Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1895-02-15


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 Bejucal, in the disputed terri
tory, between the Mexican state Chiapas
and Guatemala, and expressed desire
to become citizens of Mexico. President
Diaz at once established Mexican off,
cials 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 Soco-
nusco, both of which unquestionably
belonged to her. For a time the outlook
seemed very squally, but finally, in
1874, the two republics agreed upon
mixed commission composed of engi-
neers to examine the dividing line and
make report. While the matter was
still undecided the project of San Mar
cos, a small town in Guatemala, destroy
ed boundary sign temporarily recog-
uized 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, Next
CO promptly dispatched troops to the
scene, tore down the new boundary sign
and placed it where it had been before
A new treaty concerning the boundary
question was signed in New York in
1882, both governments agreeing to
~ -1xs
date by commission. This commission
has been continued in existence from
time to time, but the two republics seem
no nearer an agreement than they did
half 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 IL. 600, 900. while
Guatemala has about 1900, 900 people.
Mexico has standing army of 40, 900
and reserve force of lis, 900 militia
and could without doubt have an army
of over 200. 600 in the field threatening
the Guatemalan frontier in 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 q navy, but
they could undoubtedly get away with
the Guatemalan navy, which consists
of one schooner about as large as a pilot
boat and carrying single muzzle load
ing cannon that cannot be fired, it is
said Guatemala is little better off in
the matter of an army. She has a stand
ing army of about 4, 600 men, but claims
to be able to put 90, 900 troops in the
field at short notice. The army is COM
posed mainly of Indians, who are good
fighters il they are well Differed. By
law every male between the ages of Is
and 90 is liable to military duty except
Indians, priests, students and those who
pay $50 year exemption. The COM
mander in chief of the Guatemalan
army is General Barrios, the president
of the republic
General Porfirio Diaz, the great Mex
lean soldier and statesman who has
given Mexico such a wide awake and
progressive and prosperous rule during
his long presidency. would direct the
movements of the Mexican troops and
would take the field himself in an
emergency. His army is equipped with
modern weapons and is well drilled and
efficient The majority Of the common
soldiers are Indians. VINO are brave,
strong and cool headed and can make
long forced marches over rough country
without showing great fatigne AL
baggage is carried on pack mules or on
the backs Of the wives Of the men. and
thus unencumbered by heavy baggage
wagons the army is able to cover great
deal Of ground in remarkably shorl
time