The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1930-05-30

Society, Washington. d. CO.
~ UATEMALA, which has recent
1 Y ly had boundary dispute
~ with its neighbor, Honduras,
is one of the most progressive
of the group of states that lies be-
tween Mexico and the Isthmus of
Panama.
Three days delightful steaming from
New Orleans through the Gulf of Mex
leo and the western Caribbean takes
one to the sun-kissed shores of Gaute-
mala, where stately palms, stirred by
perfume-laden breezes, wave in greet
ing.
and other interests has opened one Of
the loveliest countries in the world,
and the building of railroads is plac-
ing within easy reach the enjoyment
Of its natural beauties.
Most of the railroads are controlled
by Americans. From Puerto Barrios,
on the Caribbean, the northern road
runs a distance of 224 miles up to the
city of Guatemala, the capital. From
here starts the Guatemala Central
road, extending distance of "A miles
to the port of San Jose, on the Pacific.
The Guatemala Central railroad also
has several hundred miles of road
throughout the country. Recently a
branch line SO miles in length was
put in service running from the city
of Retalhuleu to Ayutla, on the border
of Mexico, connecting directly with
the Pan-American road there. 1t is
now possible to travel by railway from
New York city to the capital of Guate-
mala.
This country was for centuries the
home of the Maya-Quiche Indians,
whose history reads. like a romance
COretZ, however, after the conquest of
Mexico, desiring to extend his power
over the country farther south, In 1922
sent an invading army under the COM
mand Of Pedro de, Alvarado to subju-
gate this powerful race.
Leaving Mexico with some 300 Span
iards and a great number OF Mexican
"
Guatemala, overcoming all who OPP
posed him, and finally, on July %,
1924, founded the first Spanish capital
under the name Of Santiago de los
Csballeros (Saint James OF the Cav
aliers). And so it happened that, in
a beautiful valley at the foot of two
great volcanoes, "Agua" and "Fuego"
(meaning water and fire), was firmly
established the Spanish rule which
was to last for nearly three centuries
that is, until September Is, 1921,
when Guatemala became an independ-
ent republic.
First City Twice Destroyed.
This first Spanish city was, however.
20 years later, almost completely
wiped out of existence by a great flood
of water which poured down upon it
from Aqua. There has been much
controversy among scientists as to the
origin of this flood. Some claim it to
have been the result of a cloudburst,
others that it came from the crater Of
the supposedly extinct volcano. The
former superstition seems to be most
plausible, as research has so far failed
to discover traces of a considerable
body of water ever having existed in
the crater.
The few survivors fled down the val
ley and at a distance of three miles
chose the site OF a new city, and, in
capital, now known as Antigua. In
time it grew to have population of
100000 inhabitants, and became
great center of learning, with many
universities, monasteries, and over
hundred churches rich in works Of art.
Although many times threatened by
earthquake shocks more or less severe,
it fiourished until July %, 1913, when,
without warning, in one minute the
proud city was leveled to the ground.
Again the survivors of this second
calamity sought refuge farther away
from the threatening volcano, and, at
distance of 80 miles, finally settled
in the beautiful valley of Las Vacas.
Here, at an altitude of 5000 feet
above the sea, surrounded on all sides
by soft green hills, behind which loom
the imposing heads of three volcanoes,
lies the city of Guatemala, the present
capital, founded by the courageous
survivors of one of the greatest ca
fanatics in the history of any land.
This typical city of Spanish Amer
lea is a most interesting and charm
ing place to visit. Coming directly
from the land of skyscrapers, the first
impression of it, with its low white
buildings, is particularly attractive.
Here and there is house tinted a
bright pink or vivid blue, thus vary
ing the monotony of the dazzling white
and lending a sort of holiday look, as
though the houses had put on .heir
best gown to welcome the stranger.
The climate is one of perpetual
spring, the average temperature being
about 20 degrees. The summer months
bring the heavy rains.
With a population Of about 10000,
the city of Guatemala Is laid out on
scale. with broad avenues, fine parks,
and handsome buildings. 1t is one OF
the best-lighted cities in America.
Scenes in City of Guatemala.
In the center of the city is the Plaza
de Armas, with its pretty park, where
stands a handsome statue of Column
bus. This plaza becomes the rendez-
yous of fashion three or four evenings