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iKHffa^^oH-
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l^arbarti College Htbrars
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International Bureau of the Aanerican Rl-pi8licsJ
WASHINGTON. D. C
HONDURAS.
GEOGRAPHICAL SKETCH, NATURAL RESOURCES,
LAWS, ECONOMIC CONDITIONS,
ACTUAL DEVELOPMENT, PROSPECTS OF
FUTURE GROWTH.
mtEHXATIIIftAL MUBEAU OF ^HE AmRKICAN RIPUBUCS
ALFRED K. MOE,
UQlNd Sutf* Ci»a«fl| ■! T4|V«ifiJr*j^
1904,
WASHINGTON:
UOVEkNMISNT VIUNTINO OPPtCE*
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f^arfaarii ((College Itbrarg
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4.iu....(ju,£JuA^UiriU.(:A
cL.iL^hri.ULA^.e^Q,^.y....{^
International Bijrkau of Tin: Ami;rican RfiPUfii.ics,
WAStllNOTON, D. C
HONDURAS.
GEOGRAPHICAL SKETCH, NATURAL RESOURCES,
LAWS, economic; conditions,
ACTUAL DEVELOPMENT, PROSPECTS Ot-
FUTURE GROWTH.
f..(Hf04 *nd Cf^ntf tlf^ Mf (ti(
ALFRED K- MOB,
Unfnd tt«tf« C*«*ul *t Tt^^^litlp*i
1904.
WASHINGTON:
OOVERN.MENT PRINTING OFPICE.
19D4.
International Bureau of the American Republics,
WASHINGTON, D. C.
HONDURAS.
GEOGRAPHICAL SKETCH, NATURAL RESOURCES,
LAWS, ECONOMIC CONDITIONS,
ACTUAL DEVELOPMENT, PROSPECTS OF
FUTURE GROWTH.
r
Edited and Compiled for ttie
INTERNATIONAL BUREAU OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLICS
By
ALFRED K. MOE,
United States Consul tu Vegucigalpa.
1904.
WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE.
1904.
^*
OCT ,^V 1904
While the utmost care is taken to insure accuracy in the publications of
the International Bureau of the American Hepublics, no responsibility is
assumed on account of errors or inaccuracies which may occur therein.
2
CONTENTS.
Page.
Chap. I. — Q«ographical sketch; area and popnlation; topography; clima-
tology; orography; hydrography; native races 7
n. — Gk)yemment and constitutional organization; law of citizenship;
rights of foreigners; guaranties; civil and commercial laws;
religion 23
m. — ^Political divisions; capital city; resources; means of communica-
tion ; principal buildings ; public institutions 36
rV. — ^Provinces and territory of the Republic; brief geographical sketch
of each; resources; means of communication; climate; seasons;
population; capital cities; industries 40
V. — Agriculture; review of the agricultural wealth of the country;
principal products: their cultivation; facilities for obtaining
Government lands; land laws; forest products 56
VI. — Stock raising and cattle industry 84
Vn.— Mining data; mineralogy; mining laws 93
Vin. — Manufacturing industries^ their development and production 123
IX. — Commerce; domestic and foreign statistical data; customs tariff;
stamp and internal-tax laws 126
X. — Financial organization; revenue; budgets; internal and external
debts _. 142
XI. — Banking and currency; bank of Honduras; semiannual state-
ments - 154
XU. — Means of communication; interior conmiunication; conmiunica-
tion with foreign countries; lines of steamers; railroad; con-
cessions; mail, telegraph, and postal service 158
Xm. — Emigration and colonization; emigration law and regulation;
law of foreigners „ 172
XrV. — Public instruction; laws relating to education; school systems. . . 182
XV. — ^Patent and trade-mark laws; the Army; weights, measures, and
values 186
XVI. —Bibliography and cartography 1 93
Appendix No. 1.— Native Races, by Dr. J. Hampden Porter 201
No. 2. — Treaty between Honduras and the United States of
America, proclaimed in Washington, May 30, 1865 223
3
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Pagre.
Economical map of the Republic of Honduras Frontispiece.
Central Park, Tegucigalpa ^ 7
Medical school, Tegucigalpa _ 23
Cathedral of San Miguel, Tegucigalpa (front view) 36
Cathedral of San Miguel, Tegucigalpa (rear view) 40
Bridge on the Rio Grande near Potrerillos 74
San Juancito -_- 92
Rosario Mining Company's plant, San Juancito _ . . 102
Tunnel in the Rosario mine, San Juancito 116
Old Spanish bridge connecting Tegucigalpa with Comayagtlela 126
United States consulate, Tegucigalpa _ 134
New wagon road in the Ule Mountains, near Tegucigalpa 158
Sketch map of telegraph lines in the Republic . . 167
Mail carriers and mule train leaving post-office, Tegucigalpa 169
School of Arts and Trades, Tegucigalpa -. .-. 182
Native tjrpes. - - -- 201
Native house on the Pacific coast _ 212
HONDURAS.
CHAPTER I.
GEOGRAPHICAL SKETCH, AREA AND POPULATION, TOPOGRAPHY,
OLIKATOLOGT, OROGRAPHY, HYDROGRAPHY, NATIVE RACES.
GEOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
Geographical position. — The Republic of Honduras owes its boun-
daries to the limits prescribed and known during its existence as a
eolony of Spain. The Constitution of 1865 proclaimed these general
boundaries with regard to the neighboring Republics and oceans:
" The Republic comprises all the territory which was known during
the Spanish domination under the name of the Province (Honduras),
bounded by the following limits: On the east, southeast, and south
by the Republic of Nicaragua; on the east, northeast, and north by
the Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean Sea); on the west by Guatemala; on
the south, southwest, and west by Salvador; on the south by the
Bay of Conchagua (Fonseca) in the Pacific Ocean; and the islands
adjacent to its coasts on both seas." More specifically, Honduras is
bounded on the north by the Bay of Honduras and the Caribbean Sea,
on the east and south by the Republic of Nicaragua; on the west and
southwest by the Republics of Guatemala and Salvador, respectively.
Honduras can scarcely be said to have an eastern boundary, as the
Wanks or Coco River, which -divides the Republics of Honduras and
Nicaragua, flows northeast, emptying into the Caribbean Sea near the
fifteenth parallel of north latitude, which closely approaches the line
of the northernmost latitude of Honduras.
North and south the Republic extends from 16° to 13° 10' north
latitude, and east and west from 83° 20' to 89° 30' west longitude, and
comprises an area approximately of 40,000 square miles. The Bay
Islands lie off the north shore of Honduras, distant from 25 to 50 miles,
in latitude 16° 4' to 16° 30' N and longitude 85° 50' to 87° W. Their
area is probably 200 square miles. »
On the Caribbean coast line, from the boundary line with Guatemala
to that at Cape Gracias-&-Dios with Nicaragua, the distance measures
some 400 miles. From the mouth of the Rio Segovia or Coco to where
it diverges to the south of the boundary line between Honduras and
Nicaragua the distance may be approximated at 250 miles. Honduras
has a coast line on the Gulf of Fonseca of over 70 miles.
7
8 HOKDUBAS.
Much misunderstanding and confusion has arisen in the past con-
cerning the true boundary line between the Republics of Honduras
and Nicaragua. Several commissions have undertaken the labors of
arriving at a fixed boundary, but the results of such labor have fre-
quently been left unratified by the legislative body, and as a conse-
quence abandoned to the discussion and argument of subsequent
times. In the conventions of 1869 and 1870, signed by the Boundary
Commissioners of Honduras and Nicaragua, the Nicaraguan claim to
the entire tributary drainage basin of the Coco River was allowed by
the Honduranean representatives, though the Honduras Congress
refused, subsequently, to confirm the treaty.
The boundary between the two Republics has generally been held
to be the Coco River from its mouth at Cape Gracias-4-Dios for about
two-thirds of its length to a point where the Amac River empties into
it, thence deflecting in a westerly line along the Dipilto Mountains,
which form the watershed of the streams running south into the Coco
River to the point of its source, thence southward to the point where
the Rio Negro rises, and along that river to its mouth on the shore of
the Gulf of Fonseca.
The line of separation on the west and southwest is irregular, and
has been productive, likewise, of much contention between the neigh-
boring Republics. From the northern part of the Gulf of Fonseca,
at the mouth of the Goascoran River, the line runs north, following
that stream for about 30 miles until it meets the small Pescado River;
thence, following the latter river to its source, it crosses the divide,
the Paso de Unire^ 3 kilometers, and picks up the course of the Rio
Torola from its source and follows it to its junction with the Lempa;
thence continuing with the latter as far as the point at which the
Sumpul River empties into it. The course of the Sumpul is followed
in a northwesterly direction to the Rio Chiquito, thence along a
northwesterly line to Mount Brujo, where the boundary lines of the
three Republics of Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras meet. From
this point the boundary line between Guatemala and Honduras takes
a nearly northeasterly direction along the mountains of Merendon,
Grita, and Espiritu Santo until it reaches the headwaters of the
small stream Rio Tinto, thence running in a northwesterly direction
to the Rio Motagua, which it follows to the Bay of Honduras on the
north coast.
The perimeter of the boundaries of Honduras is about 1,500 miles
in length, and is obtained as follows: The northern coast line, 400
miles; the Coco River, 250 miles; remainder of the Nicaraguan
frontier, including 40 miles of the boundary along the Rio Negro, 300
miles; the Gulf of Fonseca, 70 miles of coast line; Salvadorean frontier,
280 miles; Guatemalan frontier, 200 miles; total, about 1,500 miles.
Topography. — Honduras is primarily a mountainous country. Trav-
ersed in various directions by ranges of mountains and hills which
radiate from the common base of the great chain of the Cordilleras,
. TOPOGRAPHY. 9
the aspect of the land is bewildering. The backbone of the continental
mountain system enters Honduras in the Departments of Copan and
Gracias, and in spite of many breaks in the chain takes a general
southeasterly direction as far as the frontier of Nicaragua. Another
great chain running northeast and southwest provides the frontier
line of Guatemala. The northern and eastern coast of Honduras pre-
sents several great groups of mountains, which are the ends of the
dependent ranges radiating north and east from the Cordilleras.
The great rivers of the north which empty into the Gulf of Hon-
duras have their source in the main ridge of the Continental Divide.
The other large rivers which find their way to the Caribbean Sea rise
also in this principal mountain system, but only where it has recov-
ered its general continuous formation after the disruption in the
Lepaterique subordinate range. From this latter mountain group,
which is remarkably irregular, the watershed is toward the Gulf of
Fonseca, and all streams rising from it flow, after devious courses,
into this body of water.
At the eastern base of the Montecillos Range, where the interrup-
tion of the Cordilleras is complete, lies the Plain of Comayagua, f rom
which, due north to the Atlantic Ocean, extends the valley of the Rio
Humuya, and due south to the Pacific, the valley of the Rio Goas-
coran — altogether constituting a great transverse but irregular valley
reaching from sea to sea. These two rivers ma}'^ be said to rise in tlie
same plain, for they both have their sources side by side in the slight
dividing ridge or swell of land which defines its southern from north-
ern portion. The Plain of Comayagua is some 30 miles long, with a
varying width of from 5 to 15 miles. Its axis is nearly due north and
south, coinciding with the general direction of the two rivers above
named. The plain is 1,800 feet above the sea level, and in the central
part of Honduras.
The northern coast of Honduras presents a surface much diversified.
Some of it is flat and clothed with immense forests. The mountains,
in detached formation, approacli close to the coast, or rise in stately
piles not many miles inland. The mountain groups of Omoa, of Con-
grehoy, and Poyas are conspicuous landmarks from the Caribbean
Sea, which breaks almost at their feet.
The great Plain of Sula in the northwestern part of Honduras is one
of the richest districts in the Republic. It is drained by the Ulua,
Chamelicon, and Colorado rivers, and is comparatively low and level
to the base of the Pijo Mountains. In spite of the lowness of the land
and the humid condition of the soil the district is remarkably salubri-
ous, a condition due in large measure to the invigorating and constant
north and northeast winds.
From the Pijo Mountains eastward the surface of the country is
undulating and very much broken by straggling hills and secondary
mountain ranges of irregular formations. Several large rivers wind
around or out their channels through these ridges from the Dipilto
10 HONDURAS.
Mountains to the lowland jungles on the Caribbean coast. At the
base of the mountains of Sulaco, to the east and northeast, are the
broad and elevated plains or terraces of the Departments of Olancho
and Yoro, celebrated, even in Central America, for the number and
excellence of their cattle. Along the extreme eastern part, known as
the Mosquito Shore, the land is low and submerged, with countless
swamps and lagoons.
The group of mountains stretching across Honduras between Sal-
vador and Nicaragua presents a gigantic barrier of several parallel
ranges, somewhat broken, but rising in tiers from the plain on the
Pacific Coast. Between these ranges, and in some cases almost encir-
cled by hills, are several broad valleys or plains of different eleva-
tions, in which are gathered the waters of many streams and rivulets
which flow north and east into the Caribbean Sea and south and west
into the Pacific. From the base of these mountains a flat, low, and
extremely torrid plain of alluvial nature extends in a belt 15 miles
wide to the waters of the Gulf of Fonseca.
Topographically, then, Honduras possesses a remarkable diversity
of surface and elevation. The country is traversed by broad allu-
vions, fertile valleys, wide and elevated plains, and terraced moun-
tains, collectively affording almost every possible variety of climate,
soil, and production.
Oeological formation, — The general formation of the land in Hon-
duras is due to volcanic action, the effect of which is everywhere
apparent. The secondary formation owes its presence to the action
of the ocean waters. The belt of lowland on the Pacific side is com-
posed of diluvial and alluvial deposits. The north coast land is largely
of similar formation. The south coast lands were at one time the zone
of violent volcanic disturbances, which have left a series of peaks
and mountains in lonely and broken grandeur. The extinct volcanic
cones which rise from the deep waters of the Gulf of Fonseca bear
mute witness to the tremendous eruptions of bygone ages. Many of
these mountains are covered with dense vegetation, but a large num-
ber remain in cold, deadened, and rugged boldness, the tropical vege-
tation being still unable to sustain life on the bleak surface of these
grim volcanic piles. The territory Comprising the main system of the
Cordilleras is composed of eruptive rock (apparently light-colored
lavas). Sedimentary rock, consisting of sandstones, limestones, con-
glomerates, shales, and slates, are found throughout the region.
The present shape of the surface is purely a matter of water erosion,
and although these mountains are composed of rock of igneous origin
they are not in any sense volcanoes, but are simply eroded and weath-
ered remains of a large mass of intrusive rock. The unusual and
deep indentation of the Gulf of Fonseca, with its greatly varying
depth of water and its great volcanic peaks jutting forth from the
surface, the broad plain running inland to the foothills of the first
range, and the tremendous disruption of the great main mountain
PHYSICAL QEOttEAPHY. 11
chain into irregular masses, should be ascribed to the same period of
volcanic activity.
Starting from the Gulf of Fonseca, the volcanic coast range with its
high, grassy peaks of scoriae is first crossed, and thereupon the vast
masses of white and rose-colored rock, the outliers of the great sand-
stone nucleus of the central plateaus, is reached. Viewed from a
distance they appear like cliffs of trap or basalt and take fantastic
castellated forms with the changing positions of the spectator.
Among these we find occasional beds of blue limestone and ribs of
quartz and greenstone, which here and there boldly protrude through
the superincumbent rock. Northward, in the region of the Depart-
ments of Olancho and Yoro, the general nature of the volcanic rock
and ashes is still apparent. Here are found the extensive basins of
gold placers, as well as copper and coal deposits a little farther north.
Magnetic iron fields in this neighborhood lie in their pristine state,
and these, with the other riches of the earth, still await the hand of
man for utilization.
Physical geography, — ^Honduras has a naturally varied and striking
physical aspect. The conditions of conformation of coast, of eleva-
tion and consequent changes of temperature, the amount of rainfall
upon the respective declivities of the Cordilleras, all contribute to
diversify the forms under which vegetable life presents itself to the
eye. The three great features, nevertheless, are the coast alluvions,
generally densely wooded,, the elevated valleys of the interior, spread-
ing out in broad savannas, and the high plateaus of the mountains,
sustaining an unending forest of scattered pines, relieved occasion-
ally by clumps of oak. Upon the northern coast, in the valley of the
XJlua and Plain of Sula, the country is so low as to be overflowed, often
to a considerable distance. Farther to the eastward, on the same
coast, the heavy forests, confined chiefiy to the valleys proper of the
rivers, give place at little distance inland to sandy savannas covered
with coarser vegetation. The peaks of Congrehoy and the mountains
of the Holy Cross, or Poyas, form gigantic landmarks for the mariner
in his approach to the coast of Honduras. The alluvions of the Pacific
coast are also densely wooded, but are not extensive, and give place
to numerous savannas at short distances into the interior. Immense
areas of mangrove-tree swamps cover the mud fiats in the immediate
vicinity of the mainland, and by means of the deep-water channels
penetrating them the traveler is enabled to reach solid ground. The
valleys of all the rivers on both coasts are heavily wooded and cov-
ered with vines; but as they are ascended toward the interior, vegeta-
tion diminishes and is reduced to a narrow fringe of trees on the
immediate banks.
These valleys in the high interior country often expand into broad
and beautiful plains, half savanna, hah woodland, the common
ground where the products of the Tropics and of the Temperate Zone,
the palm and the pine, flourish side by side. The mountains which
12 HONDURAS
rise above these valleys are ascended by terraces, crowned with forests
of pine and oak and covered with grass. The summits of the moun-
tains sometimes run up into peaks, but generally constitute broad
table-lands, more or less undulating and often spreading out into
rolling country traversed with low ridges of verdure and green belts
of trees; but whether in plain, in valley, or on mountain, everywhere
the trees are covered with parasitic plants. Cacti and air plants
abound at every elevation.
In the western part oi Hcmduras, among the Mountains of Corquin,
the outline of the country is exceedingly bold and diversified. The
rivers, collecting their waters in interior basins, break through the
porphyritic mountains and hills which surround them, in deep val-
leys or gorges with steep and precipitous sides. A greater variety of
trees and abundance of verdure cover the hills and mountains of the
northern coast, and these have in consequence a less rugged aspect
than those on the Pacific declivity, where the rains are not so con-
stant. The hills are more swelling and the mountains, though
equally elevated, have a softer and more harmonious outline. They
present few cliffs or rocky crests, and in their denser forests afford
more congenial retreats to the multitudinous forms of animal life
which are nurtured in the Tropics.
METEOROLOGY.
Climatology, — The peculiarities of Honduras in respect to config-
uration of surface will explain the almost endless variety of climate
in this country. Situated between 13° and 16° north latitude, were it
not for these features, the general temperature would be somewhat
higher than that of the West Indies. As it is, the climate of the coast
is nearly the same as that of the islands alluded to and very uni-
form. It is modified somewhat by the shape and position of the shore
and by the proximity of the mountains, as well as by the prevailing
winds. The heat on the Pacific coast is not, however, so oppressive
as on the Atlantic; less, perhaps, because of any considerable differ-
ence of temperature than on account of the greater dryness and purity
of the atmosphere.
The climate, while hot and in some respects unhealthy on the
coasts, is generally delightful inland, the average temperature at
Tegucigalpa, Comayagua, Juticalpa, and Graeias, the principal towns,
being about 74° F.
The so-called "seasons" of the Tropics — namely, the wet and dry —
are much influenced in their commencement and duration by local
causes, so that what is literally true of one place can only be partially
so of another. The widest differences are, of course, between the
Atlantic and Pacific slopes of the continent. Honduras comes within
the zone of the northeast trade winds, which, sweeping across the
Atlantic, reach the land almost saturated with moisture. These
CLIMATOLOGY.
13
winds are intercepted by the high mountain centers of Honduras,
and the vapor precipitated from them flows down to the Atlantic
through many streams. As a consequence the trades, blowing for a
great part of the year entirely across the continent, reach the Pacific
slope deprived of their moisture and cooled by a passage over the
elevated region of the interior. Hence result the great salubrity, the
comparative coolness and dryness of its climate. There is, properly
sx>eaking, no dry season on the Atlantic littoral. For about four
months of the year, from May to October, the trades are intermittent;
consequently less moisture is precipitated, and this slope has then its
nearest approach to what is called the "dry season." During these
same months the Pacific declivity is subject to winds from the west
and southwest, which precipitate their waters against the western
slopes of the mountains, and constitute the rainy season. It is rare
to witness an entire day of rain, although there are occasionally
meteoric combinations which produce what are called temporales, or
rains of several days' duration.
The central plateaus or high table-lands have a climate of their
own, subject neither to heavy rains nor excessive droughts. From
the circumstance that they lie nearest the Pacific, these plateaus par-
take most of the climate of that coast, with which their seasons also
measurably coincide. On this slope the rains are comparatively long
and heavy in the wet season, but during the prevalence of the dry
season on the Pacific they are of brief duration at long intervals.
The coldest month is December, when the average minimum tem-
perature is about 56° F., and the average maximum about 75° F.
The hottest month is May, the minimum average being about 67° F.,
and the maximum average about 84° F. The highest temperature
inland rarely reaches 90° F. The months of October and November
exhibit the smallest thermometrical differences, the range running
through 13° F., while in March may be noted the greatest difference,
the range at that time averaging 22° F. The following table, com-
piled some years ago, will serve to show the climatic variations in the
city of Tegucigalpa, at an altitude of 3,200 feet above sea level; there
is little variation in the temperature of the months from year to year,
and hence the table may be taken as a fairly accurate standard.
Winds.
Months.
Average
mini-
mum.
Average
maxi-
mum.
Average
diflfer-
ence.
Lowest.
Higjiest.
»
Extreme
diflfer-
ence.
North
January
February
March
OF.
60
60
61
63
67
67
67
66
66
66
65
50
OF.
76
81
83
84
84
82
81
81
82
79
78
75
OF.
16
21
22
21
17
15
14
15
17
14
18
16
OF.
54
52
56
56
63
65
64
62
61
61
61
50
OF.
79
84
88
89
90
86
84
84
84
88
82
81
OF.
25
Northeast
82
83
April
• 33
May
27
Jnne
21
July
20
lAe^*-
Angust
22
North
September
October
November
December
23
22
21
81
14 HONDURAS.
The northern and eastern coast of Honduras has nnquestionably a
higher temperature than any other portion of the State. It dimin-
ishes rapidly, however, as the interior is approached. The modify-
ing influence of the neighboring mountains is felt even before the
increase in altitude is perceptible. The table-lands have a climate
varying with their height above the sea and their exposure to the pre-
vailing winds. Consequently there can be no generalizing on the sub-
ject of the climate of Honduras, except to say that it has a variety
adapted to every caprice.
The rainfall continues throughout the year on the north coast of
Honduras, and its frequency lessens as we approach and pass the inte-
rior highlands and plateaus. The rainy season begins there in May
and continues until the middle of November. This season is called
the invierno, or winter. The dry season from November to May is
known as the verano, or summer. The average yearly rainfall has
been estimated at 48 inches. Severe storms are of rare occurrence,
and the hurricanes, so much dreaded in the West Indies, have never
visited Honduras.
HYDROGRAPHY.
Most of the rivers of Honduras rise in the great table-land of the
Cordilleras, or main mountain system, which lies in the Department
of Comayagua and in that of Tegucigalpa. From this region flow
southward the Goascoran, the Nacaome, Choluteca or Rio Grande;
northward, the Santa Barbara, Santiago, Sulaco, and Humuya rivers,
merging finally into the great Ulua River some CO miles from its
mouth; the Chamelicon also flows northward into the Bay of Hondu-
ras; northeasterly, the Mangualil, or Aguan, the Poyas, the Patuca,
and the Coco rivers. The first system drains the basin of the Plain
of Tegucigalpa, the slope of the Lepaterique Mountains, and the allu-
vial plain near the Gulf of Fonseca; the second system provides an
outlet and drainage for the Plain of Otoro, the Plain of Comayagua,
the Plain of Sensenti, and the great lowland Plain of Sula, and dis-
charges into the Bay of Honduras; the third system drains and
irrigates the great eastern half of Honduras and empties into the
Caribbean Sea.
. The main watershed is thus in the centrally inhabited portion of
the Republic.
The Chamelicon is a long stream, flowing northerly into the Gulf
of Honduras, but drains a comparatively narrow section of country.
It is rapid and filled with shallows.
The Ulua River is the largest in Honduras and drains a wide expanse
of territory, comprehending nearly one-third of the entire State. It
discharges a greater amount of water into the sea than any other river
of Central America, with the exception, possibly, of the Segovia or
Coco River. Its principal tributaries are the Santiago, Santa Bar-
bara, Blanco, Humuya, and Sulaco. Light-draft vessels may^ ascend
HYDBOQRAPHY. 15
as far as the junction with the Humuya. The Ulua and its tributa-
ries offer many facilities for water communication with the interior,
and it is possible with artificial improvements to extend navigation to
the Chamelicon and the Santiago. The Alvarado Lagoon, a body of
water connected with the Bay of Puerto Cortes by a small canal, is
soon to be artificially connected with the Chamelicon and Ulua rivers
to obviate the difficulty of passing the bars at the mouths of these
rivers. While the harbor of Puerto Cortes is admirably equipped for
the shelter of vessels, it is considered that the Alvarado Lagoon, when
sufficiently deepened and provided with docks, wharves, and land-
ings, will prove even better. Large plantations on or near the banks
of the rivers will then be opened to direct communication with vessels
loading their produce.
The Aguan and Negro rivers, both over 120 miles in length, drain
a considerable part of the northern territory of Honduras. Both these
rivers are navigable for light vessels to from 40 to 60 miles. The
bars at the mouths are covered by from 5 to 7 feet of water.
The Patuca River enters the sea by a principal mouth about tnid-
way between Brewers and Caratasca lagoons. It is the largest river
on the entire northern coast of Honduras between the Ulua and the
Coco rivers. It drains the large mineral district of Olancho, as well
as the richest and most beautiful basin in Central America. The river
above the coast alluvions has a powerful current and is obstructed by
rapids, called chiflones. At one point the river is compressed between
high, precipitous walls of rock for a long distance. This place is
called Portal del Infisrno, or Hell's Gate. The principal mouth of the
Patuca opens directly into the sea, and is obstructed by a dangerous
shifting bar, on which there is usually from 8 to 10 feet of water.
This river flows through one of the richest, if not the richest agri-
cultural region of Honduras. The soil is very fertile and produces
rapidly. Cabinet woods, tropical fruits, sarsaparilla, India rubber,
vanilla, and other commercial products grow abundantly near its
banks.
The Coco, Segovia, or Wanks River is the largest river in Central
America. Throughout a large part of its course it forms the bound-
ary line between Nicaragua and Honduras. It drains a large area of
Honduras, rising in the mountains in the Department of Segovia,
Nicaragua, and becoming identified as the boundary line not far from
the junction of the eighty-fifth degree west longitude and fourteenth
degree north latitude lines. Its total length is about 350 miles, but
for 250 miles of its course it flows among high mountains and over a
very broken and rocky bed, with a rapid current. The river enters
the ocean some distance to the north of the bay or harbor, near Capo
Gracias a Dios, with which, however, it is connected by a creek or
shallow canal, passable for canoes and capable of being deepened to
enable small vessels to avoid the dangerous bar of the river itself, on
which there is seldom more than 4 or 5 feet of water. There is little
16
HONDURAS.
doubt that the Rio Coco might bo made to answer a useful purjwse
in the development of the country.
