The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1897-07-29
Dust to Dust in Guatemala.
Gruesome Sights in the Graveyard.

!
t,l ATEMALA LA NUEVA, June ), 1897
Among the offices and shops in the neigh
lno0d of the National palace, We MOTTO
black sign board, bearing in white
,ls the legend, Administrator del
--scio lie Funebra,' which translated
ties, Administrator of the funeral
.ile. 1t reminded US OF little tailor
u in Washington, whose grandiose
ID says Advisor on mems apparel; =
it put us in mind of enQuiring how
lead are undertaken in Guatema-
1t Glanced that the obsequies of a
unguished citizen were to be held that
" Jay in the cathedral; and we deter
ned to attend, although here, as in
ter parts of Latin America, it is not
-tomary for women to go to funerals.
wing half an hour too early, we had a
le chance to explore the cathedral. 1t
ppIoaehed by terrace of rough, dark
ua, on the edge of which stands the CO.
sd figures of several saints. l regret
say that the whole celestial company
ms a rather disreputable look-as OF
hamites returning late from the club.
probably it arises from the coarseness
he stone and the TACT that the figures
all been more or less battered by
taquakes. \ number of pillars, with
atop. scattered about the terrace for
apparent purpose, adda sort OF ancient
Inc effect. The cathedral has two
are towers. the handsome facade
ed from soft yellow stone. surmount-
aF pediment containing clock with
NE figures, In the centre OF the ia
IS a group Of round pillars, and the
walls have tiuted columns attached.
~ one II lie doors stands a large alto
eyo figure Of John the Baptist; the
Ners are crowded with jangling bells.
the south one has also a glass faced
SIAN clock Inside the cathedral your
impression is of its unusual cleanli-
-- and general good condition and the
-ence OF that dim religious light
umon To these old sanctuaries. You
not at once appreciate its great size,
ause four parallel rows OF square col
IS divide it from end to end into five
Is. none of them very wide, while the
" arched ceiling above them seems to
sen their extent. Over the central
-e depends row of crystal chandeliers,
aiming candles. The floor is of stone
ceiling ornamented with strips OF blue
white bunting, gold edged and star
ukled There are eight side affairs,
vi with the usual assemblage of much
acked wooden figures and the grand
DE beneath the dome, is OF white
ole and gold, ablaze with lights and
Ter with gold and silver service.
it is a magnificent seat OF state for
Bishop, and at one side appears a
Jt pyramid Of angels, surmounted by
-lre Of the Virgin. The wooden angels
glad in 4auze and gay hued muslin,
long wings and silver tinsel Jiaras
the Virgin wears fine velvet gown
aidered with gold thread and stands
.u a crescent moon Close inspection
some Of the apparently handsome col
al, in The affairs shows them 70 be OF
"G oyered with silver paper The
Sums of the cross shaped cathedral
till OF saints. affairs and pictures.
-Tnst the pillars hang many paintings,
Did, some modern, and there is
ID sJuCco work and scroll ornamental
and medallions in pure white plaster.
nd the high altar is the choir, with
5 of carved wood and paintings be,
them. and above the choir a fine
ID organ. The reading desk is
rely inlaid with real pearls, in
GAS intricate patterns, and the
e. yellum- bound Latin missal upon
and music books with illumnat-
text and 'buckwheat'' notes are
" to behold, Amid all this SPLEEN
The dead man lay in state on a black
ped dias, attended only by two priests.
head of the coffin was slightly elevat-
Sc that the half opened eyes of the
pse seemed to be intently regarding a
crucifX at the foot. Presently the
1rners came in-all men, accompanied
heir male friends, and the customary
ice proceeded, We slipped quietly
ny before its conclusion, in order to be
ne cemetery when the cortege arrived.
nat is called the new cemetery, NOW
ut ten years old), is situated a mile
a half from the centre of the city.
tramway takes you half the distance,
H after that you have to walk, unless
60 to the plaza and hire carriage
the whole distance. The broad, IN
1ved road is mostly lined with the mud
+ Of the poorer classes, and a little
y beyond the pink walled fort of San
Sc you reach the cemetery high arch
entrance. Passing through the mas
ron gates, you see flower garden in
I"lr; on the right rooms for the recep-
Of the dead, on the left, retiring
ms for the mourners. Proceeding
her, on one side is high, succeed
fl, white washed; on the other row
.Uural San1Ilc hreS sly tiarS in boirb+