Some time ago a plan was made to form the five republics of Guatemala, Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica into one republic, under one government.

At this time Mexico objected to the plan.  She was afraid that a strong republic at her doors might give her more trouble than she was likely to have from the five weak little countries.

Attempts were made to carry the plan through, but it was finally abandoned.

It was not, however, forgotten, and in January of this year the first step was taken toward such an arrangement, by the union of Nicaragua, Honduras, and Salvador, forming together the Greater Republic of Central America.  It was hoped that Guatemala and Costa Rica would also join in, and in June of this year Guatemala did join the other republics.

Mexico still disapproved of the plan, and was not at all pleased that the Greater Republic of Central America had been formed.

The level-headed men of Central America then suggested that Mexico should be asked to join the union, and one vast Central American Republic be formed.

To this President Barrios of Guatemala objected.  He is perhaps the most ambitious man in Central America, and undoubtedly aims to be the president of the Central American Republic.  Were Mexico to become a part of this great federation, Barrios would have a strong rival in the beloved President Diaz of Mexico, and so he steadfastly set his face against union with Mexico.

The friends of solid government were much disappointed at this, and it is stated on good authority that they then formed a plot, which has resulted in the present disturbances throughout Central America.

It was decided that as Barrios of Guatemala and Diaz of Mexico were opposed to the plan, they must both be removed from office as soon as it could be managed.

According to this story, Barrios was the first to give his enemies the opportunity they sought.

We have told you that he is a very ambitious man.  In Guatemala presidents are elected for six years, and are not allowed to be re-elected.

President Barrios is very near the end of his term, and he could not bear to think that in a few months he would go out of office, and lose all chance of rising to the heights he wished to attain.  He therefore had himself proclaimed dictator of Guatemala, and announced that he intended to have a law passed which would allow a president to be elected for a second term.

This meant of course that he intended to be elected again, and that it would be another six years before there was any hope of forming the federation.

The people of Guatemala strongly disapproved of Barrios’ action in making himself a dictator instead of a president.  A president is guided by the wishes of the legislature, and though he has the power to veto, or forbid the passing of, a law made by congress, that body has also power to overrule his veto, and pass the laws in spite of him.  So you see the power is pretty equally balanced.  Then, too, a president can be impeached, or called to account, if he neglects the duties which he has agreed to fulfil.