The principal lagoons on the north coast are those named the Alva-
rado, opening into the harbor of Puerto C-ortes, Brewers Lagoon, ai^-
Caratasca Lagoon. It is only within a few years that the land in tiie
neighborhood of these bodies of salt water has been found valuable
for the culture of tropical fruits, such as the banana, plantain, and
cocoanut.
The Lake of Yohoa, situated in the western i)art of Honduras,,
between the Departments of Coniayagua and Santa Barbara, is th€?
largest and only lake of note in the Republic. It is about 25 miles:
long and from 3 to 8 broad, and closely shut in by the Santa Cruz
Mountains. Its water level is about 2,(X)0 feet above the level of the
sea. The Rio Blanco is said to be the natural outlet for this lake,
but as the district surrounding this body of water has been little
explored the reports are contradictory and vague.
Comparative latitudes and longitudes of cities; height of thejirincipal cities above
tM sea level, their altitudes compared; and the distances from Tegucigalpa.
Names.
Tegucigalpa
Nacaome
La Venta
Sabana Orande
Proteccion
Ck)mayagua
Siguatepeque . .
Santa Barbara .
La Esx)eraiiza . .
Oracias
Santa Rosa
Amapala
Yoro
Trujillo
LaCeiba
Puerto Cortes..
San Pedro Sula
Danli
Choluteca
Pespire
Juticalx)a
Tuscaran
I
Feet.
3,aou
110
1,960
3,030
4,000
1,650
3,126
750
4,950
2,520
3,400
(")
2,000
(')
(«)
(")
255
2,300
250
300
1,500
3,500
titude.
Longi-
tude.
Distance
from Te-
gucigalpa.
o / ■
o /
Leagues.
14 5
87 12
87 30
13 30
28
13 46
87 25
16
13 50
87 23
12
14 15
87 26
12
14 20 '
87 40
24
14 40
87 65
34
15 2
88 25
56
14 12
88 20
48
14 30
88 40
64
14 45
88 65
80
13 12
87 30
88
14 50
87
40
15 55
86
100
15 47
86 55
85
15 50
80
90
15 30
88
72
14 8
86 30
25
13 12
87 6
86
13 30 i
87 25
22
14 15 ,
86 5
40
13 55 1
86 50
16
« Sea level.
AREA AND POPULATION.
Honduras has received but slight attention in the field of measure-
ment and survey, and consequently the area of the State, as well as
the area of the several Departments, can only be arrived at by taking
the computations of explorers and engineers who have been able only
to furnish approximate figures. The great expense of a systematic
survey and the necessity in the event of such an undertaking of
enlisting the services of foreign engineers and surveyors has retarded
this very necessary work. Beyond the more thickly settled districts
the records of land holdings as well as Government land are wholly
incomplete arid confusing. The necessity, then, for an accurate and
POPULATION.
17
reliable survey of all the lands in the State is at once apparent in
order to secure clear titles to propert3^
The area of the 16 Departments is given below in general figures
.^d only for comparison :
^^ —
PtoYlnoSi
Te^^cipRlpA--.
C0MIJ3
irftcias ....
QlHDcbo
8antB Burbnra
Valle
LaPaa
Ax«a.
ham
8,900
1,5(0
800
7U[>
13.000
000
TOi
Tin
ProTince^
Conmyafftia
Gortea
Yoru
Colon.......
AtUntidfl ..
Bay InlanflE
Mosquitia--
Total.
Area.
Sqitare
!,500
i,aoo
4,500
1,500
1,000
200
0,0(»f>
^W,10C»
The total estimated area of Honduras would seem to be about
40,000 square miles, assrfming that the above figures for departmental
areas are approximately correct.
Population by Departments.
Cortes
Santa Barbara .
Yoro
Colon
Atlantida
Oracias
Intibuca
Copan
Comayagua
La Paz
Tegucigalpa —
Olancbo
Cholateca
Valle
ElParaiso
Bay Islands
Total - 351,700 307,289
1850.
50.000
20,000
56,000
"7O,"066"
60,000
45,000
50,000
"'i,"706"
1881.
29,474
11,574
6,465
42,630
32,151
16,311
19,829
59,015
28,150
42,781
16,075
2,834
1887.
32,634
13,966
11,474
1898.
13,665
25,000
16,420
13,409
27,816
17,942
36,744
16,739
18,800
60,170
31,132
43,588
18,057
2,825
331,917
35,5;«
18,957
42,000
20,000
20,616
58,984
36,737
90,000
20,000
25,000
3,500
1901.
21,801
36,228
19,988
13,791
8,797
48,242
26,348
62,398
29,023
27,384
81,800
44,496
45,340
33,460
39,918
4,737
378,821 I 543,741
According to the latest official figures of the census, the capital
cities of the s Departments are given below, with their esti-
mated population :
City.
Tegucigalpa . . .
Santa Kosa
Gracias
Cholateca
Jaticalpa
Danli
Santa Barbara
Nacaome
Ui^pnrt merit.
PopTiIa
tion.
1 City.
Department.
Ptapula-
tion.
TQ^pijeralpa .
CopaTi
33,508
10, S^
S.334
S,fia6
11,103
H,»78
3.ffi)3
fl.9l5
1 Comayagufl
' l>a Patj . ..
ComAyaguft-,-.
LaPaz.. . ..
7.«N>
4. 4IM)
niTifiiia , ..
Intibuca
lutibuca
Cort^a
Yoro
4.t1S6
t 'boluteca
KWQ Pedro
7 lyS
Olftiii-hu
Yoro
ttjar
PftTH-ISO .... ...
Trujillo
Colon
i,ym
Santa Barhum .
LaCGiha._
Atlttntidjft
a,!5ni
VnUu
LARGE CITIES (NOT CAPITALS).
Cedros
Ocotepeque
Tnscaran . .
483a— 04-
Tegucigalpa .
Copan
Paraiso
7,461
5,516
4,810
Pespire
Sabana Grande .
Erandique
Choluteca
Tegucigalpa .
Gracias
7,0()i"»
5,318
5,656
18 H0NDUBA8.
Proportional division of the population of Honduras bettoeen the sexes.
Departmi&nta.
Men.
Womtm.
Departinmits.
Men.
Womflin-
Toeiicit?ftltja . ^^
10,567
18,06:i
16,flll
ia,oeo
as. 141
33.630
18. 17fl
16,839
15,0rtS
IaPjus
13.1fi»
115, 7B3
ll.fiOi
4,778
2; 458
law
rVirmn
Intlbucu -„^ ..^
mjm
Gractws -
Cortes - -
10,»07
-CholnteuK ,,^. ,,,.....
Yoro .......
^?:1S
Ol^ncho . ^4.^- ^ ...
Colon
ElParHiso ,
Atlantida
1'^
Santa Barbara ^^.^^.. ^^^
Bay Manda , _ ., .
Vftlle
Total
Comflyayna -,„-,
aOT^an
«s,*Br
Of this population of 543,741, more than half the inhabitants can
not read or write. The number of Central Americans, other than
Honduraneans, is about 9,300. There are 2,236 English, 566 Ameri-
cans, 75 Germans, and 900 persons of other nationalities in-Honduras.
The proportion of the races taken on a basis of 20 is : Whites, 1 in
20; mixed, 8 in 20; negroes, 1 in 20, and Indians, 10 in 20. Taking
the last census figures and following this computation the population
is divided among the races thus:
Whites 27,187
Mixed - --. 217,497
Negroes - -. 27,187
Indians -. 271,870
Total ---- 543,741
The census of 1901 included the district of Mosquitia. In this ter-
ritorial division there are probably not more than 3,000 or 4,000 per-
sons, mostly forest tribes descended from the Sambos.
FLORA AND FAUNA.
Three divisions comprehend the flora of Honduras — the subtropical,
the tropical, and the temperate. They are divided according to the
topographical demarcations of coast land, table-land, and highland.
The coast land abounds in every variety of tropical flora in full lux-
uriance. Precious woods, such as the mahogany and cedar {Cedrda
odorata L.), are found in great quantities in the rich soil of the low-
lands near the great rivers; dyewoods, such as fustic {Morus tinctoria
L.), sandalwood, brazil wood, and logwood, are taken in large quan-
tities from th^ forests of both coasts; the gum arable tree, the copaiba
tree, copal tree, liquid amber, ipecacuanha, the ule, caoutchouc, or
india-rubber tree, are everywhere present in the forests of the north
coast; royal palms, cacti, mescal, banana, plantain, and vanilla, rat-
tan and bamboo grow in great profusion in the tropical districts, and
often far up into the mountain regions.
The long-leafed pine, or pitch pine, as also the red cedar are found
in the highlands and mountains. On the Pacific slope of the conti-
nent it makes its appearance on the hills and mountains at the height
of about 1,200 feet above the sea. The pine is rich in pitch, and the
FLORA AND FAUNA. 19
wood is firm, heavy, and durable. The cedar attains to large size, is
light and easily worked, and is not attacked by insects. It is more
extensively used than any other wood in Honduras.
The ceiba {Bombax ceiba L.), the live oak, mangrove, calabash,
buttonwood, locust, almond, knd a great variety of palms, cocoanut
trees, lemon and orange trees also flourish on the rich alluvions of
the lowlands. The banana, lemon, orange, and aguacate or alligator
pear, tamarind, mango, and pomegranate are grown in all parts of the
State, except perhaps on the extreme heights of the Cordilleras.
Apples, peaches, pears, and plums do not seem to thrive well. Sar-
saparilla {Smilax medicinal) is collected in its wild state in large
quantities by the Indians of the eastern part of the north coast.
Sugar cane and coffee are grown with remarkable success in all parts
of Honduras. The coffee, however, thrives best in the greater alti-
tudes. It is largely cultivated in Santa Barbara, Copan, and Graciaff.
Tobacco is produced in great abundance in Copan and Gracias, although
the cultivation is accomplished on crude principles. Indigo flourishes
in the foothills of the great mountain ranges and grows wild and
abundantly up to an elevation of 1,500 feet. Maize, the staple prod-
uct of the inhabitants, is raised everywhere, and seems to do best on
the high, moisture-laden summits of the lesser mountains. The maize
is essentially the "staff of life," as it is used in many different ways
and forms of food, such as in the tortilla, tamales, atole, and tists.
Rice and the red bean, or frijole, form another of the chief food con-
stituents of the natives, and are cultivated extensively, the first par-
ticularly near the coasts, from whence it is sold all over Honduras,
the second in all sections of the Republic.
Carnivora. — The jaguar {Felis onca L.), the black tiger {Fdis dis-
color), the ocelot {F, pardalis), the puma {F, concolor), and the
coyote are not uncommon.
Monkeys in great variety abound on the north coast. They are the
horned {Simia fatuellos L.), brown monkey {8. apella), and the capu-
chin {8. capuchina).
Among the other wild animals are the deer (^Cervus mexicanus and
Cervus rufus), the peccary {Sus tajassu L.), the waree {Su^ ameri-
censis), the tapir ( Tapir americanus L. ), the manatee, or sea cow {Man-
atus aTnericanas L.), and the armadillo {Dasypus).
Among the raptores, or birds of prey, are a variety of hawks, vul-
tures (including the common buzzard, OTZopilot^), owls, and sea eagles.
Besides these we find the crow, blackbird, Mexican jay, humming
bird, x>elican, black duck, curlew, plover, teal, heron, ibis, crane, wild
turkey, curassow, partridge, quail, snipe, and wood pigeon. Other
birds of which there are numerous varieties all over Honduras are
the parroty macaw, and toucan. The quetzal, known as the-Trogan
resplendenSy is found only in the Mountains of Merendon. The yellow-
tail {Cassicus montezuma) is plentiful on the large rivers of Hon-
20 HONDURAS.
dnras. It is remarkable not less for its bright colors than its pendent
nests, which hang from the branches of trees above the water. It is
comparable to the North American oriole.
The alligator is found in all the lagoons hikI rivers on both coasts.
Of the lizard family there are infinite'varieties. The most remark-
able is the iguana, which sometimes attains to 'J and 4 feot in length.
It is bluish gray in color, often streaked and patched with dark
brown or black blotches, and has a hideous appearance.
Serpents and snakes are numerous in the coast regions, but though
there are many varieties but few are venomous, the latter class num-
bering in its list the corral and the tamagasa.
The tortoise and turtle are very numerous on both coasts. Oysters
ar ^ found in vast beds in the waters of the Gulf of Fonseca.
Among the domestic animals the horse, the ass, the ox, sheep, goats,
hogs, dogs, and cats are all of foreign origin. The ox is used for
hauling purposes, being broken to the yoke. The mule is the most
popular beast of burden in the State. It is used for all kinds of work
and is the direct means of traffic enterprise.
NATIVE RACES."
The Indian or aboriginal element predominates in the population
of Honduras. In the eastern section of the country these races have
experienced little intermixture with the whites. The Xicaques and
the Pay as still have tribal representation, although the advent of the
half-breed races of the middle and western territory, as well as the
whites and foreigners,, are rapidly removing the fixed tribal customs,
manners, and characteristics. The Indians of Honduras are law-
abiding, quiet in their domesticity, and brave in spirit. They are
engaged in agriculture, and upon their industry and sober habits
depends much of tjie produce of Honduras.
The Xicaques are found along the banks of the main rivers flowing
into the Caribbean Sea. The Towkas, some of whom live on the
banks of the Rio Patuca, and the Secos, who dwell on the shores of
the Rio Tinto, are described by Young, who visited them, as having
"long black hair hanging over their shoulders, very broad faces,
small eyes, with a peculiar expression of sadness and docility which
prepossesses the beholder in their favor." They belong, probably, to
the Payas. These tribes have generally lived in the patriarchal or
communal style, somewhat after the custom of the early Virginian
Indians found by John Smith.
The better-known tribes are the Caribs and Sambos. The Caribs
are found along the northern shore of Honduras, near the bays and
lagoons which break the coast line. The Sambos are chiefly met in
the region known as the "Mosquito Shore," along the Caribbean. The
Caribs, being of a lively and more energetic race than the sluggish
« See Appendix 1 .
NATIVE BAOi:S. 21
Sambos, who are of negro and Indian descent, have driven the latter
southward and have forced them to relinquish their former domain.
Their origin in Honduras is ascribed to the wreck of a large slaver
which was driven ashore not far from Cape Gracias a Dios early in
the seventeenth century. The negroes escaped, and, mingling with
the Indians, soon intermixed with them, and later, by the receipt of
firearms and other means of aggression supplied to them, became the
masters of the entire region. They engaged extensively in the traffic
of slavery, by capturing and selling Indians into bondage. The
Indians, thus driven into the interior by the aggression of the Sambos,
left the usurpers in power throughout Mosquitia. The number of
the Sambos now in Honduras is exceedingly small.
The story of the alleged coming of the Caribs to Honduras is not
without romance. They are said to have lived in the island of St.
Vincent, in the West Indies, where, at the conclusion of the war
between England and France, they were found to be in such sympathy
with the French that their deportation in 1796 to Roatan in the Bay
Islands was brought about. From the Bay Islands they soon made
their way to the mainland of Honduras, where they established a num-
ber of settlements near Trujillo. The Caribs who came to Honduras
were of the tribes of Black and Yellow Caribs, and the distinction in
this direction is apparent after the lapse of a century.
The Carib is short of stature and well built. He is active, indus-
trious, and provident, with the incalculable aid of his wife or wives.
Young says of them: "They are peaceable, friendly, ingenious, and
industrious. They are noted for their fondness for dress, wearing
red bands around their waists to imitate sashes, straw hats knowingly
turned up, clean white shirts and frocks, long and tight trousers.
* * * The Carib women are fond of ornamenting their persons
with colored beads strung in various forms. When bringing the
products of their plantations for sale they appear dressed in calico
bodices and lively patterned skirts, with handkerchiefs tied around
their heads and suffered to fall negligently behind. * * * The
Caribs can not be considered a handsome race, but they are hardy
and athletic. The difference in their color is remarkable, some being
coal black and others nearly as yellow as saffron.
"They are scrupulously clean and have a great aptitude for acquir-
ing languages, most of them being able to talk in Carib, Spanish, and
English; some even add Creole-French and Mosquito. * * *
Polygamy is general among them, some of thoni having as many as
three or four wives; but the husband is compelled to have a separate
house and plantation for each. * * * It is the custom when a
woman can not do all the work required on the plantation for her to
hire her husband. * * * Men accompany them on their trading
excursions, but never by any chance carry the burdens, thinking it
far beneath them."
22 HONDUBAS.
The Caribs are engaged in agriculture, and serve as stevedores at
the ports and roadsteads.
Squier, in commenting on the Indians of Honduras, says: ^'The
existing Indian element in Honduras, left to itself, promises little or
nothing for the development of the country; yet, with the introduc-
tion of an intelligent and enterprising people, their industry may
probably be turned to good account. Frugal, patient, and docile,
they have many of the best qualities of a valuable laboring popula-
tion, and only lack direction to become an important means in the
physical regeneration of the country. The Caribs certainly have
shown great ciipacity for improvement, and at their present rate of
increase must always be able to supply every industrial demand which
may be created on the nothern coast, where the climate is least favor-
able for the introduction of foreign labor."
*
CHAPTER IT.
GOVERNMENT AND CONSTITUTIONAL ORGANIZATION— LAW OF
CmZENSHIF— BIGHTS OF FOBEIGNEBB—GUABANTEEB— CIVIL
AND COMMERCIAL LAWS— RELIGION.
CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT.
Rule of Spanish Government. — Columbus first stepped on the
ground of the American continent in what is now the Republic of
Honduras. He discovered the island of Guanaja (or Bonacca) on his
fourth voyage, in 1502. From this island he beheld, toward the
southward, high mountains rising above the sea. Setting his course
in that direction, he reached a point which he called **Puntade Oasi-
nas" (now Cape of Honduras), and took possession of the country on
the 14th of August, 1502, on behalf of the Crown of Spain. From
this point, sailing eastward, he skirted the coast (of Honduras) as far
as Cape Gracias a Dios, named so by him in gratitude for his safe
journey.
Some twenty years later Hernando Cortez, the conqueror of the
empire of Mexico, made an expedition from Tehuantepec, across what
is now the Republic of Guatemala, into Iligueras, or the present State
of Honduras, arriving at the point where Columbus landed after two
years of wandering under tremendous difficulties. From this time
forth Honduras constituted a part of the captain-generalcy of Guate-
mala, which comprised Central America.
Declaration of independence. — The various intendendas, Guatemala,
Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, threw off their alle-
giance to Spain in 1821 and became sovereign States. Soon afterwards
the several States united in a confederacy called the "Republic of
Central America," which continued in consequence of internal dissen-
sions and struggles of factions only until 1839, when the union was
dissolved. Attempts to form a union of the Central American States
were made again in 1842, 1847, 1852, 1889, and 1898. The union of Cen-
tral American States of Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala lasted
but one month.
Present constitution. — The first constitution of Honduras was framed
in 1848, the second in 1865, the third in 1880. The fourth and present
constitution became operative on January 1, 1895. The form of gov-
ernment is representative and republican. Division I of the consti-
tution declares Honduras a separate State of the Republic of Central
America, and empowers the legislative branch of the Government to
23
24 HONDURAS.
ratify such treaties as may tend to realize the ultimate union with one
or more States of the ancient federation.
Honduras is declared a free, sovereign, and independent nation.
As the power of government is vested in the i>eople, the officials of
State shall have no greater power than the laws expressly grant.
Tlie letter of the constitution is extremely liberal. It guarantees to
all the inhabitants, native and foreign, equality before the law, secu-
rity to the individual, inviolability of the domicile and property, liberty
of thought, words, press, and of assembly, and the inviolability of
correspondence. The death penalty is abolislied, and the longest
term of imprisonment is but fifteen years. Foreigners have the same
rights and privileges as natives, to rent, bu}', or sell property and to
freely exercise all the industries and professions. They are exempt
from extraordinary levies and the military service.
Legislative branch. — The legislative branch of the Government is
vested in a Congress which meets annually on the 1st day of January,
and remains in session not longer than sixty days unless it be extended
for extraordinary purposes forty days more. Extraordinary sessions
may be convoked by the President, but in such case no other business
shall be taken up than that expressed in the decree of convocation.
The Congress is composed of a Chamber of Deputies. The depu-
ties ar^ elected for a term of two years, the representation being on
the basis of 1 deputy and his alternate for every 10,000 inhabitants.
Peputies ma}^ be reelected, and half the congressional delegation is
renewed every two years. The Congress of Honduras consists of 40
deputies and an equal number of alternates. Deputies are guaran-
teed total immunity from arrest or civil adjudgment, from military
service, restraint, or confinement, and shall not be held amenable for
the expression of opinion. Congress shall have the right to judge the
qualification and election of its own members; to make and decree all
laws; to create and abolish offices, establish pensions, and grant
honors; to grant pardon and amnesty and commute sentences; to
provide means for the security and defense of the nation; to examine
and judge the vote for President and Vice-President and the Justices
of the Supreme Court, and declare the election thereof; to grant
copyrights and patents to authors and inventors; to grant subsi-
dies to promote industrial enterprise; to approve or disapprove all
contracts and treaties made by the Executive branch; to regulate
commerce; to regulate public expenditure; to enforce public con-
tributions; to regulate the payment of the nation's debt; to make or
revise the tariff; to coin monej^; to declare war and make peace; to
naturalize foreigners; to nominate the members of the Tribunal of
Accounts and the General Auditor of the Treasury.
Executive branch, — The Executive branch of the Government is
vested in a President and Vice-President. These officials are elected
by a direct vote of the people for a term of four years, but are not
ADMINISTEATION OF JUSTICE. 25
qualified for reelection until after an intermediate term has been
served by a successor. Three '*designados," or persons appointed to
serve, respectively, in case of the disability or death of the President,
are elected by Congress annually. The candidate for President or
Vice-President must be a native-born citizen of Honduras, over the
age of 21 years. The President directs the general administration of
the nation ; names his ministers and other officials under his direct
supervision, and is the commander in chief of the army ; in the recess
of Congress he may declare war and make peace. The President has
the right of exercising the veto power. This may be rendered inef-
fective b}^ the two-thirds vote of Congress in jjassing over the head of
the Executive any bill, resolution, or nomination. The sanction or
approval of the President is not necessary on the determination of con-
gressional elections; on the national budget; on matters of impeach-
ment; on resolutions changing the place of meeting of Congress or its
day of adjournment. The President is assisted in his administration
of the Government by a Cabinet of six "Secretaries of State," or min-
isters. These must be naturalized or native Honduraneans and over
21 years of age. They may take part in the deliberations of Congress,
but have no vote in that body.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs directs the correspondence and
intercourse of the Government with other nations, and has control of
the legations and consulates of Honduras abroad.
The Minister of Finance controls the National Treasury, the inter-
nal-revenue bureaus and the customs-houses, and the income and
regulation of the powder and liquor monopolies.
The Minister of War directs the personnel, movement and equip-
ment of the Army, the military commanders of the various depart-
ments, and the Military School.
The Minister of Justice and Public Instruction has supervision of
the Department of Justice and of the routine of the administration of
the Supreme Court and its inferior courts. He also exercises super-
vision and direction of the general public school system of instruction
throughout the State.
The Minister of the Interior has control of the administration of
the various departmental governments, domestic order, and police
administration.
The Minister of Public Works and Exploitation directs the postal
and telegraph bureaus, the execution of contracts for public improve-
ments, and mining, agrarian, navigation, and railroad concessions.
Administration of justice, — The judicial branch of the Government
is administered by a Supreme Court, composed of five magistrates or
justices, situated at the capital of the Republic, and by four judges
of appellate divisions of the same tribunal. The jurisdiction of the
Supreme Court extends throughout the Republic. The justices of
the Supreme Court are elected b}^ popular vote. They must be advo-
26 H0NDUBA8.
cates by profession and over the age of 21. The term is for four years
from the 1st of February. The justices preside in rotation.
Other magistrates and justices of courts of record, exercising civil
and criminal jurisdiction, are appointed by the Supreme Court, and
justices of the peace are elected by popular vote in their respective
municipalities. Of the appellate courts, one retains civil and the
other criminal jurisdiction exclusively in t\m city of Tegucigalpa.
The other two hear both civil and criminal causes, and are situated
one in Comayagua, the other in Santa Barbara.
There are 24 justices of courts of record and 245 justices of the
peace in Honduras.
The Supreme Court takes jurisdiction in all cases aifecting the
impeachment of high officials when requested by Congress to make
up the state of case, and of prize cases, extradition and all other
causes under the rules of international law, constitutional questions,
and causes involving the fundamental rights of any person which can
not otherwise be adjudicated. The Supreme, appellate, and depart-
mental courts of record have public prosecutors appointed by the
Supreme Court.
By the provision of the Constitution the administration of justice
is gratuitous. No one wiio has the free control of his property shall
be deprived of the right to settle his civil litigation by agreement or
arbitration. No power or authority shall seek to remove to itself
from the trial court any pending cause, nor open judgments that have
been rendered. No one shall be deprived of the equal protection of the
law and access to the courts by reason of a denial of justice through
any laws, acts, resolutions, orders, or directions of any authority,
official, or the agents thereof. Every person unlawfully imprisoned,
detained, or in any way deprived of his liberty, or who is suifering
grave injustice, though by law, has the right to demand the indict-
ment against him and examination of his case forthwith. This right
of appeal or habeas corpus may be taken from the decisions or decrees
of the President and commander in chief of the Republic or from
those of the Secretaries of State, or from the decisions or rulings of
the appellate courts to the Supreme Court; or an appeal may be taken
from the illegal decisions or rulings of the departmental justices and
justices of the peace, or from the rulings of subordinate Government
officials, to the appellate court; from justices of inferior courts or
mayors, from local Government officials, to the justices of the depart-
mental courts of record. The appellant need only to present his peti-
tion in writing, setting forth the facts of his case, and designating the
constitutional guaranty which he considers to have been violated, and
requesting the provisional suspension of the charge against him. This
writ of right shall be heard and transmitted to the court, or authority
appealed from, within twenty-four hours from its presentation ; but
further time may be allowed to procure the necessary proofs at a dis-
CITIZENSHIP. 27
tance. After the proofs are in they shall remain with the clerk of the
court for a period of four days to allow all parties concerned to pre-
sent their respective testimony, and witliin the next three days the
tribunal shall render its final decree of judgment.
Unlawful arrests, or arbitrary arrests, except in cases of delictu
flagranti, shall consist: (1) In verbal orders for arrest and imprison-
ment; (2) in arrests by authorities without jurisdiction.
The writ of appeal need not be executed on stamped paper.
Legal and criminal procedure in law is established by the respective
codes. All the laws of Honduras are codified.
LAW OF HONDURAS CITIZENSHIP.
[Prom the Constitution of Honduras.]
Title II. — Of Honduraneans,
Art. 6. Honduraneans are native or naturalized.
Art. 7. Native Honduraneans are:
(1) Persons born in Honduras of native parents.
(2) Persons born in Honduras, of foreigners domiciled therein, and
children of Honduranean father or mother born abroad who (that is,
the children) adopt Honduranean nationality.
The terms of this section may be modified by treaties of reciprocity.
Art. 8. Persons born in the other Central American Republics are
regarded as Honduraneans provided they express their desire to this
effect before the highest political authority of any department.
Art. 9. Naturalized Honduraneans are —
(1) Spanish- Americans who have resided one year in the State and
manifest their desire to become naturalized before the proper
authority.
(2) Other foreigners who have resided two years in the State and
manifest their desire to become naturalized before the proper
authority.
