COSTA RICA 145 



will be the final event which sliall make Costa Rica the true ,u;eiu 

 of American republics. 



Only a few years atio a few shanties marked th<> jiresent site 

 of Limon, which today is one of the most important cities fanned 

 by the Caribbean breezes. Rare tropical trees in the distance 

 overshadow the most elaborate buildings, which are as a rule 

 low ; the regular streets are well kept, and the churches neat and 

 well attendetl. In C^entral American cities great itruininence is 

 given to churciies, but at Limon they are not as elegant as in 

 more typical cities. Here foreigners are numerous, and the na- 

 tive population is neither wealthy nor important, Init the places 

 of worship and many of the buildings are of foreign design and 

 foreign material. Limon has a distinctive appearance, not un- 

 like southern settlements in the United States. English is the 

 prevailing language, and English-speaking people conduct most 

 of the business. 



Nearly one-third of the population of tiie country is in the 

 province of San Jose, a liroad expanse containing the n)ain cofl'ee 

 plantations, at siiort distances from tiie princi^jal cities, where tlie 

 owners generally live. The wealthiest, most prosperous, an<l 

 most conservative of tiie towns are Heredia and Alajuela, which 

 are connected with the capital by a railroad. W'iiat we shall say 

 about San Jose applies more or less to all Costa Rican cities. 

 In this magnificent neighl)orhood the country is studded with 

 fruitful plantations. Here the true j^opulation of Costa Rica 

 dwells, since here are found the hardy, simple toilers, who wrest 

 from the earth its agricultural products — the true wealth of the 

 soil. An air of ease combined with antique simplicit}' charac- 

 terizes the majority of these villages. The city of San Jose at 

 once gives the impression of thrift, not unlike the cities of the 

 United States. The traveler sees two-story houses, wide side- 

 walks, and electric lights. In the center of ^^'alker's park has 

 recently been placed a handsome monument to commemorate 

 the defeat of the filibuster Walker. Educational facilities are ex- 

 cellent: there are high schools, a school of law, several colleges^ 

 public libraries, etc. It is safe to say that the number of teachers 

 in Costa Rica far exceeds the numl)er of soldiers. The well-kept 

 hotels, like most private residences, are built around a beautiful 

 courtyanl, from wliich every room in the house receives moist, 

 cool air charged with natural perfumes of carefully cultivated 

 flowers. Costa Ricans mingle work and play in the most de- 

 lightful way ; in the cities amusement is often considered more 



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