No. 26.
Mr. Williamson to Mr. Fish.
Guatemala, June 7, 1875. (Received July 27.)
Sir: I have the honor to submit the following synoptical report respecting the Central American states, which I hope may be interesting. The information has been compiled from various sources. A principal source has been a geography of Central America, just published by Mr. Toledo, which has been adopted by the government of Guatemala as a text-book in the schools.
The difficulty, if not impossibility, of obtaining accurate information in countries whose governments have not yet sufficiently realized the importance of statistics, or have not yet published them, may be pleaded as an excuse for inaccuracies which may hereafter be detected, and, I hope, pointed out.
[Page 29]| Area in square miles. | |
| Guatemala, (excluding Soconusco, which has been in possession of Mexico since 1841) | 40,777 |
| San Salvador | 9,600 |
| Honduras | 43,700 |
| Nicaragua | 40,000 |
| Costa Rica, (including Guanacaste) | 21,497 |
| Total | 155,574 |
All the estimates (for there has been no complete survey) differ. In a standard geography (Black) I have seen the area of Guatemala stated at 28,000 square miles and Honduras at 72,000.
Some geographers and waiters include Chiapas and Soconusco in Guatemala, and even Belize. Others exclude the Mosquito coast and Bay Islands from Honduras and Nicaragua. Some give Costa Rica her ancient provincial boundary south of the Gulf of Chiriqui, and others take away Guanacaste and give it to Nicaragua.
The total area of the Central American states thus appears to be considerably less than the area of the State of California. Of this area a great part is occupied by volcanic mountains, and the proportion fit for cultivation is variously estimated.
In my judgment, there have been great exaggerations about the fertility of the soil of Central America. There are localities of unparalleled richness, capable of sustaining a very dense population. The general capability to sustain population, I think, is not above the average of Europe, if so great.
John Bailey, esq., in his work published in 1850, estimates that—
| Guatemala is capable of sustaining a population of | 7,956,000 |
Upon his basis of calculation,
| San Salvador would be capable of sustaining | 1,920,000 |
| Honduras | 8,740,000 |
| Nicaragua | 8,000,000 |
| Costa Rica | 4,299,400 |
| Total | 30,915,400 |
This speculation is in my opinion an excessive exaggeration.
population.
| Guatemala | 1,200,000 |
| San Salvador | 650,000 |
| Honduras | 350,000 |
| Nicaragua | 265,000 |
| Costa Rica | 170,000 |
| Total | 2,635,000 |
The populations are classified as follows:
guatemala.
| White foreigners | 829 |
| Unmixed native whites | 25,000 |
| Ladinos, which include all mixtures of whites with Indians, negroes, and Caribs, in a greater or less degree | 300,000 |
| Mestizoes, (mixed colored blood) | 74,171 |
| Caribs and negroes | 5,000 |
| Indians | 795,000 |
| Total | 1,200,000 |
san salvador.
| White foreigners | 1,000 |
| Native whites | 25,000 |
| Ladinos, (as defined above) | 400,000 |
| Mestizoes, (as defined above) | 48,800 |
| Caribs and negroes | 200 |
| Indians | 175,000 |
| Total | 650,000 |
honduras.
| White foreigners | 500 |
| Native whites | 2,500 |
| Ladinos, (as defined above) | 150,000 |
| Mestizoes, (as defined above) | 42,500 |
| Caribs and negroes | 7,500 |
| Indians | 147,000 |
| Total | 350,000 |
nicaragua.
| White foreigners | 1,300 |
| Native whites | 5,000 |
| Ladinos, (as defined above) | 100,000 |
| Mestizoes, (as defined above) | 90,000 |
| Caribs and negroes | 10,000 |
| Indians | 58,700 |
| Total | 265,000 |
costa rica.
| White foreigners | 2,500 |
| Native whites | 75,000 |
| Ladinos, (as defined above) | 70,000 |
| Mestizoes, (as defined above) | 17,000 |
| Caribs and negroes | 500 |
| Indians | 5,000 |
| Total | 170,000 |
As this classification of the population of Central America has been made without a census, and differs materially from other classifications both as to the five states and as to three of the states separately, I give herewith the proportions stated in the published works of the following writers, Squier, Wells, Crowe, Levy, and Toledo.