(3) Those who secure a certificate of naturalization from the author-
ity prescribed by law.
Title III. — Of foreigners.
Art. 10. The Republic of Honduras is a sacred refuge for every
person fleeing to its territory.
Art. 11. Foreigners are required from the time of their arrival in
the territory of the Republic to respect the authorities and observe
the laws.
Art. 12. Foreigners in Honduras enjoy all the civil rights of natives.
Art. 13. They may acquire all kinds of property, but they are sub-
ject in respect to such property to all the ordinary charges, and to
extraordinary ones of a general character to which Honduraneans may
be liable.
28 HONDURAS.
Art. 14. They may not make reolamatioiis nor exact indemnities
of any kind from tlie State except in such eases and form wliich
Honduraneans could make.
Art. 1 5. Foreigners may not avail themselves of d iplomatic recourse
except in cases of a denial of justice. To tliis effect it is understood
to be no denial of justice when a judgment rendered is unfavorable
to the claimant or complainant. If, in contravention of the terms of
this section, reclamations are not settled amicably and without detri-
ment to the State they (foreigners) shall forfeit their right to reside
therein.
Art. IC. Extradition may be granted by virtue of law or treaties
for felonies, but in no case for political offenses, even though thereby
a felony may have resulted.
Art. 17. Laws may be provided to establish the form and case in
which foreigners may be debarred from entering the State, or for
their expulsion therefrom in view of their dangerous attitude.
Art. 18. The laws and treaties shall regulate the execution of these
guaranties, but without effect to modify or alter them.
Art. 19. The provisions of this title do not modify the treaties
existing between Honduras and other nations.
Title TV. — Of the political Hghts of Honduraneans,
Art. 20. Every Ilonduranean of the age of 21 years or above, or of
the age of 18 if maiTied, or if having a knowledge of reading and
writing, is a citizen.
Art. 21. Rights of citizens are: To exercise the franchise, to accept
public office, to have and carry arms, all in conformity with the law.
Art. 22. The rights of citizens are suspended —
(1) By imprisonment or declaration against him of a complaint.
(2) For vagrancy, legally declared.
(3) For mental disorder, judicially declared.
(4) B}'^ sentence of inhibition in the exercise of political rights dur-
ing the period delared in the sentence.
(5) For being declared a fraudulent debtor while not obtaining a
judicial decree of bankruptcy.
(6) For a sentence which imposes a penalty greater than a repri-
mand.
(7) For assuming employment from foreign governments without
permission from the proper (Honduranean) authority. The republics
of Central America are not considered as foreign nations.
Art. 23. The exercise of suffrage can not be renounced and is
obligatory for all citizens.
Art. 24. Suffrage shall be direct and secret. Elections shall be held
in the form prescribed by law, and shall give a corresponding repre-
sentation to the minority.
Art. 25. Only citizens above the age of 21 years who are in the use
of their rights are qualified.
RIGHTS AND OUARAJ^TIES. 29
ARTICLES OF THE CONSTITUTION OF HONDURAS REGARDING DECLA-
RATION OF RIGHTS AND GUARANTIES.
Title V.
Art. 26. The constitution guarantees to all the inhabitants of Hon-
duras the inviolability of life, individual security, liberty, equality,
and the right to property.
Art. 27. The death penalty is absolutely abolished.
Art. 28. The guaranty of habeas corpus is given.
Art. 20. The right of appeal is provided.
Art. 31. Detention 'for examination not to last over six days.
Art. 32. Detained person to have the right of communication after
twenty-four hours.
Art. 33. Arrests shall be made only on due proof of the commission
of crime.
Art. 37. The right to furnish bail is granted in crimes or misde-
meanors carrying a penalty less than three years of imprisonment.
Art. 39. Imprisonment for debt, except in cases of fraud, prohib-
ited.
Art. 42. No one shall be disquieted nor persecuted for his opinions.
Art. 44. The domicile shall be sacred, and may only be entered by
due process of law, under these conditions: To remove a criminal; to
attend the commission of a crime; in case of fire, inundation, or epi-
demics; to remove a person charged with a crime or to execute a
judicial process; to apprehend a prisoner escaping from justice.
Art. 47. Postal and telegraphic correspondence is inviolable.
Art. 48. Private correspondence; books and papers may only be
used by virtue of a process issued by a judge in any civil or criminal
cause.
Art. 49. Laws of proscription or confiscation or which create unus-
ual penalties are prohibited. No sentence shall be imposed for a
longer period than fifteen years.
Art. 50. There shall not be passed any retroactive laws except in
criminal causes when the new law may be favorable to the person
accused or under sentence.
Art. 53. Slavery is prohibited in Honduras.
Art. 54. The free exercise of all religious beliefs is assured.
Art. 5G. Free speech and written words shall be unrestricted by the
law. Free circulation of the press, both foreign and domestic, per-
mitted. Libel shall be proved only by a jury.
Art. 57. Free public instruction is guaranteed.
Art. 58. The right to assemble, unarmed, is guaranteed.
Art. 59. All industries, except those of aguardiente (sugar-cane
rum), powder, and saltpeter are free.
30 HONDUBAS.
Art. 60. Monopolies, privileges, and concessions shall be granted
only for a limited i)eriod, for the purpose of exploiting new industries,
colonization, and immigration.
Art. 61. The right to dispose of property according to law is secured
to every person.
Art. 62. Entails and every disposition of i>roperty for religious pur-
poses is prohibited.
Art. 63. The right of petition is guaranteed.
Art. 64. No one shall be restricted or prevent.ed in his right to
enter, remain, cross, or leave the territory of Honduras.
EQUALITY.
Art. 65. Before the law all are equal.
PROPEBTY,
Art. 67. No one shall be deprived of his property without due proc-
ess of law. In the event of war, proi)erty may be taken without
previous indemnity.
Art. 68. Every author and inventor enjoys the sole right to his
work or discovery for the time fixed by law.
Art. 69. The right to recover property confiscated shall cease after
fifty years.
Art. 70. Congress, exclusively, has the right to levy national con-
tributions.
GENERAL. PROVISIONS.
Art. 72. The enumeration of rights and guaranties in this consti-
tution shall not impair other rights and guaranties not enumerated,
but which find their origin in the sovereignty of the people and in
the republican form of government.
Art. 74. Martial law (Estado de Sitio) may be declared throughout
the Republic in case of war or internal disturbances. The term of
its duration shall not exceed sixty days, except when duly extended
by new proclamation.
* Title VI. — Form of government
Art. 76. The Government of Honduras is republican, democratic,
and representative in form. It is exercised by three independent
branches — the legislative, the executive, and the judicial.
Art. 77. None of these branches may create laws subverting the
form of the established government nor impair the integrity of the
territory or national sovereignty.
MARTIAL LAW.
Title I. — Martial law may be declared when the Republic is in
danger of war or of internal disorders, and shall become effective
only after a decree duly published by Congress, or during its recess
bj the President*
CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL LAWS. 31
Title II. — During the period of martial law all crimes and misde-
meanors and political offenses shall be adjudicated, according to the
rules of military law, by courts-martial, but under constitutional
restrictions. The death penalty shall not be inflicted.
Property of foreigners, as well as Hoiiduraneiins, may be taken
during this period, but shall be indemnified by the nation as soon as
the public tranquillity is restored.
The right of habeas corpus, appeal, and jury trial is suspended
during the continuance of the martial-law period.
Title III. — The Executive is empowered, in his discretion, to
remove the state of martial law, and he shall lay before Congress the
transactions of that period when it assembles. The arbitrary actions
of officials during the state of martial law are subject to review
and condemnation by Congress.
civil and commercial laws.
Article 100 of the constitution: "Whenever the project of a law,
not originating in the supreme court, contemplates the amendment or
abolition of any of the provisions in the codes of the nation, it shall
not be considered without hearing the opinion of that tribunal. The
court shall make a report in such manner as Congress may determine.
The provisions of this article shall not include laws appertaining to
the preservation of political, social, and administrative order."
Civil laws, — The laws of the Republic of Honduras must be observed
by all the inhabitants. The laws are all codified, and include the
National Constitution, the Civil, Penal, Mining, and Commercial
codes, the land and agrarian laws, laws relating to appeals, elections,
martial law, law of foreigners, immigration, jury, stamped paper,
patents and trade-marks, telephone and telegraph laws.
Commercial laws. — In Honduras a woman is considered legally
able to perform all acts relating to business as a man may. She may
conduct her business, make contracts, sue and be sued, and hold
both personal and real property in her own right, and apart from
any influence or restriction of her husband if she be marrif i, as well
as if she hefemme sole. A few exceptions to the above general rule
exist.
Legal status. — For the purpose of tli'^ exercise of civil rights and
obligations, the domicile of persons is the customary place of their
residence, subject, as the case may be, according to the provisions of
the Code of Civil Procedure. When neither the law under which they
are established or recognized nor the statutes or regulations by wliich
they are created fixes the domicile of legal entities, they shall be
understood to have such a domicile where they are established under
the law, or where they exercise the principal offi(»e of their business. —
Title III, articles 29 and SO, Civil Code.
Deeds and contracts, — " All mercantile contracts, of whatever form
32 HONDURAS.
or of whatever lanfj:uage, nature, or the consideration involved, pro-
vided they conform to the provisions of the civil rights that may be
established, shall be valid, and of effect in an action at law; never-
theless, the testimony of witnesses, unaccompanied by other proof,
shall not thereby be enough in itself to prove the existence of a con-
tract whose consideration exceeds the sum of 150 pesos." — Article 84,
Covivierciol Code.
The forms and requisites of contracts, wills, and other public docu-
ments shall be interpreted under the laws of the country where exe-
cuted. When such instruments are authorized by the diplomatic or
consular officials of Honduras abroad, the grants shall be conformable
to the requirements of the laws of Honduras. But it is provided that
where the provisions of an instrument are prohibited or contrary to
the laws of Honduras, the laws, regulations, or decrees of a foreign
country shall be of no effect.
Real estate. — The ('ivil Code regulates the acquisition, possession,
and alienation of real property. The Code of Civil Procedure pro-
vides for the legal methods of making conveyances.
Property may be held as usufruct or in fee simple, and may not be
taken from the possessor except by due process of law. The convey-
ance of real estate is without effect as against a third party unless
duly registered. The law of the land in which real estate is situated
governs.
Succession. — The provisions of the Civil Code require the making
and execution of wills by the testator on stamped paper. Foreigners
may write tlieir wills in their own language, but with a Spanish dupli-
cate attached and witnessed by two persons. Wills must be proved
by the testimony of three witnesses to the instrument as such. Hon-
duraneans may make their wills abroad in conformity with the laws
of the country in which they may be domiciled and have them duly cer-
tified and registered by the diplomatic or consular agent of Honduras.
Any capable person may by will dispose of his property in favor of
any person qualified to take it; the property of an intestate descends
in equal portions to his direct heirs.
Bills of exchange. — The provisions of the law relating to bills and
notes are generally identical witli those in force in most of the States
of the Union. All or any one of tlie indorsers on a bill may be held
on ihe indorsement as sureties in the event of its nonacceptance and
to the payment of the costs of protest and exchange if it should not
be paid at maturity, provided that the i) resentment and protest are
exercised with diligence within the time and form prescribed. This
responsibility on ^e part of the indorser ceases if at the time of the
transmission of the bill he adds to his indorsement the words "with-
out recourse."
Mercantile books. — Merchants must keep a register of their trans-
actions in the following books : Stock book, journal, ledger, and copy
BANKBUPTCY. 33
lK)ok for letters and telegrams. Partnei^ships and companies must
keep, in addition to the above, a book of entry for all agreements,
compacts, resolutions, or decrees affecting their organization. The
books shall be kept in the Spanish language, under penalty of a fine
of from 100 to 500 pesos. Merchants must, at stated intervals, pre-
sent to the civil municipal authorities of their place of business their
books of account, duly bound and paged, that the first page of each
book may receive a certification thereon and every succeding page
the seal of the officer. These books shall be received in evidence,
and their contents can not be questioned by adverse evidence; they
must be retained five years from the time of the dissolution of the
company, firm, or partnership, or of the retirement from business of
the merchant.
Joint-stock companies. — These may be formed into legal entities in
Honduras, under the provisions of the Commercial Code, if the incor-
poration ai-ticles set forth the name, object, capital, and residence of
the company. The by-laws must be approved by the Executive, and
the certificate of incorporation registered within eight d.'iys after the
formation of the company. The articles of incorporation must be
made public by a published circular. Upon a loss of 50 per cent of
the capital, or upon reaching the sum specified in its articles, the
company shall become insolvent, and its directors shall, on pain of
personal obligation if neglected, proceed to a liquidation.
Foreign companies may not appoint agents without the express
authorization of the Executive Power.
Mortgages, — The owner of property may mortgage or alienate it,
subject always to the right of interested parties, by incorporating in
the instrument the rights reserved to such parties. Before the matu-
rity of the mortgage, the mortgagor has the equity of redemption upon
the satisfaction of the debt. The maximum term of duration of a
mortgage is twenty yeai-s.
Bankruptcy, — A merchant may place himself in insolvency within
forty-eight hours following the maturity of an obligation which he
has been unable to satisfy. Failing this, he may present himself as
a bankrupt before the judge in his jurisdiction. After declaring his
bankruptcy he may, within ten days, offer to his creditors a proposi-
tion for a settlement, which, if not accepted by them, leaves him to
deal with them separately.
Any person may be declared in involuntary bankruptcy upon the
petition of a creditor. The bankrupt is prohibited from continuing
in the management of his business. His contractual relations during
the fifteen days immediately preceding his bankruptcy are null and
void, and payments made or goods delivered must be returned for
accounting. JLikewise all contracts or agreements, or other disposi-
tion of the property, made thirty days or less before bankruptcy with
a view to alienating his property are considered illegal.
488a— 04 8
34 HONDURAS.
The law comprehends three grades of insolvency: (1) Casual, (2)
culpable, (3) criminal.
In no case shall the insolvent be proceeded against until the court
shall have declared his bankruptcy and adjudged him as criminally
liable. The bankrupt may at any time during the proceedings agree
with his creditors to hold a meeting for a compromise arrangement.
At this meeting a majority vote of the creditors shall prevail, provided
three-fifths of their number is present, or represented. If the bank-
rupt fails to carry out the terms of the agreement, the creditors may
ask for a rescission of the agreement from the court and the continu-
ance of the status of bankruptcy. Such creditors as have not com-
promised with the bankrupt in meeting and are dissatisfied with the
result of the bankruptcy proceedings retain a right of action against
the property of the bankrupt if at any subsequent period he acquires
any property.
A bankrupt's property, other than that which may be his wife's, or
property left with him in trust or bailment, shall be included as
assets.
Creditors of a bankrupt are classified as: (1) Preferred — creditoi-s
on accounts of burial or interment, creditors on accounts of provisions
and supplies furnished, employees in the service of the bankrupt;
(2) common — creditors under the provisions of the code, as holders of
commercial paper and mortgages.
Fraudulent bankrupts may not be rehabilitated. Other bankrupts
may reengage in business upon the settlement with the creditors
according to the agreement made, or, if none is made, after having
satisfied all his obligations to creditors under the provisions of the
legal procedure.
Joint-stock companies, corporations, and partnerships may be
adjudged bankrupt. The referee shall in such cases compel the pay-
ment of share subscriptions due or subscribed for by the stockholders.
Neither by a decree of court nor of the receiver shall the service of
a railway or other public enterprise be interrupted.
Statute of limitations. — Actions must be begun after maturity within
three years on broker's accounts, partnership claims, contracts, bills,
and notes, bottomry claims or maritime accouuts; four years, on
accounts against managers of companies or business administrators
of firms, counted from the date of their withdrawal from such com-
panies; one year, on accounts for wages or money due on contracts
for the building, maintenance, or repair of vessels.
RELIGION.
Article 42 op Constitution. "No person shall be harassed nor
persecuted for his opinions. Private actions which do not subvert the
moral or public order or which give no injury to another are not the
subject for judicial cognizance."
RELIGION. 35
Article 54. "Free exercise of religious belief within the order of
public morals is guaranteed."
Article 55, "The civil status of any peraon shall not be subject
to the canons of any established religious belief."
Article 62. "Entails and all other devises to religious establish-
ments are prohibited."
The Apostolic Roman Catholic is the prevailing religion, and there
are no churches of other denominations in all the Republic, except in
the Bay Islands and two on the north coast, where many of the
inhabitants and foreigner are Protestants. The Government does
not contribute to the support of the church, but exercises the right to
regulate it under the laws. Support for the church is obtained
through voluntary contributions. A bishop presides over the See of
Honduras.
CHAPTER III.
POLinOAL DIVISIONS; THE CAPITAL OITT, ITS BESOT7BOES,
MEANS OF OOmrONIOATION, PRINCIPAL BUILDINGS, AND
PX7BLIC INSTITX7TIONS.
POLITICAL DIVISIONS.
Territorial division. — The territory of the Republic of Honduras is
divided into 16 departments or provinces and 1 territorial district.
There are 9 municipalities of the first class, 27 of the second class,
189 of the third class, 17 of the fourth class; total, 242.
THE CITY OP TEGUCIGALPA.
Foundation of the city, — Tegucigalpa, the capital of the Republic,
was founded in 1579, and became established as the headquarters of
the mining region in 1581. Its prerogatives as a town were removed
in 1788, but returned in 1812. By a decree of the advisory assembly
in Guatemala, issued on the llth of December, 1821, Tegucigalpa
was incorporated as a city. The first constitutional congress of the
State of Honduras (part of the Central American Federation) decreed
in 1824 that the capital of the State should be, alternately, Teguci-
galpa and Comayagua. By a decree of October 30, 1880, the capital
was permanently located at Tegucigalpa.
Situation, — Tegucigalpa lies in longitude 87° 12' west of Greenwich,
latitude 14° 5' north, and is situated at an elevation of 3,200 feet above
the level of the sea. The magnetic needle shows a declination of
5° 55' to the east. The plan of the city is that of squares, somewhat
irregular, and intersected at right angles, so called. The south side
of the town is semiencircled by the Rio Grande.
Origin of name. — The name of Tegucigalpa is indigenous, and is
derived from two ancient words — Teguz meaning hill and Oalpa denot-
ing silver, the combination forming the word "silver hill" or "the
place of the silver hills."
Area of the city, — The combined area of Tegucig^-lpa and Comaya-
gtlela (town adjacent) is 1,932,500 square meters, or 193.25 hectares,
equivalent to 477.32 acres.
Population, — In 1881 there were 16,171 inhabitants; in 1887, 12,585;
in 1898 there were 15,000, and according to the latest official census,
taken in 1901, the population of the capital is 23,503, and with Comaya-
I
9
TEGUCIGALPA. ' 37
giiela, 29,700. It is probable that the present population of Teguci-
galpa is not above 12,000 inhabitants.
Total length of the city. — Tegucigalpa is 1,500 meters long and 600
meters wide.
Public squares. — There are six public squares^ four of which are
ornamental — that is, containing plants and shrubbery. Morazan
Park, the principal square in the city, was laid out by ex-President Dr.
Marco Aurelio Soto, and beautified by the late ex-President, General
Luis Bogran, who also laid out the park v" La Concordia," which has
in latter years fallen into ruin and neglect, although situated in a
section of the city where beautiful views of the surrounding mountains
and the river may be had. In the center of Morazan Park rises a fine
equestrian statue in bronze, supposed to be that of the famous liber-
ator of Central America, General Francisco Morazan. To the sides
of the marble pedestal are affixed tablets in bas-relief, commemorat-
ing the battle of Trinidad, by which Honduras achieved her independ-
ence. Small fountains on the sides of the park, and four small statues
allegorical of the seasons enhance the beauty of the shrubbery, indige-
nous plants, and palms. In this park also is placed the band stand,
in which the military band gives concerts on Tuesday, Thursday, and
Sunday evenings.
Fronting the plaza on the east stands the parroquia or cathedral,
and to the south the Cabildo and National Archives Depository.
Aspect of the city. — The city of Tegucigalpa is one of the few inland
capitals of the world's nations which is still cut off from rapid and
direct intercourse with the world by steam or electric means of trans-
portation. To this fact is due the dormant state of the city and the
absence of any great commercial activity. Tegucigalpa is the seat
of the National Government and is the center of .a mining rather
than an agricultural or industrial district. The distances in the
city are short, and hence there can be no occasion for the installa-
tion of either horse or electric car service. » There are no public con-
veyances either within or without the city. All traveling is done on
mules or horses. Perhaps three or four persons in the city own small
carriages, and there is a Government stagecoach which is rarely put
into service.
The city, surrounded by lofty mountains, is distant from the north
coast ports some 200 miles and from the Pacific Ocean 100 miles, and
is commercially inaccessible until its physical situation is overcome
by connecting it with steam or electric lines with the coast terminals.
Social institutions. — No theaters or clubs exist in the city, though
the place of the latter is taken to some extent by numerous caf^ in
everj'^ part of the city.
There is a library attached to the institute, which affoi*ds oppor-
tunity for reading along elementary lines.
Water supply. — The immediate supply of drinking water is obtained
38 HONDURAS.
from a reservoir built upon a neighboring hill called the Leona. The
water is conducted to this from the receiving reservoir on the crest of
the Picacho, which towers above Tegucigalpa to the north. The
water is brought from the Jutiapa River in the mountains of San
Juan, over 12 miles distant. It is exceedingly well aerated, cool, and
palatable. The reservoir from which the pipe line starts is at an ele-
vation of 1,720 feet above Tegucigalpa, and the main reservoir, which
holds 200,000 gallons, is 900 feet above the city. That of the Leona
is 165 feet above the plaza. The city is well supplied with water con-
duits, private and public faucets, and water flows at all hours. The
water is not filtered.
The cost of constructing the waterworks and providing for its sup-
ply in Tegucigalpa to the inhabitants was 180,000 pesos, a small sum
considering the excellent results that have obtained. The water tax
amounts to about 80 cents. United States currency, per month for
each hydrant used. The waterworks were constructed by two Amer-
ican engineers and contractors.
Drainage. — The drainage of the city is from the surface, nearly all
the streets being payed in such form that the gutter is in the center.
Garbage is collected and removed by means of carts which occasion-
ally call at such places where they may be required. The streets are
kept free from garbage and animal refuse by swarms of buzzards and
many pigs. The latter are permitted to roam everywhere, and the
former must not be molested under penalty of fine. In the rainy
season the streets are kept clean and in sanitary condition by the
heavy rains which daily wash the surface dirt into the river.
Public buildings. — The principal public buildings are the palace,
the cabildo, the mint, the national institute, the post-office, the tele-
graph ofl&ce, the hospital, the Government printing establishment, the
penitentiary, and the manual training school.
Schools. — The national institute and the normal school are situated
in Tegucigalpa; the manual training school in Comayagnela, on the
other side of the river.
Hospital. — ^A large hospital, under Government supervision, is lo-
cated at the Capital and supported in part by a percentage of customs
duties. The hospital was founded and built by Dr. Marco Aurelio
Soto while President of Honduras.
Police force. — The police force of Tegucigalpa is composed of about
60 men. The force is under the direction of a chief of police, who
is subordinate to the Minister of the Interior. The expense of the
maintenance of the force amounts to about 50,000 pesos annually.
Municipal divisions. — The civil government of the city is vested in
an alcalde or mayor, who directs the municipal affairs of the locality.
He is assisted by regidores or a council of the municipality, which
formulates laws and regulations. These laws are in turn submitted
to the departmental council, of which the Governor is the chairman.
TEGUCIGALPA. 39
Institulions, — In Tegucigalpa there are 1 bank, 1 hotel, 2 restau-
rants, 1 post-office, 1 telegraph office, 4 cafes, and 5 Roman Catholic
churches.
The press. — There is 1 triweekly, semiofficial newspaper, printed
in the Spanish language.
Manufactories. — One large sawmill, 1 candle and soap factory, and
the manual training school, in which are manufactured shoes, saddles,
furniture, and plain ironwork.
Lighting. — Four electric arc lights light the Morazan Park, and a
number of incandescent lamps illuminate the palace. The streets are
lighted by kerosene lamps.
Markets. — Tegucigalpa has a large market in the Plaza Dolores, cov-
ering 6,000 square feet of ground. The buildings are of wood, with
latticed walls, and present the appearance of large sheds. No pro-
vision is made for keeping the stalls and passages in a clean and sani-
tary condition.
The market in Comayaguela, on the other side of the river, is larger
than the one in Tegucigalpa, and does a much greater volume of busi-
ness. The Indians from the near-by mountain farms bring their pro-
duce to this market for sale.
CHAPTER IV.
•
PBOVINOSS AND TEBBITOBT OF THE BEPUBLIC— BRIEF GEO-
GBAPHIOAL SKETCH OF EACH— BESOX7BCES, MEANS OF OOM-
MTJNIOATION, CLIMATE, SEASONS, POPULATION, CAPITAL
CITIES, INDXTSTBIES.
DEPARTMENTS OF THE REPUBLIC.
The Republic of Honduras contains 16 departments, or provinces,
and 1 territorial district, as follows: Tegucigalpa, Copan, Gracias,
Choluteca, Olancho, El Paraiso, Santa Barbara, Valle, Comayagua,
La Paz, Intibuca, Cortes, Yoro, Colon, Atlantida, Bay Islands, and
the district of Mosquitia.
Department op Tegucigalpa.
Situation, — This department is situated between latitude 13° 33' and
14° 39' north, and between longitude 86° 36' and 87° 36' west. It is
bounded on the north by the departments of Yoro and Comayagua;
on the east by the departments of Olancho and El Paraiso; on the
south by the departments of Choluteca and Valle; on the west by the
departments of Comayagua and La Paz.
Area and population, — The department has an area, approximately,
of 1,500 square miles, and is therefore slightly larger than the State of
Rhode Island. The population is estimated at 81,800, less by 10,000
than that of any State in the Union.
The city of Tegucigalpa is the capital.
General aspect, — This department is situated in one of the most
mountainous regions of Honduras. High mountains and plateaus
traverse the district irregularly, and owing to this the rivers and
streams are rapid and not navigable. The surface soil is largely clay
and red marl and quite unproductive. It affords excellent material,
however, for the making of adobes and pottery of every variety.
The rivers in the depfirtment are chiefly useful for the supply of
drinking water and for washing clothes. Clothing is washed in the
rivers and streams.
Industries, — The chief industry is that of mining. Mines of gold
and silver are being worked with indifferent success throughout the
department. The fabled product of the mines in the old Spanish
days does not seem to continue to-day. The mining enterprise is
entirely in the hands of foreigners, the natives being employed as
laborers in the tunnels and shafts.
In Tegucigalpa there is a candle and soap factory, running under
40
ilftHctWKik of Holifliirai=,
CATHEDRAL OF $AN WiGUEL, TECUCIGALPA 'REAfl VfEW).
Mni^ICtPAL IMPORTS. 41
a monopoly granted by Government concession. A large sawmill is
also in operation, but the demand for lumber is light because insects
destroy wood very rapidly, and, moreover, mud and clay are cheaper
for construction purposes.
Internal communications, — There is no railroad in the department,
and but one excellent road has been built. This wagon road runs
from Tegucigalpa as far as La Venta (halfway to the coast), and it is
expected that the way will be completed as far as the Gulf of Fonseca,
Pacific Ocean, within a few years. Upon the completion of the road
an electric traction line for passengers and freight will be put in opera-
tion and the time of travel between Amapala and Tegucigalpa
reduced from three days to one.
