The San Francisco call., 1896-05-17
WAS PRESIDENT
AND DICTATOR,
Arrival of Manuel L. BariI-
las, the Famous Ruler
of Guatemala.
WORTH MANY MILLIONS
His Coffee Plantations Embrace
More Than 6o,oo Acres Near
Quezaltenango.
STORY OF HIS STRANGE LIFE.
The Expedition, He Says, Is to Be a
Success-Is Barrios' Friend and
Out of Politics.

Ex-President and Dictator Manuel L.
Barillas of Guatemala was among the ar
rivals here on the City of Sydney yester-
day and is at the Palace. The ex-Presi-
dent is accompanied by his partner and
manager, Pedro Bruni, by Miss Bruni and
DR.. ]. Rosal. Mr.. Barillas besides being
an ex-President has been Dictator of
Guatemala.
He is a distinguished-looking man OF
medium height, heavy build and with
thick, iron-gray hair and mUstache and
goatee slightly touched by frost.
1t is the first time he has ever been in
the United States, and he has never been
to Europe or elsewhere. The man who
had power enough to make himself Presi-
dent and Dictator of Guatemala is a native
of Quezaltenango, where he was born fifty
one years ago. and this is the first time he
has ever been out of his native land.
He is vastly rich, for he owns more than
300 cavalerias, or over &C, 900 acres, of mag
nificent coffee lands, most of which is
down in bearing coffee trees. His coffee
crop averages 100000 pounds year.
Besides this -ast setate, which lies 100
miles from Guatemala City and on which
the ex-President lives in almost regal
splendor, he owns many business houses
and residences in Guatemala City and
Quezaltenango and elsewhere, besides
houses on California street, this City.
his property as whole is valued at So
COO 900.
The famous Central American speaks no
English, but through mis- partner and
manager, Mr.. Bruni, as interpreter, he
told something of his intentions, with the
| latest news of Guatemala.
What is exciting mich interest in my
country now,' he said, sis the Central
American Exposition, which is to open
at Guate mala City on March Is next and
continue for four or five months. The
| Government is going to spend about $10,-
| 000, 900 in aid of it. All the buildings of
the Bordeaux Exposition have been
| bought for 100000 francs and brought
over by steamer to Guatemala City.
Beautiful grounds have been obtain ed
and we are preparing to have a magnif-
! cent exposition Of the varied interests of
Central America. The United States and
other countries have been invited to
exhibit there also From all indications
the exposition will be a great success.
"Under the administration of President
Barrios, who is Il warm personal friend OF
mine, Guatemala is quite prosperous.
look for it to continue so.
Ever since my retirement from the
Office of President / have been living OF
|
cupied the Presidential chair eight years
Prior TO that / was for fourteen years com
mander-in-chief of the army and Governor
of the Department Of the Occident. Hold.
ing the position of commander as long a:
/ did, found it impossible to leave.
could not have travelled abroad then had
desired.
Il have retired now from all politica
offices. / expect 10 be in San Francisco
and other parts of California for probably
three weeks, and will then see the Eastern
cities and Europe, being gone probably 81,
or seven months"
Ex-President Barillas son, T. g. Baril
las, who is student here, was the earliest
caller on the distinguished man, and h6:
been with him ever since. The eX-Presi
dents eight years at the head of the Gov
ernment xpired in March, 1890.
Pedro Bruni, who is the manager for tn,
ex-President and dictator, denies that tn,
ex-President acquired his large fortune il
politics. He says he owned the 60,00
acres long before he became President
Mr.. Barilas served first for two years a.
vice President, then he was President fol
FIVE years more, and finally proclaimed
himself dictator, and served one year
His friend says he was the only President
who did not go out OF oific. without
revolution.
The ex-President is firm man. Hav
ing been so long at the head of the army
before he became President he knew how
to hold dow n his Job.