The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1896-07-14

lighted to greet him after his return from
Europe.
II am tired of tales and gossip" pur-
sued the Central American statesman.
"What have done to be so talked about
is more than can understand. Why
they even say tried to break the bank at
enough to make such an attempt; I think
l could find better use for it.
But seriously" continued the general
in an easy, genial tone which makes him
seem delightfully."- confidential. my one
object in coming here is to be within a
reasonable distance of my family, who
are at present domiciled in Guatemala.
In this City l have many friends and
compatriots, and feel more at home than
in any other part of the United States or
Europe. And then travelling in Europe is
rather expensive, and, despite ali asser-
tons to the contrary, had no millions
wherewith to astonish the Old World.
Where in heavens name could the mil
lions come from? The treasury of the re-
public could hardly yield them.
1.-THE fact is | had $4,000 in London and
10000 francs in Paris. That was the sum
total OF my capital. But what is the use
of contradicting the irresponsible rumors
which somehow get afoat? | only men
ton them for the fun of the thing.
Recent letters from Salvador assure me
that the condition of affairs there is peace
full and prosperous. President Gutierrez
seems to be doing his best to maintain and
preserve order, quiet and general content
ment. and security.
This news is most grateful to me- l
would be monster if did not rejoice in
the well-being of my country. | hope
t at General Gutierrez may be the man
predestlned by heaven to restore my dear
country to her rightful station among the
honored and respected nations of the
earth"
On being asked as to the effects gained
by the recent defensive and friendly alli-
ance between the republics of Salvador,
Nicaragua and Honduras, Don Carlos an
swered:
II think none but good results have fol-
lowed the establishment of the federation.
Messages from each of the three republics
OF this Occidental Triple Alliance indicate
that the union has thus far proved mutually
advantageous. OF course, this alliance is
voluntary, each republic preserving abso-
lutte autonomy, managing its own con-
Germs according to the will of its own
executives, without expecting or receiving
any interference from the others.
Another good thing is the present cor
dial understanding which exists between
the church and the State. l know have
peeH pdllIS0 dS an Oh Bne church
on account of the divorce law which
promulgated, but it is now generally un-
derstood that that law was intended to
affect only the civil status of the matri-
monial contract. There was not the
slightest intention on my part, nor on that
of my cabinet, to assume jurisdiction over
one of the sacraments of the church; nor
did we wish to see the secular power dab
bling in sacred things.
Enthusiastically, matters in the repub-
lie are substantially as / left them. The
clerical dress is worn by all the clergy,
divine worship is carried on with all pub
Lefty and splendor, while religious in
structon is general. The public schools
are efficient and well managed, and the
dear little republic, which / love as my
life, is advancing to grand future. Glori-
Gus though that future may prove, it can
never be fairer than the era of grandeur
which wish to my country"