All other roads in the department are mere trails and passable for
the most part tr) cargo mules and riders only. A cart road extends
from the south coast to the mines at San Juancito, and over this oxen
drag heavy machine parts on primitive carts to the mines, a distance
of 100 miles, in some four weeks' time.
MUNICIPAL IMPOSTS.
Municipal imposts on goods and materials entering the city of
Tegucigalpa are levied for the purpose of lighting the city and cover-
ing the expenses of the waterworks. This duty is additional to the
regular customs tax at the port of entry. The schedule was arranged
in August, 1903, and is in part as follows:
Importations: Pesos.
Foreign merchandise, per quintal (100 pounds) 1. 00
Each cargo (mule load) of cigars or tobacco 2. 50
Each cargo of cacao, domestic. _ 1. 50
Each cargo of cacao, foreign 2. 00
Each quintal (100 pounds) of flour, foreign _ .50
Each cargo of domestic flour (250 pounds) . : .25
Each quintal of coffee .50
Business licenses (monthly payment) :
Each store of the first class 2.00
Each store of the second class 1. 00
Each wholesale house. 5. 00
Each cafe, saloon, or drug store 10. 00
Each billiard room, club, or hotel . . 5. 00
Banking houses - 25. 00
Pawnshops 20.00
Fees and tolls:
Consignee or freighter must pay:
For each mule load - .25
For each wagon or cart load, foreign merchandise 1 . 00
For monthly license for carts 1. 00
For each cargo of domestic sugar. 25
For each cargo of unrefined sugar, domestic 10
For each cargo of cheese or butter, domestic 50
For each cargo of grains and fruits, domestic 05
For each cargo of soap or salt, domestic 10
42 HONDURAS.
Butchering: Pesos.
For slaughtering each steer—
For public consumption 2. 00
For salting 2.00
For private consumption. 1. 00
For rental of slaughter place 2.00
Various other imposts and fees are levied, such as on interments,
carrying arms, conducting gambling establishments, serenades, balls,
lotteries, circuses, theaters, performances, carriages, brokerage busi-
ness of any kind, and the making of soap.
Department of Comayagua.
Situation, — This department lies between latitude 13° 54' and 14° 57'
north and longitude 87° 3' and 88° 18' west. It is bounded on the
north by the departments of Cortes and Yoro, on the east by the
department of Tegucigalpa, on the south by the departments of La
Paz and Intibuca, and on the west by the departments of Santa
Barbara and Intibuca.
Area and population, — The area of Comayagua is computed at 1,500
square miles, or about the same as that of Tegucigalpa. Its popula-
tion in 1901 was 29,023. The capital city of the department is Comay-
agua, founded in 1540 by Alonzo Caceres.
General aspect. — The main aspect of this department is mountain-
ous, but a great plain extends north and south through it, known as
the Plain of Comayagua. On either side of this extensive plateau,
1,800 feet above the sea level, rise high mountains, well covered with
pines. The ranges run generally north and south here. The valley
is covered with a fertile soil, but during the six months of the dry sea-
son all vegetation is blighted except in the immediate vicinity of the
river Humuya, which runs through the central part of the valley.
The nights are usually cool, but the days extremely hot. In the
rainy season innumerable streams flow down the mountains into the
main river supplying an abundance of water. In the Plain of Sigua-
tepeque (3,000 feet above sea level) the country is undulating, has a
fertile soil capable of raising wheat, corn, barley, and oats, as well as
coffee, sugar cane, and other products of the temperate and tropical
zones.
Principal city. — Comayagua, the capital, is situated in the center
of the department. For many years it was the capital of Honduras,
until, in 1880, President Soto removed the capital of the government
to Tegucigalpa. Since then Comayagua has declined in trade and
importance, but is still the head of the diocese of Honduras. The
streets are narrow, irregular, and badly paved, and the public build-
ings are in poor repair. The cathedral, the cabildo, and the barracks
are the public buildings of the town. A law school is also established
in this city. The ruins of the Spanish Governor's palace and King
Philip's tower still remain to recall the Spanish rule.
DEPABTMENT8. 43
Internal communications, — The roads are nearly all narrow trails.
At one time a fair cart road was built from Comayagua to Siguate-
peqiie, but as no repairs were ever made the rains soon impaired it
and made parts of it impassable. It has now fallen into disuse, and an
old trail taken up for the purposes of transportation. The roads and
trails lead to rivers which in the rainy season are often impassable,
as there are no bridges constructed over them. Between Tegucigalpa
and Pimienta, the railroad terminus on the north coast, there is not a
single bridge spanning the dangerous rivers which cross the main
highways between these two points. Consequently, many lives and
much valuable property, as well as animals, have been lost in cross-
ing the rivers. This trail has been in constant use for nearly four
hundred years.
Department of Cortes.
Situation, — This department is situated between latitude 14° 48'
and 15° 50' north and between longitude 87° 45' and 88° 20' west. It
is bounded on the north by the Gulf of Honduras, Caribbean Sea, on
the east by the departments of Atlantida and Yoro, on the south by
the department of Comayagua, on the west by the department of
Santa Barbara. The Ulna River marks the entire eastern boundary
of this department.
Area and population, — The department of Cortes has an area of
about 1,200 square miles. The population is approximately 21,800,
numbering a larger proportion of the white race than any of the
other departments. The town of Puerto Cortes is the seaport, and
has a population of 3,200 inhabitants. San Pedro Sula is the largest
town and the capital of the department.
General aspect, — This department lies partly in the great Plain of
Sula, and is for the most part flat of surface and rising but a few
hundred feet above the sea. In the extreme western and southern
parts there are mountains, heavily timbered with pine and tropical
verdure. The lowlands are rich alluvial areas, thickly covered with
forest growth, and afford excellent opportunity for the growing of
bananas, pineapples, plantains, oranges, and lemons, as well as other
tropical fruits and produce.
The two great rivers, the Chamelicon and the XJlua, drain the
entire district, and as the rains are frequent and in the rainy season
very heavy the ground is extremely moist and very productive.
These two rivers are navigable throughout the department, and when
improved will create two excellent waterways for the traffic and com-
merce of this district.
Industries, — ^The chief business .in the department is the raising
and exportation of bananas, pineapples, plantains, and coffee. Cocoa-
nuts are also largely exported, as well as cabinet woods, such as red
cedar and mahogany. Recently large numbers of cattle have been
exported from Puerto Cortes to Cuba and other West Indian points.
44 HONDtTBAS.
Several American companies are engaged in mahogany cutting. In
San Pedro there is an ice factory, several sawmills, and manufacto-
ries of aguardiente, or native liquor.
Internal cortimunications, — A railroad which was built thirty years
ago with English and French capital was to be extended to the Gulf
of Fonseca, on the Pacific coast of Honduras, and has been constructed
as far as Pimienta, 60 miles from its terminus at Puerto Cortes. The
railroad does an excellent business in the transportation of passen-
gers and fruit from the plantations to the wharf at Puerto Cortes.
The trail to the interior begins at the terminus of the railroad at
Pimienta; from here all merchandise must be freighted on the backs
of mules.
As yet there is little traffic on the rivers, but with improved condi-
tions, which will require considerable engineering work, it is expected
to make them the highways of commerce for some distance into the
interior. The roads are ill kept,*and often so muddy as to be impass-
able. Consequently, travel, which is slow, arduous, and highly expen-
sive on the roads, will be deflected to the rivers when these are once
opened to navigation.
Banking. — In San Pedro Sula there is a branch office of the Banco
de Honduras.
Department of Santa Barbara.
Situation. — This department is situated between latitude 14° 42' and
15° 38' north and longitude 88° 8' and 88° 54' west. It is bounded on
the north by the Republic of Guatemala, on the east by the depart-
ments of Cortes and Comayagua, on the south by the department of
Gracias, and on the west by the department of Copan.
Area and population. — ^The area is 1,500 square miles and the pop-
ulation about 36,000. Santa Barbara is the capital of the department,
and is situated about 120 miles from the north coast.
General aspect. — The country is rolling and very irregular of sur-
face, with mountains and peaks standing forth in bold relief. The
soil is rich, and hence the chief industry is agriculture. The altitude
averages 1,000 feet above sea level, and as the climate approaches
that of the Temperate Zone in summer, the district is valuable for the
raising of grain of all kinds. Cattle also find in the broad and undu-
lating savannas rich feeding ground, and are therefore sleek and
healthy. The Santa Barbara and Chamelicon rivers irrigate and
drain this Department. Both are partly navigable in this district,
but only for canoes and rafts.
Industries. — Agriculture is the main industry of the people. Cattle
breeding is carried on to a limited extent, and the growing of coffee
receives some attention.
Internal communication. — The roads are mere trails, but adequate
at present for the traffic of the Department. The camino real con-
DEPARTMENTS. 45
nects Santa Barbara with the railroad terminus at Pimienta, with
Comayagna and Tegucigalpa to the south, and with Santa Rosa and
Gracias to the southwest.
Department of Copan.
Situation, — The Department of Copan is situated between 14° 8'
and 15° 18' north latitude, and between 88° 42' and 89° 36' west longi-
tude. It is bounded on the north by the Republic of Guatemala, on
the east by the Departments of Santa Barbara and Gracias, and on
the south by the Republic of Salvador.
Area and population, — The area of Copan is about 2,200 square
miles, and it has a population of 62,300 persons.
The capital of the Department is Santa Rosa, at an altitude of 3,400
feet above the level of the sea. Santa Rosa is the center of the
tobacco manufacturing district. It is about 160 miles from the north
coast and equally distant from the Pacific Ocean, in a straight direc-
tion through Salvador.
General aspect, — The Department lies in the heart of a lofty moun-
tain system, the mountains, as elsewhere in Honduras, being very
broken in their topography and densely wooded with splendid pine
forests. The valleys and plateaus are very fertile, the surface soil of
the mountains finding a resting place there after the rains have
washed it from the mountain sides. The climate is constant, the
night being always cool and the day warm but agreeable. There are
no large rivers in the Department; all the streaAis are mountain tor-
rents and brooks, but their large number provides sufficient moisture
for the soil.
Industries, — The chief industry is the growing of tobacco, which,
in and around the city of Santa Rosa, is manufactured into cigars
and cigarettes. The tobacco is of a good quality, and with intelligent
culture and manipulation could be made similar to that of Cuba.
Silver mining is largely carried on in the vicinity of Sensenti.
Internal communication, — The various towns in this Department
are connected by mountain trails. The distance from Santa Rosa to
Tegucigalpa is 80 Spanish leagues, or about 240 English miles.
The ruins of Copan, — In this Department, near the border line of
the Republic of Guatemala, stands the ruins of an ancient temple and
city which were at one time occupied by a civilized nation, presum-
ably the Toltecs. The graven images and highly sculptured stones
that still bear witness of a former race are executed with rare skill
and ingenuity of design, and resemble closely the works of art of the
ancient Mexican or Aztec races. The ruins are very old, since as long
ago as 1576 they were described by the emissary of Philip II, Palacio,
in his narrative of that pai t of the Spanish colonial possessions. The
rains may be investigated by scientists and others interested upon
permission obtained from the G<>vernment.
46 HONDURAS.
Department op Gracias.
Sitvntimi, — This department lies between 13° 56' and 14° 45' north
latitude, and between 88° 18' and 88° 57' west longitude. It is bounded
on the north by the Department of Santa Barbara, on the east by the
Department of Intibuca, on the south by the Republic of Salvador,
and on the west by the Department of Copan. The Rio Sumpul forms
the southern boundary with Salvador. Gracias is the capital, and lies
2,500 feet above the sea. It was founded in 1530, and is the third
oldest city in Honduras.
Area and population. — The area of this Department is approxi-
mately 800 square miles, and the population in 1901 is given officially
as 48,242. The district is inhabited chiefly by Indians, celebrated
throughout the Republic as ** Gracianos," and as a brave, industrious,
and loyal population.
General aspect — Gracias is very mountainous. The valleys are
narrow but fertile, and are covered with fields of maize and sugar
cane. The highlands are thickly covered with forests of i3ine and
oak. The general slope is toward the north, and the Department
enjoys a highly salubrious climate because of the prevailing north
winds, abundant rains, and cool nights. During the dry season the
days are much cooler and the nights cold. The streams are all small
and chiefly mountain torrents.
Industries. — Agriculture is carried on by the Indian population.
Sugar mills and factqries and stills for the manufacture of aguardiente
(sugar-cane rum) are established in several places, and provide a good
income to the Department.
The breeding of cattle is largely engaging the • inhabitants, and
forms a large part of their wealth. At Erandique there are opal
mines, from which are secured very beautiful specimens of that
stone. Silver and gold mining is pursued in some localities of the
Department, but on no large scale.
Department of Intibuca.
Situation. — This Department is situated between latitude 13° 51'
and 14° 42' east and longitude 87° 46' and 88° 42' west. It is bounded
on the north by the Department of Comayagua, on the east by the
departments of La Paz and Comayagua, on the south by the Republic
of Salvador, and on the west by the Department of Gracias. The
capital of the department, La Esperanza (part of the town of Inti-
buca), lies at an elevation of 4,950 feet above sea level.
Area and population.^-The area of the department is 700 square
miles. It has a population of 26,348, chiefly Indians.
General aspect. — Intibuca is, with the department of Tegucigalpa,
the most mountainous district of Honduras. The table-land and val-
leys are higher than in any other part of the country, and the ranges
DEPARTMKNT8. 47
of the Cordilleras rise to an altitude approaching 10,000 feet above
the level of the sea. The mountain slopes are well supplied with pine
and oak forests, and the valleys thrive with the fertile, well-watered
soil, covered with vegetation belonging rather to the Temperate than
to the Tropical Zone.
The plain of Intibuca, at a general level of 5,000 feet above the sea,
and situated in the terraces of the Opalaca Mountains, has an excep-
tionally delightful climate. In the months of December and January
the days are cool and the nights very cold. Snow has been known to
fall in this vicinity in the month of December. Peaches, apples, and
plums flourish in this plain, and the blackl^erry is indigenous in the
hills, as elsewhere in the highlands of Honduras. Wheat and sugar
cane and some coffee and tobacco are grown here.
Industries, — Tlie chief industries are agriculture and stock raising,
both of which are in the hands of the Indian population.
Infernal communicafion. — The roads are kept in fairly passable
condition, but are exceedingly irregular and traverse the mountains
and valleys without regard to grade.
Department of La Paz.
Siiuatix)n, — La Paz is situated between latitude 13° 42' and 14° 19'
east and longitude 87° 31' and 88° 10' west. It is bounded on the
north by the Department of Intibuca, on the east by the Departments
of Comayagua and Tegucigalpa, on the south by the Department of
Valle and the Republic of Salvador, and on the west by the Department
of Intibuca.
The capital of the Department is the town of La Paz, which is sit-
uated at the southern end of the plain or valley of Comayagua, on
the slopes of the Montecillos Mountains.
Area and population, — The area of this department is about 700
square miles, and the population, which for the great-er part is Indian,
ascends to 27,384.
General aspect, — The country is mountainous and irregular, and
the central portion of the Department forms the dividing ridge of the
watersheds flowing their streams northward into the Caribbean Sea
and southward into the Pacific Ocean. The general aspect of the land
is similar to that of Intibuca and Comayagua, and the general altitude
is much less than that of the former Department, though a trifle
greater than that of the latter. The mountains are richly covered
with pines and oaks, and the valleys afford warm shelter for the many
varieties of palms which flourish there. Broad and fertile savannas
give excellent opportunity for the ranging of cattle, and the slopes of
the mountains seem well adapted to the cultivation of the sugar cane,
red bean, corn, and coffee.
Indusi/ries, — ^Agriculture and stock raising are the chief industries,
and the growing of coffee forms an important occupation in the Mar-
cala district of the Department.
48 HONDUBAS.
Interned communications, — The roads and trails are tolerably good,
but have, in general, the same faults as the other trails in Honduras.
The distance from the town of La Paz to Tegucigalpa is about 70
miles.
Department op Valle.
Situation, — The situation of Valle is between latitude 13° 12' and
13° 44' north und longitude 87° 8' and 87° 48' west. It is bounded on
the north by the departments of La Paz and Tegucigalpa, on the east
by the department of Choluteca, on the south by the Gulf of Fonseca,
and on the west by the Republic of Salvador.
The capital of the department is the town of Nacaome, 110 feet
above sea level, and with a population of about 9,000.
Area and population, — The area of this department is about 600
square miles, and the population in 1901 is given as 33,450, mixed
whites and Indians.
Fluvial communication, — The mainland of the deparment has three
minor ports — Aceituno, La Brea, and San Lorenzo. Access to these
from the port of entry at Amapala, on the island of Tigre, is had by
light-draft cargo boats, bumboats, canoes, light sailing craft, and a
small steamboat of 12 tons burden. ' The distance from Amapala
to Aceituno and La Brea is about 20 miles and from Amapala to
San Lorenzo about 30 miles. San Lorenzo, which has the largest busi-
ness of these minor ports on the mainland, is reached over the waters
of the Gulf of Fonseca, the Bay of San Lorenzo, and the waterways or
estuaries flowing through the mangrove swamps. Communication is
had with Salvador through the port of La Union, of that Republic,
on the northern side of the gulf. The rivers of the department are
»ot navigable because of their extreme shallowness and rapid current.
General aspect, — ^The northern part of the department is very moun-
tainous, the peaks clearly showing the effects of volcanic disturbances.
The high ranges are usually destitute of vegetation and hold little
surface soil. Lower down the mountains are generously covered with
magnificent pine and palmetto forests. The valleys, though narrow
and much broken up by the irregular rock formations, are fertile and
furnish an abundant crop of maize and sugar cane. The central and
lower parts of the department show a great alluvial plain, sparsely
covered with vegetation, and in many places exhibiting a surface
of igneous rock and lava. In the rainy season the surface soil is
covered with nutritious grass, upon which the cattle thrive. This
plain extends inland some 15 miles, in the form of a belt along the
coast. The shores near the mainland are covered with vast, impene-
trable mangrove swamps, through which the waters of the gulf flow
as estuaries or lagoons, and thus afford the means of reaching the
mainland. The entire department has an exceedingly hot climate,
and on the lowlands and upon the islands in the gulf the temperature
DEPARTMENTS. 49
is wholly tropical. In the mountain districts of the department the
nights are cool and refreshing, although the days are very hot. On
the plain the days are hot and the nights warm.
The northern winds which blow constantly during the dry season
have the effect of moderating the tropical heat on the coast lands
and the islands. The islands in the Gulf of Fonseca, which belong
to Honduras, are Zacate Grande, Exposicion, Nianguera, and Tigre,
together with some smaller ones. All these islands clearly show the
results of tremendous volcanic activity. Tigre Island rises from the
sea in the form of a huge cone, covered to its summit with dense
tropical vegetation. On this island is situated the town of Amapala,
the port of entry of the Republic of Honduras, on the Pacific Ocean.
Zacate Grande is a huge barren pile of volcanic rock and ashes, of
an ochre color, and sparsely sprinkled with shrubs and trees on its
slopes. The shores are thickly covered with vegetation, and Indians
successfully raise large crops of corn and a species of kaffir corn near
the base of the mountain.
Industries, — Agriculture on the central mainland is carried on with
some success; mining is extensivel}^ conducted in the northern part
of the Department, and stock raising is general thrpughout the dis-
trict. The gold mines near Aramecina have been successfully worked
and have produced large quantities of gold and silver. The exporta-
tion of hides, logwood, mahogany, and cedar gives an industry to a
large part of the population.
Internal communications, — A very fair road leads from San Lorenzo
to Pespire, and from La Brea to the same town via Nacaome. As
the ground is generally level, the difficulty of road making has been
minimum. The excellent road from Tegucigalpa to La Venta is in
process of extension from the latter town to the south coast, and
when completed much of the difficulty of surmounting the deep mud
roads and trails of the Department in the rainy season will be over.
Department op Choluteca,
Situaiion. — The Department of Choluteca lies between 12° 66' and
13° 46' north latitude, and 86° 52' and 87° 30' west longitude. It is
bounded on the north by the Departments of Tegucigalpa and El
Paraiso, on the east by the Republic of Nicaragua, on the south by
the Gulf of Fonseca, and on the west by the Department of Valle.
The capital of the Department is the town of Choluteca, 250 feet above
the sea level, on the left bank of the Rio Choluteca. The community
is very old, having been known as far back as 1526, when several
Spanish expeditions met here. The place is said to have been founded
by Mexicans of the Aztec race. The population of the city is about
6,000.
Area and population. — The area of the Department of Choluteca is,
488a— 04 i
50 H0NDUBA8.
in round numbers, 700 square miles. The population in 1901 was
estimated at 45,340.
General aspect — The northern part of the Department is mountain-
ous and broken into* great irregular ranges. The lower part forms a
great plain along the coast of the Gulf of Fonseca. In the mountain
district the days are warm and the nights comfortably cool. The
variety of vegetation is large, ranging from the pines and oaks of the
highlands to the palm and cocoanut trees along the coast. Coffee,
wheat, and corn are raised in the higher altitudes, and in the vicinity
of Choluteca every variety of tropical plants and fruits abounds.
The lower forests are still plentifully supplied with mahogany, cedar,
and different kinds of dyewoods and rubber trees.
The river Cholut-eca is navigable for light-draft craft from the town
of Choluteca to the coast.
Industries, — Gold mining has been undertaken with considerable
success in the mountains, but lately the product has been small.
Agriculture and stock raising form the principal industries and give
excellent returns.
Internal communications. — The roads are in passable condition and
the trails similar .to those in other parts of the Republic. The main
highway between the port of San Lorenzo and Tegucigalpa crosses
this department in its western angle for a distance of 5 leagues.
Department of El Paraiso.
Situation, — This Department is situated between latitude 13° 42' and
14° 15' north, and longitude 85° 57' and 87° 9' west. It is bounded on
the north by the Departments of Tegucigalpa and Olancho, on the
east by the Department of Olancho, on the south by the Department
of Choluteca and the Republic of Nicaragua, and on the west by the
Department of Tegucigalpa.
Area and population, — ^The area is 1,500 square miles and the pop-
ulation is estimated at 40,000.
General aspect, — The entire department is an irregular mass of
beautiful mountain peaks and chains, interspersed by pleasant val-
leys, and watered by numerous streams. The days are warm, but the
nights cool. The climate is healthful and suitable to any constitu-
tion. The mountains are uniformly clothed with forests of pine, and
the valleys produce fine crops of sugar cane, coffee, and maize. Cat-
tle find plenty of excellent grazing land in the northern part of the
Department.
Industries. — =The principal industry is that of mining. Agriculture
also receives a large share of attention, and stock raising prevails in
some localities.
Internal communication. — The roads and trails are suitable for pres-
ent purposes though wholly inadequate for any extensive trafl&c in
freight. From Danli to Tegucigalpa, via Yuscaran, there is a fair
DEPARTMENTS. 51.
road and trail and an excellent stone bridge of four arches which
spans the Rio Grande near Potrerillos. The principal arch of- the
bridge has a diameter of 25 meters. The bridge is 110 meters long
and 7 meters wide. It is the best example of bridge structure in Hon-
duras and demonstrates the possibilities of civic enterprise in this
Republic.
Department op Olancho.
Situation, — This Department is situated between 13° 38' and 15° 30'
north latitude, and between 84° 27' and 86° 39' west longitude. It is
bounded on the north by the department of Colon and the district of
Mosquitia, on the east by the district of Mosquitia, on the south by
the Republic of Nicaragua, and on the west by the departments of
El Paraiso, Tegucigalpa, and Yoro.
The capital of the Department is Juticalpa. The Rio Segovia, or
Coco River, forms the southern boundary line between the Republic
of Nicaragua and this Department.
Area and population, — The area of Olancho is 12,000 square miles;
its population, 44,496, according to the latest census. The inhabitants
of this Department are for the greater part a mixed race of Spaniards,
Indians, and negroes. Juticalpa contains a population of 11,000. It
is 120 miles from Tegucigalpa and the center of an extensive mining
and agricultural district.
General aspect, — The western portion of this great Department is
mountainous, while the central is plateau and rolling country, in
which mining and stock raising are chiefly followed. The eastern
and northern parts are undulating foothills, covered with dense for-
ests of magnificent timber and cabinet woods. In the mountain
region of the Misoco chain nearly all the great rivers that finally
empty into the Caribbean Sea have their source. These rivers in
their upper courses have been famous in the past for the extensive
gold washings and placer mines. The broad savannas provide many
square miles of rich pasture land, which in the rainy season is a
veritable land of plenty for the thousands of head of cattle that wan-
der over the ranges; but in the dry season the streams subside and
in many cases become dry, and the fields become infested with myr-
iads of flies, gnats, and ticks, which greatly impoverish the cattle.
The Patuca and Negro rivers are partly navigable in this Department.
Industries, — ^The most profitable industry in Olancho is stock rais-
ing, and it is from this district that the finest cattle, best horses, and
hides are shipped to other parts of Central America and the West
Indies.
Mining has received a considerable share of attention, but the
enterprise ^has never been consistently successful. A large amount
of money has been invested in placer mining, but the returns have
been insignificant in proportion to the amount of investment. The
52 HONBURA8.
failures have been due in a measure as much to bad management as
to absence of ** pay dirt."
Agriculture provides a large part of the Olancho population with
an occupation and comfortable earnings. The climate being, as a rule,
semitropical, agriculturists find it profitable to raise tropical as well
as temperate-zone food products.
Interned communication. — The roads and trails are fair and would
be easier to travel over were it not for the common practice of cattle
herders to drive their droves over these paths, which become, by the
constant trampling of the hoofs of cattle, stretches of mire, through
which it often is at imminent risk of limb that the traveler passes.
The camino real runs from the Indian town of Catacamas through
Juticalpa, Guaimaca, and Talanga to Tegucigalpa. From Juticalpa
to Truxillo, on the north coast, the distance is 240 miles, and from the
former city to the south coast the distance is 230 miles.
Several concessions for railroads through this Department have been
granted by the Government, but as yet nothing has been done to give
the hope that these grants are to be used for other than promotion
schemes.
Department of Colon.
" Situation. — The Department of Colon is situated between latitude
15° 3' and 16° 3' north, and longitude 85° and 86° 25' west. It is
bounded on the north by the Caribbean Sea, on the east by the district
of Mosquitia, on the south by the Departments of Olancho and Yoro,
and on the west by the Depa^rtment of Atlantida.
The capital is the seaport town of Truxillo, on the Caribbean Sea.
Area and population. — The area of Colon is about 1,500 square miles.
In 1901 the population was estimated at 13,700, but the district of
Mosquitia was included in the count. Deducting an estimated popu-
lation in this territory of 4,000 persons, there is left as the actual esti-
mated population of Colon the number of 9,700, mostly of the Carib
tribe.
General aspect — Colon is low and, for the greater part of its terri-
tory, level and densely wooded with forest and jungle. Near the coast
rise a succession of conical mountain peaks, which may be seen across
the sea from the Bay Islands. These peaks are likewise covered with
forests of ceiba, mahogany, cedar, rubber, and palm trees. The alti-
tude of these mountains varies from 3,000 to 8,000 feet. The climate is
torrid, but happily tempered by the prevailing trade winds. Numer-
ous creeks, bayous, and small rivers drain the district and empty
into the Caribbean.
