The Washington herald., 1913-03-30
GUATEMALA, A COUNTRY OF PROGRESS

partments, and In each the officers are
elected by the people.
When President Cabrera first entered
upon his duties as Chief Executive Of
the nation he turned his attention to de-
veloping the school system. and his ef-
forts have been amply rewarded. At pres
ent Guatemala has 1.soo primary schools.
more than twenty secondary schools,
several kindergartens, and six institutes.
There are more than 0000 children at
tending these schools. President Cabrera
established the Feast OF Minerva, the
great annual celebration which attracts
thousands Of persons to the capital. to
give stimulus TO the young men of the
country and to make them more anxious
to attend the schools. The study OF
English in the schools is obligatory. and
thousands OF the younger generation of
Guatemlans are able to speak English
today. The curriculum In the schools
CORRESPONDS in many ways to the curri-
culum of the public schools in the United
States. Guatemala also boasts excellent
universities. where medicine, law, and
engineering are taught, and graduates of
these institutions have already made
their mark in the professional and SCI
entific worlds.
The West Point of Guatemala was for
brera. The military academy is one of
the most hygienic institutions in the
world. and also one of the most beauti-
full structures in Latin America. Here
are being trained the young men who.
As leaders of the army. must uphold the
honor and independence OF their coun-
try. Another institution which is now
building Is an agricultural college. where
men Will be trained TO look after the
davalnpmapt nf ha fertile a ndS
The active army Of Guatemaa as reor-
ganized numbers in the neighborhood Of
20 900. officers and men. The active force
comprises III battalions. and the reserve
army is divided up into eighty-one bat
talions All male citizens not exempted
are liable to conscription from their
eighteenth to their fftieth year.
An excellent postal service has been
maintained bv Guatemala since 1873. She
became a member of the International
Postal Union in 1851. President Estrada
Cabrera has given the development OF
the postai service his attention also. The
movement of mail matter in 1897 amount
ed TO l.. .25l .607 pieces. and in 1911 to l9.-
III. .l0l II Is safe to say that there is
scarcely a place. however insignificant.
in the country which does not enjoy
postal communication with the outside
world Along with the development Of
the postal service and railroads has come
the DEVELOPMENT OF the telegraph and
telephone systems Of the country. In
1897 the extension Of the telegraph lines
amounted to 1908 miles. but in 1911
thev had increased to 4.soo75. and the
number of telegraph Offices had increased
from $50 to 2eI. There are today more
than isD miles Of telephone lines in the
country, as compared to 80 miles in 1881.
The service both of telegraph and tele-
phone. is admirable and up-to-date IN
every wav.
Tourists Are Charmed.
The charms OF Guatemala are con-
slant lure 10 the tourist. II has re-
markabIe diversity Of level and climate
and magnificent scenery. With the ex-
ceptior ~ small strip along the coast.
Guatemala lies at an altitude OF from
iOcO to IL 80 feet. and its capital, Guate-
mala City. is almost 500 feet above sea
level A chain OF mountains traverse
the country, sending out numerous spurs
which form plateaus extremely healthful
and fertile.
The city Of Guatemala is one of the
most beautiful in America. North. Cen