The mineralogical section was not so extensive as that devoted to wood, but it showed magnificent specimens from the gold mines, also samples of silver, copper, lead, isinglass, coal, marble, kaolin, etc.  Another installation showed some samples of native beer of excellent quality.  There were also samples of rum and brandies, distilled from sugar cane and native fruits, among these products being the “banana whisky,” a delicious liquor, exhibited for the first time to the public.  The manufacture of this whisky is a new industry, and promises an excellent future.

The cereal and grain section was notable for the great variety of corn, frejols, wheat, barley, etc.  The famous cocoas known by the name of “Socomusco,” and which since the earliest time have been recognized as among the best produced on the continent, were also represented in this section, as well as sugar, which is being produced in the country in respectable quantities.  The attention of visitors was attracted by the silk (or “ceiba”) cotton, installed in the same section.  It is remarkable for fineness, softness, and special color.  It is locally known as “Algodon de Cajeta.”

The extensive and variegated collection of roots, barks, and medicinal plants constituted a special section.  Among them were different kinds of quinine, sarsaparilla, ipecacuana, and other herbs.  Elastic or “india rubber,” stearin, gums, vanilla, etc., made up an interesting exhibition of native products.  Tobacco, similar to the kind grown in Cuba, which is produced in great abundance in Guatemala, was presented in its various processes of development, from the native leaf to the finished cigar or cigarette.  Samples of fibers, grasses, flowers, roots, and palms were shown in abundance.  From the palms of Guatemala are manufactured the so-called “Panama hats.”  Visitors were much interested in their extreme lightness and the uniformity of tissue of the Guatemalan hand-made straw hats.

The building was erected at a cost of $10,000.  This sum included ornamentation and the landscape gardening.  The cost of the exhibits, freight, and installation was approximately $10,000, and the expenses of the commission extant during the exposition was estimated at $5,000.  This brought up the expenditure to the amount appropriated by the Guatemalan Government for the expenses of the exhibit.

The exhibit was authorized by a decree issued by the President of Guatemala appointing the commission to represent the Government at the St. Louis Universal Exposition, dated the 7th of April, 1904, which reads as follows: 

The constitutional President of the Republic has resolved that the official representation of Guatemala at the Universal Exposition of St. Louis shall be in charge of the legation of this Republic at Washington, D.C., and designates Mr. Carlos F. Irigoyen as special commissioner to be in charge of the exhibition, and appoints Mr. Manuel M. Jiron as attendant to the commission and to have charge of the degustation of our coffee.  Mr. Jiron shall receive orders from the special commissioner, who in turn shall receive his instructions from the minister of fomento.