Industries. — The chief industry is the cutting and exportation of
cabinet woods and dyewoods. Agriculture is also the means of sup-
port of a large body of the Indian population. The largd fruit and
cocoa plantations are in the hands of foreigners, who export chiefly
to the United States, From the port of Truxillo a large number of
DBPABTMENT8. 58
oattle are exported annually, as well as hides, medicinal plants, and
herbs. Much of the crude rubber which is obtained in the interior
is shipped from this port also.
Internal communication, — As this Department is thinly settled, the
trails are in bad condition and often so encumbered with mud as to
make passing impossible. The camino real^ or main trail, goes from
Truxillo to Ilanga, Sonaguera, Olanchito, and Yoro to Tegucigalpa.
The distance between Truxillo and Tegucigalpa is computed ^t 300
miles. A large part of the way is over dangerous mountain trails
and through shadowy, gloomy forests and jungle.
The Aguan River is navigable for small boats throughout its course
in this Department, but has a dangerous bar at its mouth.
Department of Yoro.
Sitiuition, — This Depailiment is situated between north latitude 14°
30' and 15° 8' and west longitude 86° 12' and 88° 3'. It is bounded on
the north by the Departments of Colon and Atlantida, on the east by
the Department of Olancho, on the south by the Departments of Tegu-
cigalpa and Comayagua, and on the west by the Department of Cortes.
The capital is the town of Yoro.
Area and population: — The area of Yoro is 4,500 square miles,
approximately. The population has been estimated at about 20,000.
This population is mostly Indian, and as the Department belongs to
the interior class, but few whites have thus far settled or engaged in
business there.
General aspect — The northern part of the Department is low and
covered with vast forests. The northwestern corner forms a part of
the great Plain of Sula, and is drained by the Ulua River and its trib-
utaries, which flow into it from the heights of the Pijo Mountains.
The central and southern part of the Department comprehends the
foothills and rolling savannas which form the base of the Sulaco
Mountains. In these highlands the Aguan, Lean, and Cuyamapa
rivers find their source.
The valleys are hot and fertile and covered with luxuriant vegeta-
tion, and the mountains carry immense forests of pine, oak, cedar,
and mahogany. As few roads have been built in this district, the
wood-cutting enterprises have been greatly restricted.
Industries,— Yovo can boast of few industries, the chief one being
the tapping and exportation of crude rubber, or caoutchouc. Agri-
culture and stock raising prevail to some extent. Sarsaparilla also
forms a considerable part of the exports from this Department.
Department op Atlantida.
SUuaiion. — ^Atlantida lies between latitude 15° 20' and 16° 50' north
and longitude 86° 25' and 87° 54' west. It is bounded on the north by
the Caribbean Sea, on the east by the Department of Colon, on the
54 HONDURAS.
south by the Department of Yoro, and on the west by the Department
of Cortes. The principal city and the capital is La Ceiba, on the
Caribbean Sea.
Area and population, — The area of Atlantida is 1,000 square miles,
and the population about 9,000.
General aspect — ^The department is comprehended entirely within
the alluvial district of the north coast. It is as a rule low, level, and
hot; Jbhe trade winds do much to modify the tropical heat and con-
tribute a healthful climate to the district. Near the coast rises a
chain of lofty wooded peaks, so familiar to all travelers along the
coast between Omoa and Truxillo. The land is plentifully watered
by innumerable streams, that empty into the Caribbean Sea after
traversing the breadth of the department. The land is uniformly
covered by great tropical forests, except where clearings have been
made for the numerous plantations.
Industries, — Atlantida is rapidly becoming the center of the fruit-
producing industr5^ Many hundred thousand bunches of bananas
are shipped yearly to the United States. The main port of exporta-
tion is La Ceiba, which has grown in a few years from a mere hamlet
to an enterprising town.
Internal communication, — ^There are few public roads or trails, most
of the passenger traffic going by sea to Truxillo or Puerto Cortes.
Territory op Mosquftia.
Situation, — This territorial district is the next largest political divi-
sion in Honduras, Olancho being first in point of size. It is situated
between latitude 14° 18' and 16° north, and between longitude 83° 8'
and 85° 42' west. It is bounded on the north and east by the Carib-
bean Sea, on the south by the Republic of Nicaragua and the depart-
ment of Olancho, on the west by the departments of Olancho and
Colon.
Area and population, — The area is about 9,000 sT^uare miles. The
population of 4,000 consists mainly of a mixed race of negroes and
Indians.
General aspect. — What little is known of this territory demonstrates
that it is generally low, level, and unhealthful, except on the coast,
where the trade winds dispel the miasma of the swamps and lagoons.
The country is covered with a dense, impenetrable forest of tropical
verdure, through which the turbid waters of the Rio Negro, Rio Patuca,
and Rio Coco press their courses. Along these rivers the country
has been partially explored and described, but the interior is still
unknown. Along the north coast immense lagoons break the con-
tinuity of the shore line, and the mouths of the Patuca and Coco
rivers form great bars at their entrance. The Patuca, Negro, and
Coco rivers may be navigated for many miles into the interior by light-
draft vessels.
DEPARTMEKTS. , 55
Department of the Bay Islands.
Situation. — The Bay Islands lie off the north coast of Honduras, in
the Caribbean Sea, in latitude 16° 3' and 16° 32' north and longitude
85° 51' and 87° 2' west. The group consists oY the islands of Utila,
Roatan, Elena, Barbareta, and Bonaca.
The capital of the department is Coxin Hole.
Area and population. — ^The area is about 200 square miles, and the
population of whites and negroes about 4,700.
General aspect. — The islands are low, with hills rising to a height
of 700 and 1,000 feet. Utila is low, swampy, and very hot. On the
hills of Roatan and Bonaca the cool winds modify the tropical heat to
some extent.
Industries. — Fruit growing and the exportation of cocoanuts form
the principal business in these islands. On Roatan the population
does a thriving business in fruit growing and agriculture. The Eng-
lish language is commonly used, as the islands were held under
British sovereignty for many years and have only within fifty years
come under the dominion of the Republic of Honduras.
CHAPTER V.
AOBICULTTJBE, REVIEW OF THE AOBICTTIiTTJBAL WEAI<TH OF
THE C0X7NTBT; PBINCIPAL PBODTICTS, THEIB CULTIVATION;
FACILITIES FOB OBTAIKINO GOVEBNMENT IiANDS; IiAND LAWS;
FOBEST PBODTICTS.
AGRICULTURE.
As in most tropical countries, so in Honduras, there are many large
areas suitable for the pursuit of agriculture. The wealth of a nation
is founded on its agricultural activity and the returns from the tillage
of the soil. In Honduras there is no farming on a large scale, and
such large plantations as are now under cultivation are chiefly along
the north coast and under the direction and management of foreign-
ers. It might b^ assumed that Honduras with its varied climate, its
lowlands and highlands and undulating plains in all parts of its
territory, covered with rich, fertile soil, would be essentially a great
agricultural region. The situation, for some reason, is quite the
reverse. By some the lack of transportation facilities is attributed as
a cause of the small amount of agricultural enterprise; by others the
lack of markets. Be that as it may, the fact remains that the native
rarely raises a greater crop of corn, beans, and rice than will suffice
for his needs Antil the following crop can be garnered. It is sometimes
extremely difficult to obtain bananas, oranges, potatoes, and even
corn in Tegucigalpa.
Very few fields are properly plowed^ and the care bestowed on the
growing corn, wheat, red beans, or sugar cane amounts almost to
nothing.. As it is, the ground is often so extremely fertile that the
mere insertion of the kernel of corn in the earth gives the desired
result without further effort. Great areas of the mountain sides, near
th^e summits, are cleared by burning down the brush and trees. The
seed is planted by dropping it into the hole and covering it with the
foot. The prevalence of clouds and mist high up in the mountains,
and the longer duration there of the sunlight warmth, together with
the richness of the soil, contribute to simplify the labor of farming in
Honduras. Corn is the chief article of food, the cereal being ground
and used in many ways for man and beast. Two crops a year are
secured, but with this advantage and the large demand from the
towns, there never seems enough maize by half. Maize is grown in
every part of Honduras. The same may be said of the sugar cane
and the red bean (frijole). Tobacco and coffee are raised chiefly in
the mountainous districts of the western and central departments.
56
AGRICULTURE. 57
The tobacco district seems to be limited, in fact, to the departments
of Copan and Gracias. In the departments of the north, along the
Caribbean Sea, lies the great fruit-growing region. In the depart-
ment of Choluteca, near the Gulf of Fonseca, fruit raising is con-
ducjbed on a large scale also. The departments of Cortes, Atlantida,
and Colon, comprehend 90 per cent of the tropical fruit plantations,
and it is from the ports of Puerto Cortes, Tela, La Ceiba, and Trux-
illo, that hundreds of thousands of bunches of bananas are shipped
to the Gulf ports of the United States during the year. In this dis-
trict are grown oranges, lemons, and cocoanuts, which are shipped
by the millions to foreign countries. The growing of coffee has come
into some favor of late years, and appreciable quantities have been
exported from the departments of Intibuca, Gracias, Copan, and
chiefly Santa Barbara. The coffee of Honduras is considered of
excellent quality, and brings a good price in fol*eign markets.
Rice is cultivated with considerable success in the departments of
Santa Barbara, Comayagua, and Choluteca. Is is of good quality,
and for the most part grown for domestic consumption.
Wheat is not produced on a scale which the demand of the country
seems to justify. Most of the crops are raised in Copan and Intibuca,
where the climate is especially favorable to the production of wheat.
As the mills are primitive and do not as yet make flour suitable for
the purposes of bread making, considerable importation of flour takes
place annually, although high selling prices in the interior make it
prohibitive for ordinary consumption.
The sugar cane is used for a double purpose in Honduras — for the
manufacture of sugar-cane rum and for unreflned sugar.
Potatoes and vegetables are beginning to find favor as a food article
among the natives, and each succeeding year shows greater and
greater attention to their cultivation. Indigo has diminished to a
large extent as an article of export. It is cultivated in many depart-
ments and is alsb found in large areas growing wild.
Agriculture in Honduras is still in a most primitive state, and this
condition must continue until the farmer may be assured of better
roads, better markets, and cheaper transportation rates than those
that rule at present. The recent years have shown a decided advance
in agricultural pursuits in all parts of the country and notably on
the north coast.
Irrigation has not been attempted by the native, but there are some
districts that have been made very fertile by the introduction of arti-
ficial waterways. About 2,920 acres have been thus reclaimed, but
this is an insignificant number compared with the area of land that
might be reclaimed and turned into profitable fields. The Plain of
Comayagua, which is a barren waste in the dry season, could be made
into a veritable garden the year around. So also with the broad
alluvial plain on the Gulf of Fonseca, which becomes a desert for five
58 HONDURAS.
months of the year, and could without difficulty be made a profitable
farming district.
AREA UNDER CULTIVATION.
In 1902 it was estimated that th^re were in the Republic of Hogidu-
ras 15,351 farms on which cereals were raised. The area is not given.
There were 16,600 acres of bananas under cultivation, 7,600 acres of
plantains, 5,140 acres of sugar cane, and 3,700 acres of indigo. There
were reported to be 410,850 orange and lemon trees, 1,239,428 cocoa-
nut trees, 13,317,607 coffee trees, and 300,000 fruit trees of other
kinds.
COST OP AN AVERAGE FARM.
The capital required for a family to settle upon and cultivate an
area of 100 manzanas (about 150 acres) would amount to the following:
[Values in United States currency.]
Land _ _ $87
Honse, railings, wells, etc 400
5 bullocks - - 65
Horse 35
2 mnles 174
3 plows 36
1 rake 13
Icart 21
Maintenance, etc 300
Total 1,131
Land may be had without other expense than that connected with
an application, survey, and measurement of the same and the pay-
ment of an annual tax to the Government of 25 centavos per hectare
(2.47 acres), as may be noted by reference to the congressional decree
of February 22, 1902.
CROP ESTIMATES FOR 1902.
In the official annual report made by the Minister of Public Works
and Exploitation for the fiscal year 1901-2 the following figures are
given as estimates of the agricultural production in Honduras:
[Fanega=1.57+bu8hel8, qaintal=100 i)otinds, c»rga=2S0 pounds.]
Maize f anegas . . 324, 235
Red beans do 13,113
Wheat _--.- - do.-.. 10,072
Rice _ .- - qnintals-- 38,613
Bananas ..bunches . 3,219,229
Plantains- number. . 36,480,000
Coconuts- do.... 14,263,300
Coffee quintals-- 44,284
Tobacco.. - do...- 13,582
Sugar - - cargas. . 15, 000
Indigo - pounds. . 105, 425
PUBLIC LANDS.
Agricultural products exported.
[United States currency.]
5a
Year.
Wheat.
Rubber.
Coflfee.
Tobacco.
Bananas.
Sarsapa-
rilla.
1898-1899
$37,843.65
39,485.69
38,068.86
31,081.00
24,200.12
$eO,238.90
45,509.95
119,649.54
110,330.67
23,466.05
$26,086.95
13,333.33
92,792.97
80,340.40
$557,590.66
720,679.52
845,821.05
777,267.22
582,928.04
28,265.82
1899-1900
22,769.42
1900-1901
38,479.80
1901-1902
$26,796.80
32,241.00
1902-1908
26,271.60
Total
26,796.80
168,619.32
359,195.11
212,553.65
3,484,386.49
148,027.54
METHOD OF ACQUIRING PUBLIC LANDS IN HONDURAS.
Prospective settlers in this country should be cautioned that, as in
the United States, it is absolutely necessary to be provided with funds
for subsistence and other expenses, and that provision in this direc-
tion should be made to cover at least a period of one year.
The lands of Honduras are classified in three divisions — municipal,
private, and national or public.
In order to acquire national lands the party interested, or his rep-
resentative, should present to the Administrador de Rentas, or Col-
lector of Customs and Revenue,' of the Department in which the land
is situated, a denouncement (claim), specifying the limits thereof and
the name of the tract of land. Upon the determination of the land as
national by the duly constituted authority, a surveyor is nominated
to measure the land, and after this has been done the Collector of
Revenue advertises the land for sale at public auction, fixing the day
and hour therefor. The party making the claim is given the prefer-
ence at this sale, and if his bid is not accepted as the highest the
party securing the land must reimburse the one making the claim for
the amount of expense incurred in applying for the land and survey-
ing it. As soon as the sale is approved the selling price must be paid.
The prices fixed are: 50 centavos per manzana for pasture land; 1
peso for each manzana of land for agricultural purposes; 2 pesos per
manzana for land along the banks of navigable rivers or lakes con-
necting therewith at a distance of 1 league.
The manzana is a tract of land 100 varas square, and is equivalent
to about 1.74 acres. The Honduras peso varies in exchange value
between 35 and 43 cents United States currency.
Further restrictions are made to classify land and determine its
valuation as first class, such as lands situated within 20 kilometers, in
a direct line from the sea, from a railroad line built or in process of
construction, or likely to be built; from navigable rivers or lakes, or
which, in the opinion of the executive authority, may be made so; as
well as those agricultural lands which are situated within the same dis-
tance (20 kilometers) from a city or large town, from a mining enter-
prise, or from cart roads extending to the coast; and such plots of
.60 HONDURAS.
ground as the Government may reserve to itself in concessionary
grants.
The record ol* the denouncement, public sale, payment therefor, and
certified copy of the transaction, together with the registry, etc., con-
stitute the title to the property.
The (Tovemment may prohibit the sale of national lands on the shore
of both oceans and to a distance of 2 leagues inland, as well as of the
land on islands and cays.
Foreigners, as well as natives, may acquire a dominio util, or the
usufruct of national lands, without purchasing them by petitioning
the Minister of ICxploitation for a concession of land for. plantations
of coffee, cacao, rubber, vanilla, indigo, sugar cane, cotton, olives,
ramie, bananas, plantains, cocoanut trees, oranges, and lemons.
The law known as ''Congressional decree No. 50, of February 22,
1902," prescribes the methods and conditions for acquiring national
land in the district of Tela, on the Caribbean Sea.
Agriculturists and stock raisers enjoy certain rights and immuni-
ties, such as exemption from military service and the free entry of
machinery, hardware, and construction material for houses, and free
admission of breeding cattle and of seeds.
DECREE NO. 50.
Art. 1. The Executive Authority shall cause all national lands in
the district of Tela and all which may be included in paragraph 1 of
article 30 of the Law of Agriculture, with the exception of those on
which there may be ruins of ancient communities, to be measured and
divided into lots of 25.5 and 100 hectares each, and maps thereof filed.
Art. 2. Each lot shall have a number or name, and the boundaries
thereof shall be dulj^ marked.
Art. 3. The usufruct of said lots may be acquired by Honduraneans
or foreigners domiciled in, or who intend to be domiciled in, the
country, without expense and without further* formality than a sim-
ple written request made by the party interested to the collector of
revenue or his deputy, or to such officer as the Government may
designate.
Art. 4. The acquisition of these lots shall carry with them a per-
sonal title, and, with the exception in the case of heirs, they shall not
be transferable until a fourth section is under cultivation.
Art. 5. If any person seeks more than one lot, he shall make peti-
tion to the Minister of Exploitation, who, upon taking into considera-
tion the resources of the petitioner, may concede or withhold such
grant. The Executive Authority, on conceding more than one lot,
shall not give title to an area of more than 500 hectares (1,235 acres).
These lots shall be registered in the same manner as the others.
Art. 6. These lots are to be given preference for agricultural pur-
PUBLIC LANDS. 61
poses, and cultivation thereon must begin within two years from the
date of the concession.
Art. 7. The lessee of each lot shall pay an annual tax of 25 cen-
tavos for every hectare, the payment to be made in advance on the
Ist day of January; but on a concession obtained after the first day
of the year the tax shall be proportioned according to the time left
until the last day of December. After cultivation has begun the
annual tax shall be reduced to 10 centavos per hectare on land under
cultivation. This tax is not to be increased during the next twenty-
five years (i. e., from February 22, 1902).
Art. 8. The lessee stall forfeit his title to his lots if cultivation
thereon is not begun within two years from the date of the concession;
also if the taxes remain unpaid upon maturity, provided that if a
quarter part is under cultivation only the remainder shall be forfeited
and the Government shall have the prerogative of collecting the taxes
on the cultivated part.
Art. 9. At any time when it shall be necessary or incumbent to con-
demn one or more lots, or parts thereof, for roads, railroads, wharves,
landings, or for navigation or canalization, bridges, or other works of
a public character, the lease shall cease, but the lessee shall be paid
the value of his improvements on the part condemned, the valuation
to be fixed by arbitration.
Art. 10. The lessee shall enjoy all the privileges and exemptions
provided by the law of agriculture as soon as he shall begin his
cultivation.
Art. 11. All lands adjacent to port towns and districts which
in the opinion of the Government may be necessary for the future
development of said localities, such as lands on which may be erected
wharves, landings, or depots, shall be exempted from the general
division of lots. Land space separating the lots shall remain subject
to common use.
Art. 12. This law shall not affect or alter in any manner prior
concessions or contracts.
Art. 13. The Executive Authority shall make such regulations as
may be necessary for the enforcement of this law.
Art. 14. This act shall take effect from the date of promulgation.
Total value of agricultural products exported^ 1898-1903.
[Values expressed in United States currency.]
18U8-1899 - $710,025.98
1899-1900 841,787.91
1900-1901.- 1,132,812.22
1901-1902 1,057,997.09
1902-1903 656,865.71
Total .- 4,399,488.91
62
HONDURAS.
Value of Honduras agricultural exports to the United States, 1897-1901,
[Values expressed in United States currency.]
1897.
1898.
1899.
1900.
1901.
BrefMlfttTifTB .,_,,_._
$22.80
$8.80
$75.20
128.80
20,016.60
6.00
2,696.00
29,840.00
45.60
.80
1.20
2.00
.80
.40
Cocoa, crude
Coflfee
33,149.60
5.20
2,159.20
29,888.80
.80
3.20
15,299.20
2.80
928.00
38,312.80
24.40
$11,691.20
6.00
1,786.00
44,764.00
$6,176.80
TjemonB ....
8.80
Orang^es
2,606.00
Cocoanute
47,519.20
Nursery stock
.40
Vegetable oils
Se^
16.00
942.00
12.00
Tobacco -
T)^^ng
Potatoes
Vegetables . . .. . ..
6.00
Cheese
9.20
204,203.20
2.00
244,882.00
Bananas
201,077.60
205,155.60
971,082.80
Agricultural exports declared at variotis ports of Honduras for the United States,
1901-2,
[Values expressed in United States currency.]
Amapola.
BonacOT.
Celba.
E^nerto
Ctortea.
Koatan
Util».
Coflfee -,.
|i.n7*.fl£
1,413.74
$lf33t),m
13,300.00
4Ul,90O,OO
India rubber
$3.0^.00 il,3G^.OO
3,es5,oo S73.aun.i«
8,073.00 1.44ti.f11
Bananas „...,-
i6,8ii\on
1,4*8.00
4S,«T9.tn
18.60
$5,444.78
Plantains ^^ ^^ ........ -
4^273,30
Cocoanuts '. -.
u,ieo.w
90.00
Ba.w
28.10
i:53UU0
5,608,00
20,140.00
£2.00
19,Gfifl.70
Oranges
108.3a
Pineapples ,
Tjin>es
10.00
a.3(r:.no
5.00
1^15
Sarsaparilla ..
33,SDQ.Q0
_!:
Mangoes
23. B6
83. 3B
Total
3,4S&S6
»Q>siau,oo
285,Utt7.00
543,4a»f.00
56,eW.T6
£9, 4SS.hu
Exports of agricultural products^ etc., January 1 to July 31, 1903,
BY COUNTRIES OF DESTINATION.
[Value expressed in United States currency.]
I
United States .
Germany
.1,755,601
Total 1,755,601
i
^
$284,604.24
Cocoanuts.
284,604.241,646,925
I
f3
I
Rubber.
1, 646, 925 $13, 851. 10 35, 4;«
I 1, —
13,851.1037,101
i
Sarsaparilla.
$14,598.28,64,065
537.84 8,793
15,136.1272,868
Total
Value.
$10, 783. 63 $323,837. 25
1, 454.171 1,992.01
12,237.80 325,829.26
BY CUSTOM-HOUSES.
Amapala '.
Puerto Cortes .
Truxillo
LaCeiba
Boatan
1,117,315
171,600
443,216
23,470
$223,344.80
660.00
55,926.94
4,672.50
Total 1,755,601 284,604.24
246,825
90,000
202,100
1,109,000
1,646,925
$1,773.
290.00
2,268.80
9,519.20
1029,
13,851.1037,101
1,960
1,151
5,800
200
$631.44
12,175.78
2,248.90
80.00
9031
15,136.12
41,082
754
22
72,858
$6,375.06
5,827.54
35.20
$631.44
243,668.74
9,026.44
58,310.94
14,191.70
12,237.80 326,829.26
AGBIOULTUBAL LAW. 63
WAGES OP LABORERS.
The salaries or wages paid for hired labor are as follows:
Pesoe.
Agricultural laborers, with food and lodging per day. _ 0. 50
Laborers in towns or villages. . : .do .75
Railway laborers _ do 2.00
Government laborers do 75
Factory laborers ..do 1.00
Camp and rOad laborers .do 1. 00
Mechanics, with food and lodging do 1. 50
Cattle drivers _ do 1. 00
Excavators _ do 1. 00
Miners do 1. 50
Banana cutters : do 3.50
Cattle herders, with food, lodging, and two suits of clothes per month. . 5. 00
AGRICULTURAL LAW.
[August 21, 1895.]
TrrLE I. — Of the farming indvstry.
Article 1. All the inhabitants of Honduras, whether native or
foreign, have the right to exercise the industry of farming.
Art. 2. The State will afford every protection to agriculture. The
executive authority shall give impulse to the development in the fol-
lowing ways :
1. By opening ways of communication.
2. By the diffusion of scientific knowledge in the establishment of
agricultural schools.
3. By the introduction and distribution of seeds and useful plants
and experiments in cultivation.
4. By the promotion of industrial conclaves wherein agriculturists
may exhibit their products for prizes and honors.
5. By the grant of concessions with liberal privileges for the estab-
lishment of banks, in order that agriculturists may obtain funds at
moderate interest.
6. By the establishment of farm houses and model farms whereon
may be taught the use and practical management and advantage of
modern farming implements and tools and the use of fertilizers.
7. By awards of premiums, privileges, and exemptions in favor of
agriculturists.
8. By the establishment of machinery for the improvement of agri-
cultural products, whether at the exi)ense of the State or municipalities.
Art. 3. The Executive Authority may concede privileges and ex-
emptions of a temporary nature to those engaged in the cultivation
of wheat and tobacco in such a way as they shall deem best.
Art. 4. Special protection shall be given by the State to the culti-
vation of coffee, cacao, rubber, vanilla, indigo, sugar cane, cotton,
64 HONDURAS'.
grapes, olives, ramie, jeniquen, plantains, and cocoanute, on such a
scale as the law hereafter shall contemplate.
Art. 5. The manufacture of wheat flour, sugar, wine, and oil in
the Republic, whenever conducted on a scale of magnitude, shall
receive the protection of this law.
Title II.— 0/ lands for cultivation.
Art. G. Those who contemplate the establishment of plantations
for raising any of the products enumerated in article 4 of this law on
national lands may petition the Government, which will thereupon
give them concessions of leasehold tracts to the extent of the pro-
posed enterprise. If at any time after having cultivated at least
one-half of their land they shall desire to obtain a fee simple therein,
they shall have the right of purchase at the legal rate without further
formality than the certification of the appraisers.
Art. 7. They may also petition for national lands for pasturage
purposes, and the Government will grant this gratuitously upon the
conditions set forth in the preceding article.
Art. 8. Such parts of the national lands as^hall be granted for the
purposes expressed in the foregoing articles shall be surveyed in
whole, alternating with lots of proportional size, which the State
reserves for sale in conformity with the law.
Art. 9. The Executive Authority shall provide such favorable regu-
lations concerning transfers and other matters not expressed in this
law for making effective the concessions of national lands.
Art. 10. If the lands necessary for cultivation as per preceding
articles should be town lands, and should be uncultivated, the munic-
ipality is under obligations to lease them at an annual rental not
to exceed 25 centavos per manzana; but to no one person shall be
rented more than 50 manzanas. The regulations of the municipality
shall establish the manner of perfecting the concession and granting
title therein.
Art. 11. Parties who may have obtained a leasehold in national
lands or a rental of town lands, and who have not after six months
begun their agricultural labors, or who at any time entirely abandon
them, shall forfeit their rights acquired, and the Government and
municipalities shall recover them on previous notice given of the
lapse of the concession.
Art. 12. Concessionaires who have begun their work but have not
increased their plantations by cultivating annually at least one-fourjh
of the entire area shall lose their rights in the uncultivated portion,
which shall revert to the State or to the municipality. This shall be
understood to mean to be without prejudice to such part as is given to
the services of the plantation or farm, and which must not exceed a
fifth part of the land granted or rented.
Art. 13. Concessionaires may obtain a prorogue if requested within
AGMODLTUBAL LAW. 65
time, on proof to the Government or the municipality, as the case may
be, that by reason of unforeseen circumstances they are prevented
from beginning or continuing their work within the legal period.
Art. 14. The Government and municipalities shall make reports
with the object of inquiring into the fulfillment of the contractual obli-
gations of the land concessionaires, or, upon the denouncement on the
part of any official or citizen, they must declare them lapsed when-
ever the term has expired.
