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NARRATIVE OP A 



supreme court of justice consists of six members, one third 

 of whom are re-elected by the people every two years. 

 The elections, however, are not made directly by the 

 people, but by means of electoral colleges, as in France. 

 The local or state governments consist of a Senate and 

 House of Deputies, and an executive chief, who is Gov- 

 ernor of the State. 



The national coat of arms is a range of five volcanoes, 

 washed by two oceans, with a rainbow above, and the 

 cap of liberty beneath, surrounded by a glory. This is 

 enclosed in a triangle encircled by the inscription, " Fedr 

 eracion de Centro America." The flag consists of three 

 horizontal stripes, (blue, white, blue,) with the arms in 

 the centre, except in merchant vessels, where they are 

 substituted by the words, Dios, Union, Libertad. With 

 these words also despatches and official letters are con^ 

 eluded. 



The Independence of Central America was achieved 

 on the first of July, 1823, when the preceding constitu- 

 tion was adopted. For a short period this territory formed 

 part of the Mexican republic, having been subjected by 

 the troops of Mexico under General Filisola. This union, 

 which had been effected contrary to the general will of 

 the people, was dissolved in consequence of the revolt of 

 the State of St. Salvador, followed by that of the other 

 States j and Guatemala once more asserted her indepen- 

 dence. Shortly after, a conspiracy was formed by the 

 officers of the army for overthrowing the Government, 

 and a desperate struggle ensued between the rebel troops 

 and the inhabitants of the capital. But the patriotism and 

 courage of the latter finally prevailed, and tranquillity 

 was restored to the republic. After an interval of a few 

 years, however, public order was again disturbed, and the 

 insurrection of the Indians, headed by Carrera and 

 favoured by the enemies of the Government, kindled those 

 flames of civil discord which are now consuming the 

 country. 