Mr. Squier gives the following proportions for the whole of Central America in 1855:
| Whites | 100,000 |
| Mixed | 800,000 |
| Negroes | 19,000 |
| Indians | 1,189,000 |
| Total | 2,108,000 |
Mr. Crowe gives the following:
| Indians | ⅗ |
| Ladinos | ¼ |
| Whites | 1/40 |
| Mulattoes | 1/80 |
| Negroes | 1/50 |
| Zamboes | 1/100 |
Mr. Levy, in his work on Nicaragua, gives the following for that State:
| Indians | .550 |
| Whites and creoles | .045 |
| Negroes | .005 |
| Mestizoes, (mixed) | .400 |
Dr. Wells, in 1857, divides the population of Honduras as follows:
| Negroes and mulattoes | 140,000 |
| Indians | 100,000 |
| Ladinos | 60,000 |
| Whites | 50,000 |
| Total | 350,000 |
Mr. Toledo, in his geography, referred to, divides the population of Guatemala as follows:
| Indians | 720,000 |
| Ladinos | 300,000 |
| Whites | 180,000 |
| Total | 1,200,000 |
I do not pretend to claim that my classification is absolutely correct. All that I can say for it is, that it is an estimate based upon careful observation and inquiry, after having traveled twice through the Central American States. At best, however, it is an estimate, and an estimate may be called a deliberate guess.
According to this classification the population of the whole of Central America may be divided as follows:
| White foreigners | 6,129 |
| Native whites | 132,500 |
| Ladinos, (as defined) | 1,020,000 |
| Mestizoes, (as defined) | 272,471 |
| Caribs and negroes | 23,200 |
| Indians | 1,180,700 |
| Total | 2,635,000 |
The white population is less than the population of San Francisco, and the whole population is less than that of Ohio according to the census of 1870. It increases slowly.
It is proper to remark that the Indians of Central America are agricultural, (except, perhaps, one or two small tribes,) and constitute the main body of the laborers of the country. The Ladinos are the governing class, and are likely to continue so, unless they are absorbed by the Indians as their white ancestors have been.
The mass of the population is on the plateau nearest the Pacific slope. It is believed a large majority of the Indians retain the primitive habits of their ancestors and speak nothing but their native dialects.
public improvements.
Railroads.—There are two railroads in Central America, both narrow gauge. One is from Puerto Cortez to San Pedro, in Honduras, 37 miles long. The other is in Costa Rica, from Alajuela to Cartago, both interior towns, the former two days’journey from the Pacific coast, and the latter about four days’ journey from the Caribbean. There is also a part of the Costa Rica Railroad completed from Port Limon, about 20 miles in the interior. The whole length of road completed in Costa Rica is stated to be about 57 miles.
Telegraphs.—Guatemala has 398 miles of completed telegraph-lines, and 511 additional miles under contract and in course of construction. San Salvador has over 500 miles completed; Costa Rica has the line completed nearly through her territory from Puntas Arenas to Port Limon. Nicaragua and Honduras have no telegraph-lines yet, but the former state is reported to have one under contract.
[Page 32]Cart-roads.—In Guatemala, San Salvador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua the centers of population are accessible by cart-roads. Honduras has none. Most of the interior transportation in Central America is by mules, and Indians called “Cargadoros.” I do not think it too much to say that during the r iny season of six months there are but few cart-roads that are passable by wheels.
army.
The standing army of Guatemala consists of—
| Generals | 43 |
| Officials | 287 |
| Soldiers | 1,848 |
| The militia numbers | 33,229 |
Indians are exempt by law from military service, and are said never to volunteer.