Art. 15. Any persofi who shall have obtained a concession of lands
from the Government or a municipality, and shall have inclosed them
without cultivating them, shall be required by the Government, if the
lands be national, or by the alcalde, if the lands belong to a town, to
proceed to cultivate them within a period of six months. If at the
end of this period he.shall not have begun his cultivation, the conces-
sion shall be declared lapsed, and he shall only have the right to
obtain from the party securing the concession of the lands the payment
for the fences and improvements by just appraisal of experts.
Art. 16. While the land remains uncultivated the concession may
not be transferred or granted ujwn contract to another party without
the previous consent of the Government or the respective municipality.
Art. 17. The Government and municipalities shall give preferen-
tial concessions to the holders of lands which have been cultivated
in part without previous permission obtained, or which have been
inclosed, provided always they agree to cultivate them with such
plants as are enumerated in article 4.
Art. 18. In all concessions it is understood that the concessionaire
obligates himself to maintain a strip of land of sufficient width for
the transit of other persons to and from their plantations or to take
water from wells and rivers. Each municipality shall determine the
width of such strip.
Art. 19. The Government on national lands and the municipality
on town lands may establish agricultural zones for the exclusive pur-
pose of cultivation. In them shall not be permitted the breeding of
cattle nor grazing nor the establishment of pastures.
Art. 20. To conciliate the interests of agriculture and stock raising
the municipalities may also establish pastures for cattle.
Art. 21. Agricultural municipal zones may be preserved at the
expense of the community when it is absolutely necessary in order to
avoid the entry upon them of cattle from neighboring fields or from
the fields of private owners.
Title HI.— Of Agriculturists,
Art. 22. For the effect of this law, such parties shall be considered
agriculturists who may cultivate a parcel of national, municipal, pri-
vate, or tiBhted land, duly fenced in, at the least, with 8 Inanzanas of
488A--04 5
66 HONDURAS.
coffee, or its equivalent approximate value in products as set forth in
article 4.
Art. 23. The owners and operators of pasture and forage lands who
have fenced in and have sown their fields to an area of not less than
50 manzanas of national, municipal, private, or rented land, shall
likewise be rated as agriculturists.
The concessions and guaranties established in favor of agricultur-
ists, shall be applicable to persons who manifest before the proper
authority the proposition to engage in the cultivation of some of the
products cited in article 4; but if within the period of one year after
making the declaration they shall not have begun their enterprise,
they shall then be subject in respect to the use of the lands to the
penalties prescribed in articles 49 and 51.
Art. 24. The governors of the several Departments shall maintain
a register of the names of such persons, who, according to the pro-
visions of tliis law, may be considered* as agriculturists, and each
year they shall transmit to the Government, through the Minister of
Exploitation, a statement covering the names of the agriculturists
and the nature of their enterprises, the amount of land under culti-
vation, and the character of the crops and plantations.
Art. 25. Only agriculturists duly inscribed shall have the advan-
tages and exemptions in favor of agriculture.
Art. 26. Agriculturists must present their matriculations to the
governors in the month of January of each year. The latter shall
review them, and if found that the report of the municipal officers be
favorable or satisfactory they shall renew the certificate.
Art. 27. The report of the municipal authorities is necessary for
the registry of the agriculturists or the renewal of his matriculation.
Art. 28. The agriculturist who, without reasonable cause, fails to
renew his matriculation in time shall be deprived of the enjoyment of
the exemptions and privileges granted by this law for one year.
Title IV.— 0/ the overseers, laborers, and hired help.
Art. 29. Persons who work on plantations and farms for a fixed
salary and period shall be held to be farm laborers.
Art. 30. Managers, overseers, bookkeepers, and laborers must be
registered in the records of overseers and laborers by the official des-
ignated in the police law, and shall set forth the time and compensa-
tion of the contractual services and the nature of the work on which
they are employed.
Art. 31. Every agriculturist shall extend to his employees a cer-
tificate signed by him and containing the name of the employee, the
period and consideration of the contract, and the date of entry on his
labors.
Art. 32. The town mayor, in view of this certificate, shall give a
certificate of matriculation according to law.
AGBIOULTURAL LAW. 67
Art. 33. The agriculturists may secure exemption from military
service for their employees by petitioning the military authority.
This petition must be accompanied by.the matriculation certificate of
the agriculturist and his employee, which shall be returned together
with the permit of exemption.
Art. 34. The governors shall give entire protection to agricultur-
ists and shall keep watch that the military and municipal authorities
comply with the duties prescribed by this law.
Title V. — Of exemptions and privileges.
Art. 35. Agriculturists are exempt from military service and shall
not pay customs or municipal: taxes on machines and agricultural
hardware, or on materials for the construction of houses and fences,
on breeding cattle, nor on seeds, forage, fertilizers, and buds, which
they may introduce for their agricultural enterprises.
Art. 36. Agriculturists may employ draft animals on their farms
without any imposts payable, provided they obtain permission from
the proper authority, who shall not deny it without just cause.
Art. 37. Those persons who have an occupation and daily employ-
ment on farms and large cattle ranches are exempt from ordinary
military service, assemblies, military errands, and official duties or
services. Military and civil authorities may not employ overseers
and matriculated laborers as their messengers.
Art. 38. Overseers and laborers on farms shall not be obliged to
contribute to the labor on works and buildings for a municipality nor
to the making or repairing of roads and the cleaning of towns, but
they may be so impressed and paid for the daily value of their serv-
ices what they would receive on the farms.
Art. 39. Exemptions to laborers shall be limited to the number
actually necessary for the work at the rate of 2 for every 4 manzanas
and double the rate in the season of harvest when extraordinary
services shall be required. In pasturage enterprises the number of
laborers shall not exceed 1 to every 10 manzanas of pasture.
Art. 40. The lessees of farms shall be rated as agriculturists, pro-
vided they fulfill their obligations as such in pursuance with the
law. In this case the proprietors of rented farms shall cease to enjoy
the exemptions and privileges herein conceded.
Art. 41. Public officials or their agents who in any manner violate
the provisions of this law respecting privileges and exemptions shall
incur a fine of from 10 to 50 pesos, which shall be imposed by the
next superior officer.
Title VI. — Of stock and ranch men.
Art. 42. Parties who, on the fulfillment of the legal requirements,
engage in stock raising to the number of 100 head and upward, or of
minor stock to the number of 500 and upward, shall be rated as agri-
68 H0WDUBA8.
culturists, and they, as well as their employees, shall have the same
rights, privileges, and obligations.
Art. 43. Those who hold a legal certificate as stock raisers shall
have the right to have their employees exempted from the services
cited in articles 37 and 38, in the following ratio: One employee for
every 100 to 200 bead of horned cattle; 2 for every 200 to 500 head;
3 for every 500 to 1,000 head, and 4 when above 1,000.
For those engaged in minor stock raising the exemption shall be on
the basis provided for in the preceding article. Those who have
several farms shall receive exemption for their employees in accord-
ance with the needs of their service on each farm on the basis pro-
vided for by this law.
Art. 44. The Government shall award prizes to those who introduce
bulls and stallions for breeding purposes and engage in crossing them
with our stock.
Title VII. — Of general provisions.
Art. 45. Coffee shall be free from all national or municipal export
duties during a period of ten years.
Art. 46. The departmental military authorities shall exempt from
ordinary military duty for a period of one year those who present a
certificate or report from their respective municipalities and fur-
nish proof that they are the proprietors of 1 manzana of land on which
is cultivated coffee, or any of the products ennumerated in article 4
of this law, in quantity the value of which is equivalent to the coffee-
product value. This exemption shall be granted for each manzana of
coffee so planted, or its equivalent, on the plantation. The rights
acquired therein may be transferred, on petition of the grantor, to
any of his sons.
Whenever a person subject to militarj'^ service proves his cultiva-
tion of 5 manzanas of coffee or its equivalent he shall have the right
to be granted absolute exemption from ordinary military service for
the time required to obtain his crop.
Art. 47. Hedges or fences are not necessary on every farm under
ordinary conditions or in agricultural zones.
Art. 48. Every employer is obliged to return, through the military
authority of the locality for transmittal to the military commander of
the Department, the exemption permits of his employees when they
conclude their services or their contracts have terminated, under
penalty of a fine of from 10 to 20 pesos, to be imposed by the mayor
on the information of the local military authority.
Art. 49. The agriculturalist or stock raiser who makes fraudulent
return of his employees shall be punished with a fine of from 10 to 20
pesos, to be imposed by the mayor, to the use of the Department.
Art. 50. All fines imposed shall be entered in the treasury of the
municipality where incurred.
AGBASIAN LAW. 69
Art. 51. The agrionlturist who makes fraudulent use of the arti-
cles imported under the provisions of article 35 shall be subject to the
penalties imposed by the Law of Customs Frauds.
Art. 52. Parties now holding national or town lands without con-
oession. from the Government or municipality shall be left in the
enjoyment thereof; but they shall be subject to the same conditions
established by this law for concessionaires.
Art. 53. Such villages as by increase of inhabitants or distance from
the common agricultural zone can not be benefited thereby may estab-
lish an agricaltural zone in their own town lands with the consent of
the municipality and free of any communal expense.
Art. 54. The municipalities may consent to the establishment of
communal plantations for the benefit of the rent tJiereof and of the
seed product and nurseries, in order to distribute them among the
poor farmers of the environment.
Art. 55. This law shall take effect on September 15 next (1895),
and the provisions contained in the Decree of April 29, 1877, and
others relative thereto are hereby repealed.
agrarian law.
[August 1, 1898.]
Chapter I. — Of Hational lands.
Article 1. The following shall be Stat« lands:
1. Unappropriated lands which are situated within the limits of the
State and have no other proprietor. Such lands as are granted to
towns and villages for town or common lands shall be under national
supervision.
2. Lands which, in conformity with law, revei*t to the exchequer.
3. Lands which belonged to religious associations or corporations or
similar bodies and have not been secularized.
Art. 2. Unappropriated lands are not alienable, except such as
shall have been legally granted by the Government.
Chapter II. — Of the cession of lands.
Art. 3. Only the GovernmAt shall have the right to cede lands to
towns and villages for commons, and to individuals by virtue of the
laws relating to exploitation.
Art. 4. To every town which is the head of a municipal district
shall be given free, for the purposes of common, a square league of
unappropriated lands which may be found in the vicinity of the town
soliciting them. To towns which have a Government house, schools
for both sexes, and a population of not less than 200 persons shall be
given, likewise, common lands. The commons for the latter towns
shall not have an area greater than that comprehended in a surface of
1 league long by one-half a league wide. Whenever a town which
70 HONDURAS.
has a municipal government is situated within private lands, such
lands may be appropriated to the extent of 2 square kilometers.
Art. 5. Towns referred to in the preceding article shall petition in
writing for the common to the proper Collector of Revenue, through
their legal representatives or assistant mayors. The petition shall
describe the lands by metes and bounds, and if it be a village that
makes the petition, the latter shall contain also such facts to support
its rights to acquire the common. The Collector of Revenue shall
obtain the testimony of three witnesses to the facts contained in the
petition, the fact of Government ownership, and that the petitioners
need the whole or a part of the common to which they have a right.
The petition shall be published by circular notice and in " La Gazeta"
officially, or in a newspaper of the respective Department for a period
of thirty days. As soon as the facts set forth are established the
Collector shall declare, through public notice, the amount of land or
common to which the town is entitled, and shall issue a permit to a
surveyor to measure the land.
Art. 6. When the survey is finished the surveyor shall make a
report of his labors to the Collector, who shall transmit it, through
the Minister of the Treasury, to the Government.
Art. 7. Upon due examination and revision of the examining offi-
cial, and approval by the Government, a title to the common shall be
given, without further expense than that of 5 centavos for each hec-
tare contained in the survey. Upon payment of the sum into the
Public Treasury, a certificate of the entry shall be given to the peti-
tioner. The title shall consist of the documents in the case, duly cer-
tified by the Government authorities.
Art. 8. The commons are conceded for the general use of the towns
and villages, and the supervision of them is vested in the municipal
officials who shall make such rules and regulations applicable to their
advantageous use as they may deem fit. All regulations in this
respect shall be subject, however, to revision by the Departmental
Council.
Art. 9. When the Government or municipality decides to execute
a work of public utility, as a street, road, schoolhouse, etc., and it is
necessary, in its judgment, to take th^ whole or part of the common
land given by the municipality to individuals, the latter are prohibited
from interposing objections to the execution of the work, and shall
only have a right in the benefits accruing from the improvements.
To fix the value of condemned property, a board shall be appointed
by the mayor on the nomination of the interested parties. The per-
son deprived of the enjoyment of his rights of common shall name one
appraiser, the Government or municipality the other, and in the event
of a disagreement the officer issuing the summons for the appraising
board shall name the third. The amount fixed by this board shall be
ordered paid by the proper party to the holders of the land.
AGRARIAN LAW. 71
Art. 10. The right shall be accorded to the inhabitants of the towns
and villages to purchase common lands or town lands which they
occupy, together with houses and tilled inclosures, from the munici-
palities or the officials thereof. The offer to buy must be in writing
to the municipal officer or to the assistant mayors who supervise the
land in question, and if the land is not required for public purposes,
it shall be sold to the individual making the offer at a price fixed by
an appraising board. The municipal attorney shall grant the land in
a document duly executed before a notary public, and it shall set
forth substantially the area and limits of the plot and the acknowl-
edgment of the payment therefor as set forth in the register of sales.
Art. 11. The towns and villages are permitted to parcel the com-
mon lands among the residents. To this effect it shall be necessary
that the division be decreed in open town meeting in the townhall.
Each resident shall thereupon become the owner of the land appor-
tioned to him. The Executive Authority shall make such rules and
regulations as may be necessary for the division and distribution of
such land^.
Art. 12. Parties who may have been occupying lands by virtue of
the privileges conceded by article 20 of the Law of Land Regulations,
of August 27, 1836, and of Part III of the legislative decree of Febru-
ary 29, 1872, and who have not title to such lands, must secure them
within a period of three years, or be held as .having renounced their
their rights to such lands.
Chapter III. — Of sale of lands.
Art. 13. Individuals, companies, or towns, who desire to secure, as
owners, unappropriated lands, should appear before the Collector of
Revenue of the Department in which the land is situated and in
writing claim such lands by the name most commonly known and by
boundaries generally recognized, together with a statement of thse
approximate area which is wanted and the nature of the soil. Also
the adjoining lands and their proprietors must be named, and unless
this is done no claim can be admitted. In districts adjoining neigh-
boring States only native or naturalized Honduraneans may make
claims and acquire national lands. The Treasury official shall receive
the claim, and forthwith publish the same in an official paper or circu-
lar for a period of thirty days, requesting the depositions of three
witnesses of the vicinity on the following points:
1. Whether the land denounced (claimed) as unappropriated land
is or has been in the possession of any person or resident of the dis-
trict, and the uses to which it has been put or to which contemplated.
2. Whether they know of anyone claiming proprietorship, or
whether it is recognized as unappropriated land, and consequently
under the supervision of the Government.
3. What they know, so far as they are able, of the location of the
72 HONDURAS.
land, the nature of it, its situation with respect to the sea or p^vi-
gable rivers, railroads, or ordinary roads, populated communities, or
mining districts.
Art. 14. If the investigation discloses that Jbhe land is unappropri-
ated land, and no other claim has been presented in opposition within
the period of thirty days, the Collector shall appoint a surveyor to
measure the land and transfer to him the documents of the claim.
Art. 15. When the survey is completed the surveyor shall return
the claim to the Collector, who shall thereupon make a just estimate
of the value of the land set forth, in the claim, according to the values
arranged for the several classes of lands a^d the report of the sur-
veyor, all of which shall be recorded ia the records of procedure.
Art. 16. The Collector shall thereupon appoin^t a paiblie sale of the
land, Axing a day and hour therefor. The announce:9Lent of the sale
shall be published in three consecutive numbers of '*La Gazeta,"and
shall set forth the nature of the land, its superficial are^i., its value or
price, and the date and hour for the sale.
Art. 17. At the time set for the sale the Collector shall sell it to the
highest bidder, but favoring the qlaimant. No bid shaU be received
which is not securely guaranteed. The claimant, however, shall not
be obliged to furnish any guaranty or surety. The surety shall be
qualified before the Collector, and iiiust obligate himself as codebtor.
Art. 18. Every sale of national lands shall be recorded in a docu-
ment, in which shall be stated cleai'l}^ the facts of transfer, the value
fixed on the land by the Collector, and the highest bids therefor, stat-
ing the total amount of the sale and the name of the grantee. The
purchaser shall be f orn^ally obliged to the payment of the sum accepted,
under such conditions and responsibility as delinquent debtors to the
Public Treasury are subject. The deed of sale shall be signed by the
purchaser, the Collector, and a Notary Public, or two witnesses present,
who shall give faith to the execution.
Art. 19. If the purchase is made by any other than the party origi-
nally making the claim, the purchaser shall be obliged to pay him not
only the expenses connected with the transaction in the matter of
stamped paper, witnesses, surveyor's fees, etc., but also shall satisfy
him with a payment of 10 per cent of the amount of the highest bid.
Art. 20. When the sale is concluded, as per the preceding articles,
the Collector shall remit the documents of the claim to the Minister
of the Treasury for revision and approbation.
Art. 21. The Government shall name an auditor, who shall be also
a surveyor of aptitude and honesty, to revise the claim.
Art. 22. Should the report of the auditor be favorable and the Gov-
ernment indoi*se the return, he shall remit his findings and documents
to the Treasury, where payment for the land must be made; and upon
the certification that the same has been paid the deed shall be for-
warded to the office of the Minister of the Treasury. The General
AG NUBIAN LAW. 78
Bureau of Accouuts aud the office of the Director-General of Customs,
respectively, shall take note of the claim and the Government shall
require full copies of all deeds and documents, and these shall consti-
tute the legal title in the property. To be of legal effect, this title
should be registered in every instance in the office of the register of
the Department in which the land is situated.
Art. 23. Whenever the report of the auditor shall be adverse, for
defects in the survey or resurvey of any lands to which the Govern-
ment is about to give title or for defective procedure on the part of
administrative officials, and the Government approves the findings,
the documents shall be returned for amendment at the expense of the
party committing the error. Upon the proper execution of the claim
document it shall be again returned to the Government for approval.
Art. 24. Immediate attention shall be given to every claim for
lands, and should six months elapse before the makinjg; of the sale
without any procedure on the part of the claimant, the Collector, upon
previous notice to the former, may admit other petitions for/the same
lands. Thereupon the claim shall be prosecuted in behalf of the new
claimant, in whom shall be vested all the rights of the claim.
Art. 25. At any time before the day Qf the sale any person who
considers himself entitled in whole or in part to the lands may make
claim to his rights by a written declaration before the Collector. In
this declaration the metes and bounds of the disputed land shall be
set forth, with their value; otherwise it shall be totally rejected.
The declaration, upon acceptance, as well as the proceedings in the
case, shall be forwarded to a competent judge, who shall find accord-
ing to law and fact. In this action the alleged proprietor is the
plaintiff and the claimant the defendant, unless the representative of
the Government law officer shall become a party, and in such case he
shall be joined with the claimant. The trial shall be in open court,
and judgment shall be rendered whether the land in dispute is or is
not public property. When the complaint is on the indefiniteness of
the survey it must have been made before the official surveyor at the
time of running the lines. When these periods have passed any
complaint must be made before a judge, but the documents shall not
be delayed from the proceedings of the Collector, and moreover, when-
ever a complaint arises on the matter of survey the costs shall fall
upon the complainant.
Art. 26. For the purpose of sale, lands are divided into the follow-
ing classes:
1. Those found in a direct line, within 20 kilometers from the sea,
from a railroad line built or in construction from a navigable river
or lake, or which in the opinion of 'the executive authority would be
made so; those lands which, being suitable for the purposes of agri-
culture, are found at the same distance from an important town, a
large mining enterprise, or a cart road leading to the coast; and the
plots reserved by th(^ State in concessions made by It,
74 HONDURAS.
2. Lands suited to the purposes of agriculture and those covered
with forests.
3. Lands of any other kind which are within 20 kilometers from
an important town, a large mining enterprise, or within 4 kilometers
from a cart road leading to the coast.
4. Lands suited only for pasturage purposes.
Art. 27. The price for these several kinds of land shall be 4, 3, 2,
and 1 peso, respectively, for each hectare.
Art. 28. In order that the Collector of Revenue may proceed with
the sale of land expressed in article 1, section 2, it is required that
he shall obtain a duly registered decree of the judge in which shall
be given absolute possession from the former owner of the land to
the exchequer. In all other matters, except the investigation, the
procedure established for the sale of unappropriated lands shall be
observed; but the remeasurement of the land shall be dispensed with
when the survey has been practiced under the provisions of the Land
Law of 1888, except where there is a presumption of grave fraud or
error having been committed.
Art. 29. When it shall appear, in authentic manner, that there is
land of the class described in paragraph 3 of article 1, the Collector
shall proceed to sell them in like manner as the land heretofore
stated.
Art] 30. The alienation of State lands is prohibited withi^ 8 kilo-
meters in a direct line from the shores of either ocean, or of Caratasca
and Brewers lagoons and such lagoons as may communicate with
them, and of the cays or islands, as well as the lands on which are
situated ruins of ancient x)eoples. Nor may the plots reserved to the
State and measured by virtue of concessions be alienated, except in
accordance with the provisions which a new law may establish. The
Government may concede such lands in rental and permit their
inclosure and cultivation in conformity with the laws and regulations
made and provided for the exploitation of agriculture and other
industries.
Chapter IV. — Measurement of lands and renewal of titles.
Art. 31. When a landholder desires to have his land resurveyed he
shall announce his request to the Collector of the prox)er Department,
for permission to have the remeasurement made, and this shall be
conceded without delay upon examination of the original documents
showing title or such documents which may prove title in the land if
the deed is not presented. The absence of original title in the land
may be overcome by the presentation of a certificate of the payment
of the value of the land or by the testimony of three witnesses, who
shall prove that the land was legally granted, together with the guar-
anty and justification of the party who solicits the remeasurement,
that he has acquired the estate by ordinary or extraordinary prescrip-
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AGRABIAN LAW. 75
tive rights. The procedure shall be effected by the api)ointment of a
surveyor, who shall follow the ancient lines as indicated by the testi-
mony of two neighbors who, having previously made oath in the
presence of the commissioned farmer, shall accompany him during
the measurement to point out the lines and marks of the property to
be surveyed. The commissioned farmer shall subject himself to the
provisions of the law respecting the survey. Any question of the
proprietorship arising out of the running of the lines shall be tried
before a competent judge, and as to doubtful lines, the procedure
shall be applied as in the two last sections of article 25.
Art. 32. Whenever an action at law shall take place to determine
title to the whole or part of any lands, the administrative proceedings
shall abide the judgment in the case.
Art. 33. When the survey is completed the surveyor shall return
the proceedings to the Collector, who shall forward the same to the '
Government for its revision and approbation. The title of the
remeasurement shall be delivered under the same formality as in the
case of surveys of unappropriated lands.
Art. 34. If the legal measurement shall exhibit a difference of
excess or loss of area of the lands, the proprietor shall not have a
right in any case to a new adjustment with the Public Treasury. In
no case shall the Collector of Revenue admit a claim for the excess
which he shall be satisfied the land contains.
Art. 35. Titles in lands may be renewed by appeal to the Govern-
ment to compel a certified copj^ of the respective proceedings, and
failing this of the title claimed as defective. In the new deposition
shall be set forth the petition which concerns it, and the decree con-
ceding the renovated title. The claimant shall pay the costs of
stamx>ed paper, documents, and copy of map which must be attached
to the document.
Art. 36. When a person who desires a renewal of a title is not
the first owner of the land he shall accompany his documents with
those which give him title to his property, and the Government find-
ing them in due form shall order the certificate and require that upon
a grant of the title the said documents shall be set forth in full therein.
Art. 37. Any titles which may be obtained by virtue of articles 31
and 35 shall be always without prejudice to the rights of third parties.
Chai TEB V. — Of measurements, demarcations, landmarks, partitions.
Art. 38. The surveyor charged with the measurement of land, upon
accepting his commission and taking the oath faithfully to perform
his duties, shall receive the warrant and indorse thereon the day
appointed for the commencement of his operations.
Art. 39. The party charged with the measurement or remeasure-
ment has the requisite authority to engage in the labor comprised in
his commission without interference by local authorities. The juris-
76 HONDUBAS.
diction of the surveyor is of an administratiYe nature, and as agent
of the Auditor he must be assisted in his work whenever he rightfully
requires such assistani^e from the local authorities.
Art. 40. All operations in land measurement shall be acknowledged
before a notary public or by two assisting witnesses who can read and
write, appointed and sworn by the survej^or, all of which shall be
recorded in the documentary proceedings.
Art. 41. The inspection shall comprise:
1. Information respecting the bounds.
2. Investigation to learn whether the measurement can be actually
made, or projected geometrically.
3. Ceitification as to whether the land is bounded by unappropri-
ated or preempted land; and if so, whether the owner thereof is cog-
nizant of their boundaries, or whether there is doubt or an opposing
claim.
4. Statement that questions arising were impartially regulated and
equitably adjusted.
All these matters shall be recorded in the record of the proceedings,
setting forth the names of adjacent landholders or parties interested,
and describing in detail the landmarks and demarcations, also setting
forth in full the text of the titles and documents pertaining to the
lands adjoining, in so far as they shall be contiguous to the land
measured. This record shall be signed by the surveyor, the parties
interested, the adjoining landholders who were present during the
operations, and the notary or witnesses.
Art. 42. As soon as the lines of the land fo be surveyed are fixed,
the remeasurement shall be made. The surveyor may choose his own
methods of measurement, but if he decides to measure from one land-
mark to another he shall designate an enumerator and a line holder,
who shall take accurate account of the measurement of each section.
These employees shall take an oath before the surveyor for the faith-
ful discharge of their duties.
Art. 43. At all points where the lines change direction and there
are no natural landmarks stone monuments shall be placed to avoid
confusion in the demarcation of the land.
Art. 44. The magnetic declination must be secured before begin-
ning the survey, and to this end the most convenient point shall be
taken to obtain the same. In the record of proceedings shall be set
forth the accomplishment thereof.
Art. 45. When a survey is to be made on land adjoining that of
individual parties, these latter shall be summoned to assist at the
same in order to procure certainty.
Art. 46. To make the preceding article effective, the judge having
cognizance of the survey shall call, on three days' notice, the parties
owning the neighboring lands, in order that they may produce their
titles and give information with respect to their lines and boundaries,
and if they do not appear they must conform to the survey as made.
AGBAtftlAN LAW, 7*?
Art. 47. The facts of the summons shall be set forth in the record
of proceedings, and the information given by the parties cited shall
be incorporated as part of the record, and in the event of the nonap-
pearance of the parties so cited the party testing the summons shall
enter under oath the facts of nonappearance.
Art. 48. If, in spite of the summons, ^ome of the parties or their
legal representatives do not appear, the surveyor shall proceed with
his duties, taking note from other neighboring landholders or others
who may be able to give reliable information.
Art. 49. Whenever the land to be measured is bounded by a river,
canyon, or fence, etc. , the neighboring property owner may be excused
from answering the summons by making a written statement of his
boundaries. Otherwise he shall be obliged to appear in order to
secure his rights in the matter of his boundaries.
Art. 50. Upon the measurement of a known line of property, notice
shall be taken whether it conforms with the lines of that title, but
not for the purpose of altering the said line but that the title may be
readjusted to t-ake in the extension or encroachment.
