly get away with
the Guatemalan navy, which consists
of one schooner about as large rs pilot
boat and carrying q single muzzle load.
ing cannon that cannot be fired, it 10
said. Guatemala is little better of in
the matter of an army. She has a stand
ing armyof about 4, 600 linen, but claims
to be able to put so, 900 troops in the
field ait short notice. The army In COM
posed mainly of Indians. who are good
fighters III they are well Offered. BY
law every male between the ages of is
and 30 is liable to military duty except
Indians, priests. students and those who
pay $50 q year exemption. The com
mander in chief OF the GuatemaIan
army III General Barrios. the president
OF the republic
General Porfirio Diaz, the great Mex
lean soldier and statesman who has
given Mexico such q wide awake and
progressive aud prosperous rule during
his long presidency, would direct the
movements Of the Mexican troops and
would take the field himself i6 oil
emergency. His army il equipped with
modern weapons and is1aeu drilled md
efficient. The majority of the common
soldiers ara Indians, who are brave.
strong and cool headed and can make
long forced marches over rough country
without showing great fatigue. All
baggage Ii carried ON pack mules Or OH
the backs Of the wives Of the men. and
thus unencumbered by heavy baggage
wagons the army Is able to v d great
) deal Of ground In remarkably shori
time.