The standing army of San Salvador is—
| Men and officers | 1,090 |
| Organized militia | 9,000 |
In San Salvador the Indians are subject to military duty, and I have been told by officials of that government that in time of war a military force of 50,000 men would be liable to duty.
The army of Honduras is composed of the national guard of 2,000 men, of whom only 500 remain on duty during time of peace.
In Nicaragua the standing army is composed of—
| Generals | 25 |
| Men | 1,000 |
which in time of war can by law be increased to 6,000.
The standing army of Costa Rica is 500 men in time of peace, liable to be raised to 8,000 in time of war, excluding the militia. Costa Rica has a modification of the Prussian military system, and her male population between the ages of eighteen and fifty-five is divided into three classes, all subject to military duty in time of war.
The military expenses of Guatemala for 1874 were $1,019,293.07.
The military expenses of San Salvador for the fiscal year of 1874 were $430,390.74.
The military expenses of Honduras during the fiscal year of 1873 were $83,220.
The military expenses of Nicaragua and Costa Rica are not published, and are unknown.
None of the states own a single armed naval vessel that I am aware of
education.
In Guatemala, by a late decree, primary education is made gratuitous and compulsory, as reported in my No. 299. The number of pupils in 1874 was 20,528.
According to the published report for 1874, the total amount expended by the government for public instruction was $64,779.05.
Guatemala has a polytechnic school, a university, two normal schools, a school of medicine and law, and several other institutions of learning in the capital. The polytechnic school and the two normal schools are directed by foreigners.
San Salvador has about 28,000 pupils, two normal schools and a university. Her educational system is believed to be judiciously organized. In the fiscal year of 1873, according to the official report, $50,067.99 were expended for public instruction.
[Page 33]In Honduras there are said to be 275 schools with 9,000 pupils, but I believe this to be an exaggeration.
There is a university and college in Honduras. According to the official report before me, the only item in the estimate for the fiscal year 1873 and 1874 for educational purposes, is as follows: “University, $720.”
It is generally reputed that Honduras is more backward in point of education at present than any of the other states. The government of President Leiva has taken the most active steps to remedy this evil.
In Nicaragua there are 180 schools and 4,500 pupils. Primary education is gratuitous. There are three colleges and one university in that state. From the best information I can obtain, the government expends about $50,000 a year for public instruction. According to the last official report of the minister of public instruction of Costa Rica, there were 95 public primary schools and 5,755 pupils; there is one university and several colleges.
The government appropriation for public instruction for the fiscal year ending in 1874 was $72,137.98. Primary instruction is gratuitous and compulsory. It is believed to be very general and quite thorough.
While it will be observed there are many universities in Central America, it seems to be generally admitted that the standard of education is not high. The existing governments of Guatemala and San Salvador seem to be particularly zealous in the cause of public education, and, in my judgment, deserve great credit for the steps they have taken to promote this object. If their present zeal does not abate and their plans do not fail, it is probable the next generation in these two countries will have a fair primary education. Education in Central America has passed from the hands of the priests into those of the laity. I am glad to be able to say the study of our language has become more general in the colleges and universities as well as in private schools. I have used all my official and personal influence to encourage its study.
agriculture.
The agriculture of all the states, owing in part to the class of laborers used and to their prejudices against the use of new implements, is in a very primitive state.
The principal agricultural labor of the country is employed in the production of corn and beans (frijoles) for domestic consumption. As a general statement, it may be said that the whites and Ladinos are the proprietors, mechanics, merchants, professional men, politicians, and officials, and the Indians and Mestizoes are the laborers.
Nominally, agricultural labor is not compulsory. The wages of the laborer differ very materially in the different states, ranging, as in parts of Guatemala, from 12½ cents per day to $1.50, as in parts of Costa Rica. The Indian laborers all have their own little field, in which their wives and children labor. Most of them are in the neighborhood of towns. It is generally said that agriculture is moat advanced and diversified in San Salvador.