Art. 51. When the proprietor of adjoining lands is in doubt as to
his demarcations, the surveyor shall exercise his judgment in an
equitable partition of the doubtful tract. When this is done the
entr}'^ of the fact should appear on the records and the line as run
duly recorded therein. In contrary cases only the data shall be taken
concerning the extension, direction, and other boundaries which either
party claims in order that the question may be referred to arbitration,
but without prejudice to the rest of the survey undisputed.
Art. 52. Whenever unappropriated lands are to be surveyed and
are adjacent to the land of other property owners or otherwise law-
fully possessed, the measurement shall be made according to the
known boundaries of the properties which they inclose.
Art. 53. If the land claimed should be surrounded by unappropriated
land, the survey shall be in conformity with the claims of the preemp-
tion, the natural boundaries being followed wherever possible.
Art. 54. Whenever land without determinate limits is to be sur-
veyed, it should, so far as the topography will permit, be set out in a
quadrangular form with the siSes toward the cardinal points of the
compass.
Art. 55. The surveyor shall make a statement of the survey, and
shall record therein the important landmarks, the direction of the
lines from point to point with relation to the magnetic needle, their
length, and the names of the adjoining properties. This statement
shall be signed by the surveyor, the adjoining property owners, and
the party preempting, or by their representatives, or by a notary and
two witnesses.
Art. 56. Every survey of land must he accompanied by the calcu-
lation sheets tot the deduction of lines which have not been actually
78 HOWDUBAB.
measured and for the adjustment of the area; and should be accom-
panied, also, by the map in proper scale, showing the perimeter of the
land, together with the marks and points of the bounds and metes by
name, the area in hectares and square meters, the magnetic declina-
tion, the scale employed, and the date.
Art. 57. Upon the conclusion of his work the surveyor shall make
up a record, to be delivered to the official who authorized the commis-
sion, in which he shall set forth the nature of the survey and other
details required by article 26 of this law, giving the area in hectares,
the questions arising out of the survey and the manner of their
adjustment, or the facts of the arbitration if any should be. In other
respects the report shall contain all facts required by the. warrant of
commission.
Art. 58. After the sale and survey, to be approved by the Govern-
ment, has been completed, the proceedings shall be examined by an
auditor specially appointed therefor by Executive decree. This
examination and revision shall include :
1. Investigation of the survey and whether it was made according
to law.
2. Whether all or any one of the operations was made according to
law.
3. Whether the calculations made in the record agree with the field
calculations.
4. Whether the map of the survey is in accord with the survey and
the calculation sheet and whether it contains the necessary data.
Art. 59. In the event of slight errors or omissions the auditor shall
have power to correct these; but where the errors or omissions are
grave, the Government, upon the report of the auditor, shall return
the same for correction, according to article 23.
Art. 60. The maximum disparity which can be permitted in the
measurement of uneven or broken land is, for a perimeter of more
than 40 sides, 2 per cent of the entire line; for not less than 20 sides,
1^ per cent; less than 20 sides, 1 per cent. Should the disparity be
greater in any above case then the field survey must be remade.
Art. 61. When a survey has been approved by the auditor the
landmarks may be permanently fixed upon application to the Col-
lector of Revenue to appoint a surveyor for the work, who shall, at
the expense of the party interested, mark out the places for the land-
marks in the presence of the owners of adjoining property, all of
whom shall sign the record of the action, together with two witnesses.
The warrant for the landmarking given by the Collector shall be
affixed to the land title.
Art. 62. Surveyors shall execute their work as they may deem neces-
sary in the measurement and remeasurement of land according to its
nature, guiding themselves in all matters by the spirit of this law.
Art. 63. Surveyors in the exercise of their profession shall be amen-
AGRARIAK LAW, 79
able to the same civil and criminal charges as other public officials;
and if knowingly, maliciously, or capriciously he acts in contraven-
tion of this law wherever it relates to his employment, causing dam-
age or injury, he shall be compelled to make immediate reparation,
at his own exi)ense, to avoid indictment.
Art. 64. Whenever the surveyor shall have caused damage to neigh-
boring property rights by reason of the omission of necessary infor-
mation on the part of such property owners, the cost of any resurvey
shall be made at the expense of the delinquent owner.
Art. 65. In addition to the penalties in articles which precede this,
if the misdemeanor be grave the auditor on finding so shall present
the facts to the Minister of the Treasury, that he, if he deem it best,
may impose a fine of from 10 to 50 pesos, according to the gravity of
the offense.
Chapter VI. — Method of adjusting questions arising in cases of doubtful
boundaries.
Art. 66. Every question of doubtful boundaries, in an agricultural
sense, between individuals, communities, or towns, shall be adjusted
by arbitration.
Territorial division, wheresoever situated, shall be likewise a sub-
ject for arbitration, and shall be in charge of a party appointed as
I)artitioner.
In boundary questions arising between towns or Departments the
Executive Authority shall decide, and if such question or decision
refers to a part of the land which shall have been purchased, but which
is claimed by the other side, he shall issue a decree granting the land
back to the original owner and at the same time allow just compensa-
tion in satisfaction of damages.
It shall be an attribute of the Executive Authority, likewise, bo
adjust any contention between towns and Departments concerning the
possession of property claimed by them. In use of these attributes
the Executive Authority shall enact corresponding regulations.
Art. 67. The designation of arbitrators shall be made by the con-
tending parties before the Collector of Revenue who ordered the sur-
vey, or in other cases before the proper court; arbitrators shall have
all the qualifications of their office, as such.
Art. 68. The parties interested shall appear before the court of
arbitration themselves or by procurator.
In the survey of unappropriated lands the claimant is a party unless
the representative of the Treasury deems it expedient to assume the
post. The fees of the arbitrators and prosecutors, as well as other
expenses of the trial, shall be charged to the contestants.
Art. 69. Each side shall name an arbitrator, who may be any quali-
fied citizen ; and these arbitrators shall choose a third, to decide in case
of disagreement without being obliged to submit to the opinions of
80 H0in>URA8,
the first. The third arbitrator must be absolutely impartial in the
matter, and in any case may be challenged for the same reasons as
are judges. In partitions there shall be but one arbitrator, who shall
be a surveyor.
Art. 70. When the question is raised, or if when this law is pro-
mulgated it already prevails, it is obligatory to submit it to arbitration.
If either party neglects to name its arbitrator within one month, the
other, upon giving due notice to this effect to the Collector or Court,
may petition that one be named officially. The third arbitrator shall
be appointed by the collector or the court upon the expiration of three
days after disagreement of the first two arbitrators. Each arbitrator,
before assuming his post, may resign, but afterwards may do so only
upon presenting good and sufficient reasons. Each arbitrator shall
promise to fulfill his duties with fidelity.
Art. 71. The court of arbitration may sit forty-five days, to be
counted from the surrender of the claimants of their claims to the
arbitrators. Should this period pass without a decision being ren-
dered, a fine of 25 pesos shall be imposed upon each arbitrator who
shall have been delinquent, to be paid to the Collector or Judge, and
to be enforced by the Justice of the Peace of the district. This fine
shall be imposed again at the end of each fifteen days if no decision is
reached. In the case of the partition of land, the official who is named
as partitioner shall be given a proper period within which to fulfill
his duties, a period which shall be, as in the preceding article, subject
to lawful penalties. Should the arbitrators not convene their meet-
ing within six days from the time of accepting their office they shall
incur a fine of 25 pesos, to be imposed by the official organizing the
tribunal and to be enforced by the local Justice of the Peace. Against
any lawful penalties imposed by the Collector or Judge the only
recourse shall be to the superior official authority.
Art. 72. The arbitration tribunal shall sit in such places as they
shall elect, within the locality where the office of the Collector or
Court who named them is situated. The parties in the cause shall
appear here likewise, and also give notice where they may be found
for notification. The arbitrators shall be empowered to appoint a
suitable person as secretary, who shall serve notices and do other acts
of a ministerial nature. The secretary shall be required to take an
oath before the arbitration tribunal, all of which shall be made part
of the record.
Art. 73. The arbitration tribunal shall hold meetings, to which the
parties concerned shall be summoned by process containing the day
and hour of hearing. At this hearing the parties shall present their
proofs and witnesses. The meetings may be held with only the
assenting party present, or by the arbitrators only, associated with an
appraiser whom they shall have named, and may inspect the land and
all other places in order to arrive at their verdict. For this purpose
AGRARIAN LAW. 81
the Collector or Court may allow an additional period of consultation
not to exceed thirty days. On due notice being given, the tribunal
shall render its judgment on the facts, and the parties thereto having
been apprised the record shall be returned to the Collector or Judge
from whom received. The verdict shall clearly determine the bound-
ary of the lands and all questions relative to the partition. The ver-
dict of the arbitrators may not be appealed from, and when the judg-
ment relates to doubtful boundaries the finding shall have the legal
effects of judgments duly pronounced in realty causes. The division
of land shall be held conclusive when the arbitration tribunal shall
have provisionally marked the boundary lines of the disputed territory
according to the sentence of the decree.
Art. 74. The Collector or the Court shall have the power to enforce
the decree of the tribunal.
Art. 75. The fees of the arbitrators and ttfe secretary shall be fixed
by the Collector or by the Court. All other expenses are to be paid
equally by the parties to the arbitration. This is without prejudice
to the provisions of articles 25 and 27.
Art. 76. The laws of the Code of Civil Procedure and the Civil Code
shall apply in the absence of any requisite law herein.
Chapter Vn. — General provisions.
Art. 77. All decrees and declarations made by the collectors shall
be countersigned by the Comptroller, who shall for this purpose act as
Secretary. The deputy collectors, when they are employed as the
representatives of the Collector, shall authorize or legalize all decrees
and declarations which are made before them in the presence of two
witnesses.
Art. 78. When one surveyor is appointed to make a survey, no
other shall be named for the same purpose, except in case of the res-
ignation or removal of the first.
Art. 79. When two surveyors measure adjoining lands, they must
agree on the landmarks and lines to be taken. If no agreement be
reached, they shall proceed as provided in article 53. In such
instance there shall be only one arbitrator, who shall be the official
who decreed primarily the measurement of one of the two properties.
Art. 80. Only surveyors and engineers shall be commissioned to
make surveys, or such persons of good character and capability as
may be authorized by the Faculty of Sciences.
Art. 81. In order to legalize the transfer of property (land), what-
ever its size, it shall be necessary to record the title, etc., in the
records of the Register.
Art. 82. In sales, concessions, and, in general, in every transfer of
land which the State may make under any title, the grantee shall be
subject to be dispossessed.
488A-04 6
83 HONDUBAB,
•
Art. 83. Every owner is compelled to inclose his lands which have
no natural boundaries with trenches or fences, or at least by land-
marks, setting up posts of stone and mortar in the comers of the
land. The towns, likewise, must do this with their commons. When
the land is held jointly, any one of the proprietors may erect these
posts and all shall be compelled to pay their proportional share of the
expense.
Art. 84. When a community becomes a village or town it shall be
represented in all questions affecting its lands by the mayor's assist-
ant or the municipal law oflBoer. Such communities as have not
reached this status shall annually elect a representative by a major-
ity vote of the inhabitants present. The mayor of the district shall
be present, accompanied by his secretary, to receive, count, and decide
the vote, and give a copy of the proceedings to the i)erson elected,
which shall be his warrant of office. Should, for any reason, no elec-
tion be held, the municipal law officer shall act for the community.
This shall not be the case where the community names its representa-
tive by a notarially certified document.
Art. 85. A town must apportion its lands among the residents, and
if this has not been done by January 1, 1900, every resident of a town
. shall be held to be the exclusive proprietor of his holdings, with
houses, sown fields, orchards, and pastures; but he shall lose his
rights in the rest of the community land, which shall retain its char-
acter of common land of the municipality in which the town is situ-
ated. These titles will be issued by the respective municipalities and
registered with a notary public.
Art. 86. This law shall take effect on August 1 next (1898).
FOREST PRODUCTS.
Throughout Honduras there are vast forests covering the mountains
and filling the plains. Nearly all the varieties of pine flourish here,
the yellow and long-leafed pitch pine predominating. Very little of
this timber is being cut or sawed for building purposes, and in order
to export it in commercial quantities roads and other means of trans-
portation must first be inaugurated.
Mahogany and cedar flourish near the oceans and form one of the
principal exports. The wood of these trees is obtained through Gov-
ernment concession rights, generally for a period of years and at a
stipulated price per tree. The district of the Sula Plain has been
pretty well cleared of mahogany and cedar, but farther east, along
the banks of the Aguan and Patuca rivers and the north shore lagoons,
mahogany, cedar, fustic, and numerous other dyewoods still flouHsh.
Several United States companies are successfully cutting and export-
ing many thousands of feet annually.
In the forests are to be found rubber tl'ees, which in numerous
FOREST PRODUCTS. 83
instances have been so recklessly tapped and scarred as to destroy
their usefulness entirely.
The cacao is remarkably abundant on the northern alluvions, where
the natives draw their entire supplies from the forests. It is known
there as the Cacao mico (monkey, or wild, cacao) and is distinguished
from the cultivated variety by having: larger nuts and, it is claimed,
a finer flavor.
Sarsaparilla and vanilla grow in great abundance in these tropical
forests, and the product is gathered only by natives, who sell it to the
exporting houses at the various ports.
The pita, called in Mexico ia^, is a variety of agave, very prolific,
and yielding fibers varying in quality from the coarsest hemp to the
finest flax. It is used in the manufacture of thread, cordage, ham-
mocks, paper, etc., and being hardy and easily cultivated may be
made an important article of export as well as of domestic use.
The value of the wood exports from Honduras during the past five
years is shown below :
U. S. currency.
1808-1899_... $198,963.80
1899-1900 . 132,168.50
1900-1901.-.. 109,702,00
1901-1902 86,983.88
1902-1903 42,259.40
Total- 570,077.58
During tlie fiscal year 1902-3, 1,082,505 feet of mahogany were
exported from Honduras.
CHAPTER VI.
STOCK RAISING AND CATTLE INBUSTBT.
Conditions. — ^In nearly every part of Honduras the land is suitable
for the raising of cattle and stock of all kinds. Cattle are to be
found grazing in the fertile valleys as well as on the sterile slopes
of the mountain ranges. But although stock raising is practiced on
a j^^raall scale throughout the land, the Departments of Choluteca
ana Olancho are the great cattle-breeding districts of the Republic.
Over three-fourths of the entire number of cattle are raised in these
two departments, and it is from here that nearly all the live stock
exported is brought to the ports on the Caribbean Sea.
In Olancho is found rolling land well watered in the rainy season
and rich in pasturage. Many streams of clear, cool water traverse
the meadows or flow in gentle cascades down the slopes of the moun-
tain sides. But in the dry season the cattle find scant fodder away
from the larger rivers, and at this season leave the blighted highlands
for the sparse grass of the lowlands. As nothing is known in these
sections of irrigation, the result is that for half the year the cattle are
overfed and during the other half wander over the ranges in a starving
condition. At all seasons of the year live stock suffer greatly from a
pest of flies and ticks and an insect known as the " garrapate." The
cattle spider is also an ever-present source of anxiety to cattlemen.
This spider seeks the hair of the fetlock for lining its nest, and as the
beast moves at feeling the removal of the hair, the spider becomes
enraged and bites the flesh just above the hoof on the pastern and
creates an inflamed condition of the skin, which results in the loss of
the hoof.
No care is given to the animals by the herders to relieve them of
any distemper resulting from the constant attacks of myriads of
insects. The sanitary care of cattle is wholly unknown in the coun-
try, and it is fortunate that no serious disease has found its way into
Honduras, because no means have ever been devised to prevent or
diminish the ravages of disease among cattle. The disease of the
carbuncle, or malignant pustule, has made its appearance lately in
the Department of Intibuca, and while sanitary precautions were
immediately taken to prevent the spread of the disease among the
inhabitants, no definite suggestions or instructions were made public
to allay the disease among the live stock.
Cattle fare better on the north coast because of the constant rains
84
there throughout the year and the consequent luxuriance and rich-
ness of pasture land. On the south coast, in the Department of
Choluteca, the conditions are similar to those in Olancho. Fields
that are thickly carpeted with a nourishing grass in the wet season
are absolutely barren and desert in the dry months of the year. At
this season the cattle feed along the banks of the little streams and
rivers that have not run dry, or range high up in the mountains where
the mists prolong the life of the verdure to some extent.
The Departments of Yoro and Colon are perhaps better situated for
the herding of cattle than any of the other sections. The land is
undulating, fertile, and traversed by many water courses. Rains
are frequent throughout the year, and the large forest trees provide
excellent shelter for the cattle.
But little attention is given to the scientific breeding of cattle or
care in the raising of stock. From the birth of the calf or heifer it is
left to look after itself. As a result the breed has deteriorated year
by year, and no effort seems to have been made to advance the qual-
ity of the stock by the introduction of new blood.
The strongest and best bulls of a herd are usually selected for
slaughter, and calves suckle their dams during a longer period than
is the custom in the United States. The spectacle has been seen of a
cow suckling a calf while a heifer stood suckling the opposite teat,
and at the same time gave suck to her own newly born, scarcely
dried by the sun it had seen for the first time only an hour or so
before.
Notwithstanding the disadvantages of the system of care and
breeding, the cattle attain a remarkably good development and pro-
duce an excellent revenue to their owners, even at the low prices they
bring in the markets for export.
Cattle reach maturity at a late age. As a rule heifers are 3 years
old before they produce their first calves, and bulls are from 4 to 6
years old when slaughtered. Butchering consists in the hacking up
of the carcass into chunks,of haggled meat and bone. The division
into shapes and joints known in our own butcher shops and properly
cut steaks or roasts are unknown.
Cattle, — The number of cattle in Honduras can only be estimated,
in the absence of statistics, at about 500,000.
lAve stock. — The live stock owned in Honduras in 1902 is estimated
officially at about 750,000 head, as follows:
Number.
Value.
Homed cattle
569,818
43,549
14,064
111,581
11,806
Pesos.
6,837,744
Horsee
862,140
Mnlfis
708,200
Swine
446,324
Sheep And gfOAtR
23,612
•
Total
750,812
a 8, 873, 000
a Equals $3,549,208 grold.
86 fiomxTEAd.
It is estimated that there are 141,910 acres of land now devoted to
the pursuit of stock raising. This land is valued at 23.12 pesos per
acre, making a total valuation of pasture land of 3,280,959 pesos,
equivalent to $1,304,383.68 gold.
Branding. — By law all owners of cattle are required to indicate
ownership by branding, as in the United States. The various brands
are recorded in the districts where the herds are kept, and when sold
the brand is duly described in the bill of sale.
Taxaiion. — By article 5 of the Cattle Export Regulations export
duty is levied by the Government as follows:
PeaoH. Oold.
For each bull or steer 4 = $1. 60
For each COW-.- 16= 6.40
For each horse, nrnle, or ass ....'.... 4 = 1. 60
The municipal taxes in Tegucigalpa are :
For certification of a bill of sale of mules, horses, or asses, for each head. . -peso- . 1
For certification of a bill of sale of cattle, each head centavos . . 50
For permit to butcher each steer for public consumption pesos. _ 2
For x)ermit to hutcher for salting jrarposes, each head do 2
For x)ermit to butcher for private consumption, per head _ do 1
For permit to butcher hogs, each head _ centavos. . 50
For rental of butchering place, for each head _ _ -pesos- . 2
Current prices. — The current prices of live stock per head are quoted :
Pesos. U. S. currency.
Cows - - 35- 40 = $14.00-416.00
Steers, fat 18- 30 = 7.20- 12.00
Steers, lean-- ., 15-16= 6.00- 6.40
Draftoxen -.. 40- 60= 16.00- 24.00
Mares 20- 40 = 8.00-16.00
Saddle horses 80-100 = 32.00- 40.00
Mules, pack 100-15Q = 40.00-60.00
Mule8,8addle 150-500= 60.00-200.00
Swine _. 9-25= 3.60-10.00
Sheep and goats 3- 4= 1.20- 1.60
Necessary capital. — The average amount of capital necessary to
undertake stock farming on a small scale would be:
Pesos.
Cows, 50, at 35 pesos . _ . 1, 750
Draft oxen, 4, at 50 pesos. _ 200
Saddle horse, 1, at 100 pesos 100
Pack mules, 2, at 125 pesos 250
Sheep, 100, at 3 pesos 300
Bulls, 4, at 35 pesos _ 140
Land, 500 acres, including surveys 1, 800
Dwelling house, taxes, etc 1, 000
Fencing, barbed wire 2, 000
Preparing land, etc _ 480
Total.... «8,000
a Equal to $3,200 gold.
8TO0K. EXPORTS.
87
In order to conduct stock raising on a systematic basis, it is neces-
sary to depart from the primitive methods at present in vogue in
Honduras. A wholesome, nourishing grass should be planted, the
pastures inclosed, and proper care given to the cattle, in order to
realize any profit from the investment, the returns from which can
not be expected before the fourth year. A foreigner could not profit-
ably enter the stock-raising business under conditions now existing.
The necessity for better breeding animals is apparent on a review of
stock of all kinds in Honduras. There have been no importations of
cattle since the days of the Spanish r^gim^.
The exportations during the past five years and the countries of
destination (whenever it hap been possible to give these) are :
1898-1899.
1899-1900.
1900-1901.
1901-1902.
1902-1908.
Onba
$6,000
$28,586
6,288
$11,088
1,809
Belize
Central America
10,000
TTIcAnUTTiA finti rVmfA Tlir*fi.
302
7,516
773
340
$26,504
Gimt^mala . .
Salvador
Mexico
1
Total
6,000
38,585
15,953
21,068
26,504
Stock eoeports, January 1 to July 31, 1903.
BY COUNTRIES TO WHICH DESTINED.
[Values expressed in United States currency.]
Cattle.
Horses.
Mules.
Asses.
Total stock.
Head.
Value.
Head.
Value.
dead.
Value.
Head.
Value.
Head.j Value.
TTnitAd fltatea
964
679
4,919
1,278
795
297
250
$15,424.00
10,968.00
68,424.00
15,890.00
6,724.00
2,138.40
2,440.00
964 $15»424.00
Mexico
1
$20.00
680 10.988.00
Cuba
4,919
1,328
795
297
260
68,424.00
Belize
7
138.00
41
$916.00
2
$40.66
16,482.00
^riAfAmiLla.
5,724.00
Salvador
2,138.40
NifUiraifua
2,440.00
121,620.40
Total
9,182
120,808.40
8
156.00
41
916.00
2
40.00 1 9,238
BY CUSTOM-HOUSES.
Puerto Cortes.
Truxillo
LaCeiba
Choluteca
Qracias
Intibuca
Total ....
4,268
3,897
280
221
1,024
47
9,182
$68,844.00
19,762.00
8,100.00
1,591.20
7,872.80
888.40
120,808.40
$186.01
20.00
166.00
$776.00
140.00
916.00
$40.00
40.00
4,810
3,401
290
221
1,024
47
9,238
$89,800.00
89,918.00
8,100.00
1,601.20
7,872.80
888.40
121,620.40
In 1901-2, 29,872 head of cattle were butchered.
were steers, 8,918 oxen, aad 15,884 cows.
Of these 5,070
88 HONDUBAS.
The value of the exports was:
U. S. Cdrrencjy
1888-1899 $220,000.00
1899-1900_ 514,786.40
1900-1901 - -- - --, 222,926.40
1901-1902 - 224,164.40
1902-1903 --- 806,949.20
Total in five years 1,488,826.40
Dairying, — Dairying is carried on only to a very limited extent, for
the purpose of supplying local demands. It is most difficult to obtain
milk in any part of the country, as the calves take the greater pro-
portion and crude cheese making the remainder. No effort has been
made to increase or develop dairying. Both butter and cheese are
imported in cans and retail at a high price, in spite of the fact that
according to a late report of the Minister of Public Works, more than
500,000 cows are said to be in the Republic.
Following is the Law or Regulation governing the exportation of
cattle from Honduras:
Bequlations QovERNmo THE Exportation op Cattle.
Article 1. Exportation of cattle may take place from one Depart-
ment into another and from this State into another State or States.
The officials in charge shall be the Collector of Revenue, the Gov-
ernors of the Departments, the municipal authorities of each locality,
and the inspectors and guards.
Art. 2. Any party interested in exportation (of cattle) should pre-
sent a petition in writing with the due prayer, to the Collector of the
Department from which the cattle are to be removed, containing the
name of the chief conductor of the cattle, the number of head of cat-
tle, their class, and the name of the place to which they are destined.
Art. 3. The Collector of Revenue, on finding the petition in due
form, and having satisfied himself of the proprietary rights in the cat-
tle, shall indorse at the foot of it a permit, and immediately complete
the resolution by notifying the party interested and receiving from
him the export duties payable.
Art. 4. The permits shall run for transportation from one Depart-
ment to another within Honduras, and for exportation when the trans-
portation is contemplated to another State.
Art. 6. The Collector of Revenue shall levy, in accordance with the
laws of April 8, 1896, the following export duties: For each steer, $4
($1.60 in United States currency); for each cow, $16 ($6.40 in United
States currency); for each horse, mule, ass, $4 ($1.60 in United States
currency).
Art. 6. From the total amount of the duties levied on exportation
thee shall be given a rebate to the exporter, to compensate him for
losses suffered by the cattle while in transit, 1 per cent for every
CATTLE EXPOBT BEGULATI0N8. 89
Department through which the herd is driven until its arrival on the
frontier. Exportation to the maritime ports shall be given no rebate
To charge the duties of exportation, the Collector shall inscribe
them in the respective records, with the itemized explanation of the
amounts and rebates.
Art. 7. Payment may be made, likewise, into the office of the Gen-
eral Collector of Revenue, on direction from the Executive Authority.
In such cases also, when the Executive determines a date for payment
of the duties by the exporters, they shall sign a promissory not-e to
the order of the General Collector of Revenue, together with the sig-
nature of a surety acceptable to the Collector.
Abt. 8. The permits of cattle proceeding from neighboring States
shall be I'egistered in the office of the Collector of the Department in
which they shall first enter.
Art. 9. The Collector shall carry a book of records of permits, in
which should be inscribed, by order of date, such permits which may
be extended by virtue of the petitions received, noting the number
of the permit, the names of the cattle owner, his chief foreman, the
number of head, their class, destination, amount of duties, with the
amount discounted and paid, specifying the form of payment as
entered upon the books of permits for exportation. The book of
transportation shall contain only the number of the permit, the names
of the cattle owner and chief herder, the number of cattle, their class,
and destination.
Art. 10. Even when a permit for transit is requested and no fee or
duty paid, the cattle owner is obliged to present his custom-house
return permit within a reasonable time fixed by the Collector, and is
obliged to give a note duly guaranteeing a sum equivalent to that
which he should have paid if the exportation had been beyond the
confines of the State. When, upon maturity of the period in which
the return permit should have been presented, the cattle owner does
not comply in that respect, the Collector shall proceed without loss
of time to collect on the note; but if it should be presented, it (the
note) shall be returned to him, with the indorsement tliereon that the
return permit was duly received. When the permits for transit have
been issued to a frontier district the note shall be returned within
three months after the receipt of the return permit, upon new advice
that the cattle have not been exported secretly, said advice to be
given by the inspectors or the authorities of the place of destination,
the party interested being obliged to give an account of his stock
upon request by them, within the said period. The return day may
be extended a reasonable time when the stock is destined for pastur-
age in a frontier district.
