ADMINISTEATION OP COLOMBIA. 219 



the Chilian code, which had already been adopted by the State of Cundinamarca 

 in 1857. 



Catholicism remains the national religion, and is administered by a hierarchy 

 of one archbishop and seven suffragan bishops. Although the religious orders 

 were abolished in 1863, several hundred friars still remain in the country. Tolera- 

 tion is extended to other sects, " so far as they may not be contrary either to 

 Christian morals or to the laws." 



Each department is governed by an administrative assembly, chosen in the 

 proportion of one deputy for every 12,000 inhabitants, and meeting, like Congress, 

 every two years. The departmental prefects are nominated by the governor for 

 two years, and the prefects in their turn appoint the magistrates of the municipal 

 districts. 



A different arrangement applies to the reduced Indians living in the tribal 

 state. ■ The civil government, " in accord with the ecclesiastical authorities," 

 recognises the cacique and the cabildo (tribal council) alone, this body being elected 

 in conformity with custom. The chiefs have to see that each family receives its 

 share of the resgnardo, or ti'ibal domain, in case of division, and also to prevent the 

 alienation of such allotments. 



Compared with that of most other states, the Colombian revenue seems insig- 

 nificant. Although the population has increased at least fourfold since the 

 declaration of national independence, the total amount of taxation has undergone 

 no such development. Most of the taxes levied under the Spanish rule have been 

 abolished ; even the salt monopoly exists in a mitigated form, private jjersons 

 being allowed under certain conditions to work the saline springs. 



At present the revenue is derived chiefly from the customs, nearly all imports 

 being taxed except agricultural machinery, scientific apparatus, books, and other 

 educational aids. The budget for 1892 showed a deficit of about £470,000, and in 

 the same year the foreign debt, with accumulated interest, amounted to £3,060,000. 

 By Act of Congress, seven per cent, of the customs are set apart to meet these 

 liabilities. The internal debt amounts at present to over £2,000,000, and most of 

 the departments are also burdened with debt. 



The peace footing averages about 6,000 of all arms, but the strength of the 

 national army is determined from time to time by Congress. All able-bodied male 

 adults are liable to military service in case of need. 



In the Appendix is given a table of the nine administrative departments, with 

 their superficial area, population, and capitals. 