The principal agricultural products for export are coffee, indigo, muscovado, cacao, and cochineal. Coffee is rapidly becoming the chief agricultural export, and I do not think it unlikely that in less than ten years the five Central American states will export at least one million sacks of coffee. Costa Rica began a successful cultivation first in 1829. Guatemala, San Salvador, and Nicaragua later followed her example. The coffee export of the two former states is already large, and there is an [Page 34] annual increase of acreage in the coffee-planting. Both states have soils and climates well adapted to its successful and profitable culture.
The coffee-planters admit that, at the present price of labor in favored localities, they can produce coffee profitably at ten cents per pound. To illustrate how great has been the change in the agricultural products of Guatemala, San Salvador, and Costa Rica for export within a comparatively few years, I make the following statement from official reports:
The official report of Guatemala for 1858 shows an export of 13,000 pounds of coffee, valued at $1,040.
The official report of 1873 shows the export of coffee to the value of $2,408.106.85.
The official report of San Salvador for 1857 does not show that that state exported a pound of coffee. The official report of the same state for the fiscal year of 1873 and 1874 shows the value of coffee exported to have been $1,342,953.21.
The official report of Costa Rica for the year 1852 shows coffee was exported to the value of $609,784. The official report of 1873 and 1874 shows the exportation of coffee to have been $6,099,187.32.
Under Spanish domination the labor of Central America was employed in the production of cochineal, indigo, and the precious metals for export. Cochineal and indigo, although they have ceased to be the leading articles of export in Guatemala and San Salvador, are still exported in large quantities, and the latter article, indigo, continues to be, and in my judgment will long continue to be, the chief export of Nicaragua.
manufactures.
Although there is a considerable quantity of articles manufactured in the Central American states, there are no manufacturing establishments. Nearly all the articles for domestic use by the poorer classes are manufactured in the different states, and there is but a small excess for exportation. Good blankets, shawls, hats, boots, shoes, and hammocks are manufactured. To illustrate, the official reports for 1873 show the total export of manufactured goods from Guatemala to have been $54,125.50, and from San Salvador for the same year $51,327.72.
I think the people have a great deal of ingenuity as well as manual dexterity, and I hope that many articles of Central American manufacture may be exhibited at our Centennial Exposition. Some of them I am sure would elicit admiration.
currency.
The principal currency of Central America is coin. There are but three banks that issue bills, two in Costa Rica and one in Guatemala. Only two of the states coin their own money, Costa Rica and Guatemala, and their mints are not now in operation. The coined gold and silver of these two states is below the American standard, that of Guatemala 3 per cent., and that of Costa Rica 12½ per cent.
This debasement of the coined metals appears to be one of the chief reasons why so little American gold and silver, except in dimes and half-dimes, is in circulation in these states.
The following-named moneys constitute the body of the currency: the English sovereign, the coinages of Colombia, of Peru, of Chili, and the dimes and half-dimes of the United States.
What is called “cut money” is the chief currency in San Salvador for small transactions. In my judgment the deficiency of currency in [Page 35] circulation is a serious impediment to commercial transactions. It is to be regretted that none of the governments of these states have yet chosen to avail themselves of the act of January 29, 1874, authorizing coinage to be executed at United States mints for any country applying for the same.
commerce.
The commerce of Central America has made a rapid development within the last twenty years, and especially rapid when the character of the population is considered. The course of trade, as well as the chief article of export, has undergone a change during that period. The change in the former has been chiefly due to the establishment of the steam line on the Pacific by the Panama Railroad Company, to which the Pacific Mail has succeeded. Twenty years ago the larger portion of the exports of Central America found their outlet at Isabal, Omoa, Truxillo, and San Juan del Norte, on the Caribbean side. Now very little goes to those ports, and San José, Alajuela, La Libertad, La Union, Amapala, Corinto, and Puntas Arenas, all on the Pacific, are the chief ports for exportation and importation.
