THE REPUBLIC OF GUATEMALA. 
321 
officials have not the skill, wisdom, or cunning of the mem¬ 
bers of our Northern legislatures, who remain in session an 
unconscionable time, apparently overwhelmed with work, 
although when they at last adjourn, the records show scant 
results. The Government of Guatemala is republican in 
name only, the President having actually as much irre¬ 
sponsible power as the Czar; but so far as actually proved, 
this power is used with moderation, and is perhaps a po¬ 
litical necessity of the country and race, however repug¬ 
nant to Anglo-Saxon ideas. As in all small governments, 
there is much form and red-tape, and the individual or 
company who has business with the authorities must have 
an accredited agent at the seat of Government to present 
petitions, press suit, or patiently await the result; no 
person at a distance has any prospect of prompt attention. 
With the exception of some of the higher officials, there 
are but few Guatemaltecans who really welcome foreign¬ 
ers, and among the Indios there is little attempt to con¬ 
ceal the feelings of jealousy or distrust with which 
outsiders are regarded. While the future growth of the 
country depends on the introduction of foreign capital, 
there are not many, now that Barrios is no more, who 
will dare to offend popular prejudices by openly taking 
the part of foreigners who either have invested capital 
here, or intend to do so. The popular idea of the day is 
a renewed confederation of the five republics, with Guate¬ 
mala at the head; this means no extension of for¬ 
eign relations, but the impotent self-sufficiency that has 
always distinguished Central America and retarded her 
advance. 
Many indications point to an attempt in the near future 
to renew the confederation of the five republics, and it is 
21 
