The Coolidge examiner., 1933-04-07

Managua has a population of ap-
proximately 10000, but its impor-
tance Is largely political II is the
distributing center for coffee from
the hills TO the south. which con-
stitute the leading coffee section Of
the republic.
An ancient Indian village existed
on the site of Managua when the
Spaniards arrived The town was
OF little importance until 1853 when
the filibustering expedition of VIII
liam Walker strangely improved Its
lot. The rival cities of Leon and
Granada had been capitals alter
nately. Walkers invasion united
the factions and Managua became
the compromise capital.
Making Managua Better.
The town is laid out in squares.
Except for the National palace (the
Capitol building) and the presi-
dents residence. most of the build
ings in Managua were small and
low. They were constructed for the
most part of soft volcanic stone
or OF mud bricks (adobe). These
large. crude bricks are laid in
wooden frame and are plastered In
side and out. These buildings were
not highly infammable when stand
ing and fires have been confined
usually TO single structures.
Until recently Managua has had
dirt streets-alternately dusty and
muddy-and has lacked sanitary
conveniences. During the last few
years a acknowledgements
campaign has been carried out un-
der the supervision of American
contractors and engineers. The
town has been furnished with cleo
trio light. waterworks, sewers and
paving. Approximately one-third of
the streets have been paved
There is a good sized American
colony in Managua, probably sew
eral hundred civilians. modern
airport built by the United States
marine forces has helped Managua
10 become one of the leading air
terminals in Latin America. Here
passengers en- route TO or from
South America must change planes.
Leon and Granada are centuries
old rivals for the distinction of be-
ing Nicaragua's capital. Each city
was founded in 1923, and In the sue
ceeding two and a half centuries
the seat of government alternated
between them.
Leon has been second In popula-
ton in Nicaragua since Managua's
rise to power. Located on the rail-
road that connects Managua and
Granada, with Corinto. the country's
principal seaport. Leon has enjoyed
! consistent flow of trade and has
become one of the transportation
centers Of Central America. In the
fertile mountain country surround
Ing Leon corn, sugar cane, cattle
and dairy products are the princi-
pal sources of wealth.
The town itself is typical of many
small cities in Latin America. Low
houses of adobe. covered with red
tiles. line the cobblestone streets.
Icons cathedral. started in 1910, Is
one Of the show places of Nicara-
qua. The city shows the effect Of
numerous revolutions. but its plaza
is still one of the handsomest In
the country.
Leon Makes Lots of Soap.
Icons manufacturing establish
ments include large soap factory,
which is said to supply so per cent
of the laundry soap used on the
west coast, n candle factory, two
bottling works, three tanneries, and
a waterpower electric light plant.
Granada, the oldest by few
months, and perhaps the wealthiest
city in Nicaragua. was founded by
Francisco Fernandez de Cordoba as
Nii pOIl dl luG NeSlcTH emu
of Lake Nicaragua. During Span
ish Colonial days boats from the
Caribbean sea came up the San
Juan river and across Lake Mica
ragua directly to the docks of Gran
ada. While this accessibility made
Granada an important trading cen
ter. i also left it a target for early
pirate attacks. and it was several
times sacked. but always rebuilt.
Granada is the terminus of the
Pacific railroad, which connects the
city with Managua, Leon, and Cor
into. a distance of III miles. The
railroad operates a small steamer
on Lake Nicaragua connecting
Granada twice a week with the
other towns on the lake. Granada's
principal trade is in coffee. sugar
cane, cattle and dairy products. 1t
is the smallest of the three princi-
pal cities. having only $4,000 popu-
lation. Granada has always sup
ported the so-called conservative"
ideas in government, while Leon
has favored the liberal" side.