From 1821 (the time at which Central America separated from Spain) down to the establishment of the steam line above mentioned, British traders enjoyed almost a complete monopoly of the trade of Central America. Since that time, although Great Britain still retains a very large share, there has been a more general distribution among the commercial nations, and it is gratifying to know there has been an increase in favor of the United States, as the following tables show. They are taken from “No. 3, series 1874 and 1875, Commerce and Navigation, Bureau of Statistics.”
Table showing value of total exports from and total imports to Central American states from the United States.
| Central American states. | 1862. | 1863. | 1864. | 1865. | 1866. | 1867. | 1868. |
| Imports | $144,161 | $184,545 | $592,387 | $490,486 | $745,588 | $916,111 | $1,122,189 |
| Domestic exports | 115,640 | 231,087 | 312,751 | 251,025 | 572,114 | 643,785 | 301,416 |
| Foreign exports | 39,951 | 22,768 | 38,516 | 16,755 | 32,033 | 97,820 | 14,795 |
| Total | 299,752 | 438,400 | 943,654 | 758,266 | 1,349,735 | 1,657,716 | 1,438,400 |
| Central American states. | 1869. | 1870. | 1871. | 1872. | 1873. | 1874. |
| Imports | $3,165,056 | $2,772,985 | $1,528,399 | $1,609,044 | $1,981,322 | $2,896,012 |
| Domestic exports | 2,516,224 | 2,404,271 | 589,505 | 1,406,855 | 1,279,329 | 1,380,515 |
| Foreign exports | 81,322 | 81,749 | 20,206 | 71,060 | 68,220 | 82,916 |
| Total | 5,762,602 | 5,259,005 | 2,138,110 | 3,086,959 | 3,328,871 | 4,359,443 |
From this table it appears our trade with Central America is already larger than it is with—
| Denmark and the Danish West Indies | $2,910,337 |
| Austria and the Austrian possessions | 2,176,863 |
| Portugal and the Portuguese possessions | 2,351,896 |
| Greece | 516,836 |
| Turkey | 3,345,428 |
| Sandwich Islands | 1,666,800 |
and is but $64,945 less than with Sweden and Norway and the Swedish West Indies, $4,424,388. Chili and Peru together only have a trade with us of $7,358,742.
As the exported products of Central America are all tropical, and [Page 36] such articles as are consumed in the United States, and as all the imports into Central America are such articles as are produced and manufactured in the United States, it seems obvious that our proximity ought in time, and with proper energy and skill, to give us control of this valuable trade. Might it not be promoted by reciprocity treaties?
According to Table No. 11 of my No. 196, of July 28, 1874, the total trade of the United States with Central America was $4,702,520.46, and the total volume of trade of the five states was $27,565,906.32.
Up to the present time it has been impossible to make up returns of the trade of the last year from official Central American sources. The few data in my possession indicate an increase in the volume of trade, but I regret to say not a proportionate increase in the trade with the United States.
There has been a marked increase of the export trade within the last few years. Mr. Levy, in his work on Nicaragua, puts down the exportation for the year 1870 from the five states as follows:
| Guatemala | $2,785,000 |
| San Salvador | 2,880,160 |
| Honduras | 900,000 |
| Nicaragua | 1,024,030 |
| Costa Rica | 1,766,476 |
| Total | 9,355,666 |
According to Table No. 10 of my No. 196, the exportations of these states for the year 1873 were as follows:
| Guatemala | $3,363,061 77 |
| San Salvador | 3,476,715 30 |
| Honduras | 1,140,000 00 |
| Nicaragua | 2,000,000 00 |
| Costa Rica | 6,619,645 52 |
| Total | 16,599,422 59 |
A gain in the export trade of $7,243,756.59 within three years. As soon as I can get the official reports, I will make up and forward, as last year, a report of the trade of each and all the Central American states for the last fiscal year.
I have, &c.,