Art. 11. The Governors of Departments shall vis6 all permits which
the Collectors of Revenue have passed; by registering them in a proper
book, entering those for transit separately from those for exportation,
90 HOKDUBA8.
and recording' therein the names of the exporter, his chief foreman,
the number of head of cattle, place of destination, and duties levied
on exportation. These oflfteiaLs shall, quarterly, furnish an abstract
of such registry, which shall be remitted to the Minister of the Treas-
ury, in the months of February, May, August, and November.
Art. 12. Exporters of cattle who do not get their permits viseed
by the respecStive Governors shall have imposed upon them a fine of
50 centavos for each and every head of cattle enumerated in the
permit.
As soon 8S the Governor shall be informed he shall issue summary
process against the delinquent, and the deed being clear, he shall
impose on him the fine which shall be forwarded for entry in the
proper office of the Collector of Revenue; he should also remit to the
Minister of the Treasury a certification of the imposition of fines in
compliance with the preceding provision.
Art. 13. The mayor of every municipality shall take note of the
number of head of cattle which are removed from his limits, giving
due observation to the Police Regulations, and receiving the municipal
taxes. He shall also report to the Governor an account of the expor-
tations, and inform him therein of the destination of the cattle, as
well as of all herds which pass through his jurisdiction, and whether
the pennits governing the transportation are in proper form.
Art. 14. In the absence of inspectors of police and customs, there
shall be appointed special guards during the period of driving, and
these shall be invested with the same qualifications and attributes as
the inspectors.
Art. 15. The inspectors of police and customs and the guards shall
be obliged to take an account of the cattle of each herd in transit,
noting at the foot of the permit the difference in the number of cattle
as given originally and of that representing the herd. Should the
difference prove excessive the herd shall be detained and the cattle
owner as well as the chief herder subjected to the penalties estab-
lished by the Law of Contraband and Customs Frauds, except inHhe
case provided for at the end of the following article.
Art. 16. When a part of one herd exceeding in number 5 per cent
is diverted by a sudden dispersion, and the progress of the I'cst can
not be delayed, the chief herdsman may have recourse to the nearest
municipal authority, that they may on his verbal information certify
to the occurrence, expressing in the certificate the number of head
diverted, in order that the number may be reincorporated in the origi-
nal herd or in another one. In the latter case the same authority
shall certify at the foot of the other permit the incorporation of that
part of the herd recovered.
Art. 17. The inspectors and guards shall forward, every fifteen
days, an account of the transactions to the Collectors, and there shall
CATTLE EXPORT BEGULATI0K8. 91
be retransmitted at the end of each month to the superior officers of
customs an abstract of permits issued and cattle in their jurisdiction.
Art. 18. The inspectors and guards on the frontier districts shall
collect the permits for exportation, noting at the foot of them the
number of head of cattle that have passed, and issuing in exchange
therefor a recognizance of the said number of cattle. The colle<3ted
permits shall be transmitted to the Collector of the respective Depart-
ment, who in turn shall remit them to the Director-Greneral of Reve-
nue, in whose office they shall be audited.
Abt. 19. When cattle are withdrawn from one Department to com-
plete a herd in a contiguous one, a j)ermit shall be issued for the num-
ber of head which are to be removed into the neighboring Department,
the cattle having been examined previously by an inspector or guard,
who ^all certify to the number. It is not allowed to issue permits of
transit for cattle which are to be united with other herds in Depart-
ments that are not contiguous to that from which they proceed. The
return permit of such small herds in transit shouM be given by the
Collector of the Departnient to which the cattle are destined when the
regular permit for the said cattle has been issued.
Art. 20. When a permit is issued for the exportation of cattle
which come from another Department, going to another State, the
number of head proceeding from such foreign jurisdiction shall be set
forth therein, with the name of such locality.
Art. 21. The Executive Authority may permit the herds en route
to continue their journey, if they are detained in transit by reason of
the noncompliance of the owners or their representatives with the
law, provided these give proper guaranties to respond for any viola-
tions of the law.
Art. 22. Any doubts arising in the application of these regulations
shall be adjusted by the Executive Authority.
CHAPTER VII.
MININa DATA, MINERALOGT, MINING ULWS.
Mineral regions, — The whole area of the Republic of Honduras,
except that of the alluvial districts, may be said to contain mineral
deposits of various natures. The mountainous Departments of Tegu-
cigalpa, Olancho, Comayagua, Valle, Gracias, and Copan are especially
rich in these mineral deposits.
First mining operations. — That some of the aboriginal tribes of
Central America understood the process of separating gold from its
matrix by grinding and sluicing, as well as the use of fire in the
reduction of certain silver and copper ores, is known and established.
In Central America, and especially in Honduras, are found old work-
ings among gold-bearing formations which clearly demonstrate that
they were not made by the Spaniards, who at that time already were
comparatively well advanced in the art of mining. The shafts and
tunnels which the latter left show a similar character in construction
to those driven in Spain and Europe at the time. Whether, there-
fore, the simultaneous discovery of the continent of America and that
of the gold-bearing section of Honduras was accidental, the important
fact made known at that time to the world of having discovered a
new land that contained precious metals in great abundance was
enough to enhance the importance of the discovery of Columbus and
to draw endless bands of gold seekers from all corners of enterprising
and venturous Europe.
Spanish epoch. — We know positively that Spain up to the year 1821
derived a large portion of its income from the King's tithe laid upon
the mines worked in Honduras, as well as in other parts of the New
World. Documents illustrating this fact are deposited in the archives
of Tegucigalpa, Guatemala, and Mexico. It is an interesting fact and
quite worthy of notice that the Spaniards were excellent prospectors,
who knew where to find precious ore deposits and how to mine and
extract, although in a primitive way, the riches of the earth. In the
early colonial days gold and silver were of greater value than to-day,
and the labor of mining was carried on by slaves, whose maintenance
was scarcely an expense item. But duly considering these important
circumstances, it is nevertheless evident that the miners of two hun-
dred years ago obtained better results than do those of the present
day. It is of importance for the modern exploitation of the mines of
Honduras to understand that the old Spaniards were frequently com-
MINERALOGY. 93
pelled to stop their mining operations when encountering rock too
hard to be extracted by the aid of their primitive tools and blasting
powder. More frequently water was encountered, which they were
unable to remove with their tanates (leather sacks), with which they
carried it out of their mines.
The old mining records show a voluminous correspondence in which
the ways and means for developing the mines are set forth in detail.
In the middle of the seventeenth century these labors were directed
from the seat of the Captain-Generalcy in Guatemala. The labor
was done entirely by the Indians, with the supervision of Spanish
officials at the mines of Portrerillos, Yuscaran, Opteca, San Salvador,
Santa Lucia, San Antonio, Cedros, and others, in the vicinity of Tegu-
cigalpa. The Indians were usually required to labor at the mines for
one month, receiving therefor a pittance in wages and food. The
many Indian villages for many leagues around were subject to draft
of the male population to supply the labor for the mines.
The mines were seldom worked to any great depth, and their.pro-
prietors were at times obliged to abandon some of them before they
had been carried to a proper depth. Others were abandoned from
lack of knowledge in treating ores and still others from the lack of
roads whereon the ores could be transported to the mills. There are
hundreds of mines scattered over the country, abandoned and filled
with water, and these can not be profitably worked until roads are
made over which machinery can be transported, and many of them
must await the general development of the country to become of value.
Mining districts, — The chief mining district is in the Department of
Tegucigalpa, located, in the San Juan Mountains, some 21 miles from
the city of Tegucigalpa. Sporadic mining enterprises have sprung up
in nearly every part of the Republic. The Yuscaran mines gave a
fair return for the labor employed in former times; and the gold and
silver mining property near Aramecina, in the Department of Valle,
has given splendid returns on the investment of capital and labor.
For many years gold has been washed on the rivers of Olancho, but
hitherto only the Indian women seem to have been successful in obtain-
ing gold from the gravel. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been
squandered in reckless extravagance in so-called attempts to develop
these mining properties, both by the representatives of companies and
the concessionaire, but very little gold has been discovered.
The only permanent mining enterprise at this time in the Republic
is that of the Rosario Company, which has, after many years of per-
sistent labor and under tremendous difficulties, been put upon a solid
basis. This company has had to contend with lack of funds at vari-
ous periods, with meager and exorbitant transportation facilities and
rates, and the uncertainties of mining in a country where the veins
are inconstant, but it seems to have overcome all obstacles except the
last. This last obstacle has given the most concern to miners in Hon-
94 HONDURAS.
daras, where the volcanic and disturbed condition of rock formation
may develop enormously rich veins one day only to pinch them to a
thread the following, if not entirely obliterate them.
Mineral veins. — Silver ores are the most abundant and in the aggre-
gate the most valuable of any which exist in the State. They are
chiefly found upon the Pacilic ranges or groups of mountains, while
the gold washings, if not the gold mines proper, are most numerous
on the Atlantic slopes. The silver is found in various combinations
with iron, lead, copper, and, in a few instances, with antimony.
Chlorides of silver are not uncommon, and rank among the richest
ores in the country. The ore from the mineral district of Yuscaran
is for the most part an argentiferous galena, and when worked yields
a fair product. The^ mines throughout Tegucigalpa and Choluteca
yield a similar ore, generally occurring in a matrix of quartz, with
varying proportions of brown blende and sulphurets of zinc and iron
and oxides of iron. In his report to the Rosario Company, based on
an examination of the company's property in the San Juan and Pena
Blanca mountains, Mr. Noble says:
^^The veins which cut this andesite also contij&ue into the adjacent
slate, and are said to carry values there; but no place was accessible
where this could be verified, and the working in slate has not been
extensive. The ore-bearing veins have been formed in a series of fis-
sured zones, both as fillings of open spaces and as a mineralization
and alternation of the country rock.
"These fissures show in some cases only slight dislocations and in
other cases, like the northwest vein, were accompanied by heavy
faulting, but most of this movement took place before the deposition
of vein materials. The fissured zones are in some instances wide and
in others confined to one main plane of movement. The variations in
vein sizes, characteristic as to compactness or scattering into string-
ers, are dependent mainly on the kind of fissuring which took place
at the given point and the facilities offered there for free circulation
of mineralizing solutions and deposition of vein materials therefrom.
The character of the fissuring has been determined by the class of
rock traversed and the direction of the fissure. The eruptive rock
composing the bulk of Crucero and San Juan mountains appears to
all belong to the same class, viz, andesite, but shows variations in
macroscopic appearance according to the different conditions under
which it cooled. The deposition of ore bodies in the veins traversing
these different varieties of andesite does not seem to be affected by
the variations in the latter except as they have altered the character
of the fissuring. There has doubtless been considerable secondary
action (leaching of values from one part and redeposition in another
and oxidizing in others) since the veins were formed, resulting in
irregular areas of payable ore separated by stretches of almost value-
less ground. The different fissures join or intersect according to their
MINERAL WEALTH. 95
priority of formation in a decidedly complicated system. The general
mineralization of these and other fissures took place at some later
period and was followed by secondary action resulting in concentra-
tion in certain irregular areas of commercially valuable gold and silver
ores. During this period, as well as afterwards, the weathering and
wearing away by atmospheric agencies continued, resulting in the
present surface topography.
"The chief vein materials consist of quartz and various alteration
products of country rock containing streaks and disseminated par-
ticles of iron, lead, and zinc sulphides carrying silver and gold values.
In certain sections the sulphides are replaced by their oxidation prod-
ucts. A considerable part of the silver exists as sulphide. The gold
is largely native and very finely divided. Native silver and silver
chloride are occasionally found, and copper minerals occur in some
places. The occurrence of the irregular areas of payable ore which
may for convenience be called ore chutes (though they do not corre-
spond with what is ordinarily meant by that term) has not so far been
according to any recognizable law or rule which would enable one to
predict long continuations in any particular direction. Still, certain
facts have been learned by experience and are taken into account in
directing the exploration work. For examp^le, it is usually the case
that near an intersection or junction of two veins the fissures become
erratic and badly defined and do not carry much ore. It is also
noticed that parts of the vein which are open and carry heavy flows
of water usually contain low values and the reverse."
Grold is found principally in numerous fissures whose gangue is usu-
ally a clean white quartz and frequently richly impregnated with
copper glance, arsenical pyrite, pyrite, galena, sphalerite, silver
glance, and molj^bdan glance. These accessory minerals occur either
singly in the quartz gangue, or are mixed in various combinations,
according to the locality or depth of the workings from which they
are taken. Auriferous outcrops of fissure veins sometimes occur,
which, with increased depth, gradually diminish in their yield of gold
and frequently pass into silver ores, the character of the vein assum-
ing an entirely different mineralogical form.
Mineral ivealth. — Honduras is the richest of the five Central Ameri-
can republics with regard to mineral resources. The development
of her mines can only be effected, however, by wise and economic
methods and the opening of new and cheap transportation lines.
Very lai-ge amounts of capital are required to open up these mineral
deposits, as in the case of the Rosario Company, and above all the
management must be composed of honest and able ofiQelals in charge
of the workings in this country.
Copper deposits. — There are copper deposits of excellent quality and
vahio in several regions of the Republic. The ores in all cases oon-
totn Mnke pr^x>rtian of silver. Those of Coloal, in the western part
96 HOXDUBAS.
of the state, c^intain 58 i>er cent of copper. The ores from the Olancho
depOHitA average even better — 80 per cent of pure copper. These cop-
per deiKwits have been worked primarily for the silver contained in
them. Under the i>eculiar circumstances of the country, and princi-
pally liecause of the difficulties of communication, the production of
this metal has hitherto been regarded as unprofitable, and the pure
copjKjr is hardly worth its transportation to the coast; with improve-
m<5nts of communication and the introduction of modem reduction
plants, the copper mines of Honduras would assume great importance,
taking into consideration the increasing demand for this metal.
There are some mines of this metal in the neighborhood of the Gulf
of Fonseea, and the ore is found generally throughout the Pacific
Departments. The copper ore is for the most part uncombined with
sulphur and does not require calcination. The Spanish miners called
it yrieifd de color ^ red and blue oxides, and green carbonates, with
now and then the brown or pigeon-breasted. The veins are generally
vertical, and the larger ones run east and west.
Inm. — Iron ores are common, but none of the mines of this metal
are worked. In the mine at Agalteca, in the Depart.ment of Teguci-
galpa, the ore is highly magnetic and so nearly pure that it may be
forged without smelting.^ It occurs in vast beds; and though bringing
a good price, it has not occurred to the native that it may be profitably
produced.
Platina is said to exist in the Departments of Copan, Gracias, and
Choluteca, but tlie mines have never been worked.
Zinc occurs in various combinations, and superior ores of the metal
are found in great abundance in the bay islands.
Antimony and tin are also found, but their economic production still
awaits modem enterprise.
Opals. — ^The opal mines of Gracias are worked with intermittent
vigor and have been in the past very productive. Some of the stones
taken out were large and beautiful, but most have suffered at the
hands of the Indians, who estimate their value by numbers rather
than size, and consequently break them into small pieces. Of late
years the liberality of foreigners has led the mine workers to believe
that their opals are of great value. To-day an opal can not be pur-
oliased in Honduras within a league of the workings of the Erandique
urines as cheap as the same quality of stone couM be purchased in
the city of New York.
Marble. — ^Marble is found in the hills and mountains near Omoa.
It is Bald to be a fine, compact, white stone, remarkably free from
faults and stains.
OocH. — Coal is said to exist in the valley of the Sulaco River in the
Department of Oomayagua, and near Nacaome, in the Department of
Yalle. The Sensenti Plain, in Copan, has a number of large beds of
" brown ooal»'' overtopped by layers of bituminous shale. The area
SUPERVISION OF MINES.
97
of the beds is not known, but they probably extend below the greater
part of the plain" or valley. Situated so far inland, it is not pre-
sumed that these beds can ever have more than a local value in ore-
reduction works in the neighboring: mountains.
Minerals exported {ores, silver bars, and gold).
Value.
Value.
1888-1899
$702, 856. a5
728,528.80
911,646.20
927,628.20
1902-1903
1429,205.45
1890-1900
Total..
1900-1901
3,694,865.50
1901-1902
Concessions granted.
New con-
cessions.
Pro-
rogued.
Claims
registered.
1808-1809
15
8
9
44
4
9
-
1890-1900
88
1900-1901
28
1901-1902
65
1902-1906
1
Total
80
9
126
Mines in operation,— ^i the hundreds of mines and mining claims
and concessions in all parts of the Republic, but two are on a paying
basis — the Rosario Company, at San Juancito, Department of Tegu-
cigalpa, and the Aramecina Gold and Silver Mining Company (Lim-
ited), at Aramecina, in the Department of Valle.
A number of others are in process of exploitation, and have given,
to date, indifferent returns, which have not as yet produced divi-
dends, much less than a return of the capital invested. Of these may
be mentioned the "Las Animas," in the Valle de los Angeles, Depart-
ment of Tegucigalpa; "El Triunfo," in the Department of Valle ; " La
Labor," Sensenti, Department of Copan, and "Aurora," near Santa
Lucia, in the Department of Tegucigalpa.
Centralization of Oovemment mining control, — By congressional
decree No. 70, of February 28, 1902, it was provided that the super-
vision of mines and the mining industry should pass from the local or
departmental authorities to the Central Government, and be under the
jurisdiction of the Minister of Public Works and Exploitation, in
order to secure greater uniformity in the official proceedings affecting
mining interests. This meant that parties making mining claims
must institute their proceedings before the governors of the respective
Departments, in conformity with the mining code, up to the ratifica-
tion of the registry of their claims; thence all the records and pro-
ceedings were to be transmitted to the Minister in Tegucigalpa, where
the procedure was to be completed to the granting of the title.
By congressional decree No. 26, of the 29th of May, 1903, decree
i88A-04 7
98 HONDURAS.
No. 70 was repealed, and all former laws in force under the mining
code were revived and the local authorities rehabilitated in the super-
vision and direction of the mines and mining claims in their respec-
tive Departments. This decree became effective July 1, 1903.
THE MINING CODE.
[January 1, 1899.]
TiTLK I. — Of mines and mining property.
Article 1. The State is proprietor of all mines of gold, silver, cop-
per, platinum, mercury, lead, zinc, bismuth, antimony, cobalt, nickel,
tin, arsenic, iron, chrome, manganese, molybdena, vanadium, radium,
iridium, tungsten, and of sulphur, saltpeter, precious stones, coal,
and other fossil substances, notwithstanding the ownership of corpo-
rations or individuals of the surface of the land in which these
deposits are situated. But individuals may prospect and excavate in
lands belonging to anyone in search of mines, and may receive them
as proprietors in accordance with the laws and regulations provided
in this code.
Art. 2. Individuals may acquire the mines above referred to, what-
ever their origin or their situation, except those of saltpeter, brim-
stone, coal, and other fossil substances, which may be exploited by
contract with the Government. Mineral substances of any kind
found in uncultivated lands of the State or municipalities may like-
"wise be acquired by the discoverers.
•Art. 3. Precious stones or metals which are found isolated in a
natural state on the surface soil, in open territory, shall belong to the
first possessor thereof.
Art. 4. Building stone, sand, slate, clay, lime, puzzolana, peat,
marl, and other substances found in uncultivated lands of the State
or municipalities shall be for the common exploitation of individuals,
without prejudice to the State or municipalities, if they m^y be con-
ceded ai!5 such, and under the conditions determined in special con-
tracts or that may be established in the regulations for that purpose.
Art. 5. Lands containing gold and tin deposits, or any other min-
erals in rivers and placers, may be made available wherever these are
situated in uncultivated lands of any proprietorship. Nevertheless,
when exploitation is made with permanent works, mineral claims
shall be formed there6f.
Art. 6. The dump, scoria, and tailings of abandoned mines are an
integral part of the property to which they belong; but so long as
they have not passed into particular possession they may be con-
sidered as commonp roperty. Likewise scoria and tailings of ancient
workings abandoned by the owners may be available as common
property when this is on uninclosed land.
Art. 7. When a mine is discovered, the surface area necessary for
MINING CODE. 99
its proper exploitation may be occupied whenever the work msiy so
require, as for the establishment of pits, dumps, furnaces, and machin-
nery for extraction and treatment of metals, independently or mixed
with others; for dwelling houses for employees, and roads for trans-
portation to the common highways both for the product and machinery
for the mines. To this service nonmetallic mining enterprises shall
also be privileged. The superficial area of such uninclosed lands or
uncultivated lands shall be open to the taking of wood necessary in
the mining enterprise, but this right shall cease when the proprietor
of the land delivers the wood, cut, to the mine. The privilege of
occupancy carries with it not only the duty to compensate the owner
for the use of his land, but also for any damage which may be done
either to him or to any other.
Art. 8. The roads opened for the use of a mine shall be available
to any others pursuing the same business, and in such a case the
expense of repairing them shall be shared proportionately by the
users.
Art. 9. The superficial area of the claim shall be available for pas-
turing animals required by the mining enterprise, provided it is not
in a state of cultivation or inclosed, and for the use of all water for
potable purposes. Works may also be established for conserving
such water for the purpose cited and for the operation of the mining
enterprise. All the above may be done upon the due satisfaction of
indemnity.
Art. 10. The water in subterranean workings shall belong to the
mines.
Art. 11. Mining property shall be considered as real estate and
distinct from the superficial area of the land, even though belonging
to the same owner; and the property, possession, use, and enjoyment
of the same shall be transferable as other land, in conformity with
the special provisions of this code.
Art. 12. All things and objects destined by the proprietor to the
permanent use and exploitation, as well as the buildings, machinery,
pumps, instruments, utensils, and animals, shall be considered as fix-
tures of the mine; but animals and articles employed in the personal
service or in transportation or sale of the mineral product shall not
be regarded as fixtures, nor any other articles of the proprietor or
exploiter that are used personally.
Art. 13. Mines are not susceptible of partition, nor is it permitted
for the partners in a mine to appropriate to themselves exclusively
one or more workings. Nevertheless, the interest therein may be
divided by shares among two or more partners.
Art. 14. The law concedes perpetual property rights to individuals
under the condition of an annual payment of a tax for each hectare
of superficial area of the mining zone; and it shall be understood that
any loss of property and reversion to the State upon failure to comply
100 HONDURAS.
with the above condition shall be upon such previous procedure
expressly provided by this code.
Title II. — Of investigation and examination.
Art. 15. The privilege of investigation and examination of any
kind of land in the search for mines may be freely exercised in lands
not inclosed or given up to cultivation.
Art. 16. Prospecting may be conducted in cultivated land, with
permission of the owner or administrator of the territory. When per-
mission is refused, application may be made to a judge of a court of
record, who may or may not deny the application, and from him, upon
previous oral examination of the parties interested, and when it may
be deemed opportune, on the testimony of a mining engineer, there
shall be no appeal.
Art. 17. Permission granted by a judge in conformity with the pre-
ceding article shall include the nalning of the number of persons who
shall be employed in the investigation, and the following conditions
shall be observed :
1*". The prospecting shall take place at a time when no crops are
growing.
2*". The prospecting shall not continue longer than sixty days from
the time permission is granted.
3°. The prospector shall give security upon the request of the owner
to respond for all damage the investigation may create or which may
occur through the making thereof.
Art. 18. When permission has once been given for an examination,
under no circumstances shall another be given for the same purpose
on the same land.
Art. 19. If for justifiable reasons the investigation can not be con-
cluded within the period of sixty days, the permission may be extended
to another favorable time by a new decree from competent authority.
Art. 20. A judge may not give permission to prospect under houses,
in gardens, orchards, in anj^ irrigated plantation, or in arable lands
which contain trees or vineyards.
Art. 21. No excavations or mining works shall be opened within 40
meters of a house or railroad, nor on land above or below a highway
or canal of any kind, without permission from the authorities, which
may be granted if not inconvenient in the judgment of the engineer,
and the means for safety of the property, as the case may be, shall be
prescribed. The same course shall be followed when the work is to
take place within a distance of less than 100 meters from canals,
aqueducts, watering places for stock, or any kind of water courses.
Submarine investigations may not be made in open ports except on
permission of the administrative authorities and upon report of
experts; and without prejudice to the former, it shall be necessary
to obtain the i)ermission of the military authorities when the work is
MURING CODE. 101
to be within 1,400 meters of fortified positions. Noncompliance shall
be punishable with a fine of from 50 to 500 pesos, in addition to
indemnities for damages caused by the operations.
Tttle ni. — Of persons who way acquire mines.
Art. 22. Every person capable of holding real estate in Honduras
may acquire mines by all legal methods, except in the cases enumer-
ated in the following article.
Art. 23. The following persons are prohibited from acquiring mines
or any share or interest therein:
l**. Such mining engineers as may retain administrative duties in
the mining branch within the district where they exercise their func-
tions.
2°. Such judges of courts of record before whom may come questions
pertaining to mines within their jurisdiction.
3"*. Such women as may not have been divorced and children under
the guardianship of the aforementioned officials.
This prohibition shall not include mines acquired before the appoint-
ment of the officials to their positions, nor those which the above-
named officials may acquire during their tenure of office, or their
wives or children, by reason of bequests upon death. Nor shall it
apply to those mines acquired by married women before marriage.
Art. 24. The mine or part thereof or shares of stock in mining com-
panies acquired contrary to the provisions of the preceding article
shall be held as null and void and may be granted to any petitioner
therefor or on his denouncement thereof.
Art. 25. No one may acquire by title of discovery, registry, or con-
cession more than three mining privileges in the same mineral vein,
but any person qualified may acquire by other titles those that he
desires, without limitation.
Art. 26. A minor may acquire, without the consent of his parent or
guardian, any mines which he maj'^ discover and register, and these
shall be incorporated as his industrial capital in trust with his parent
or guardian.
Title IV. — Of the discovery of mines and the methods of establishing property
rights therein.
Art. 27. The discoverer of a mine where no others are registered
within a radius of 4 kilometers shall be termed discoverer in unex-
plored regions. The discoverer of a mine within 4 kilometers of a
registered mine shall be termed a discoverer in a known region.
Art. 28. He shall be taken as the discoverer who first presents him-
self for registration, except when by proof fraud shall be shown in
anticipating the declaration or retarding the presentation of the real
discoverer.
Art. 29. He shall not be held as a discover who is engaged in min-
102 HONDUEAS.
ing work by order or while in the employ of another, and he shall
make the declaration in the name of him for whom he is working.
Art. 30. The discoverer must make declaration of his discovery
before a proper judge. Upon making this, he shall set forth his name
and those of his companions, if he have any, the prominent and charac-
teristic demarcations of the place of excavation, shaft or works where
the mineral is found, and a sample thereof; the designation of its
kind and the name it is proposed to give to each one of the three
adjoining claim plots to which he has a right. The fact whether he
is adiscoverer of unexplored or known regions should also be stated.
The adjoining claim plots must be registered and described separately.
Art. 31. Only the discoverer in unexplored regions shall have the
right to ask for adjoining land within a radius of 4 kilometers,
measured from the shaft of the original claim, during a i)eriod of fifty
days following the date of the registry.
Art. 32. The judge before whom the declaration is made shall cer-
tify thereon the hour of its making, shall make a note thereof in a
book of registry kept for the purpose, and shall furnish a receipt to
the interested party upon request.
Art. 33. The same judge shall order the registration of the decla-
ration and the publication of the registration in conformity with
Articles 30 and 31.
Art. 34. The registry shall consist of a complete transcript of the
declaration or petition and decree, with the certification of the day
and hour of its presentation made in the registry of claims, which
every court having jurisdiction over mines shall keep. A copy of
this record shall be given to the interested party upon request.
Art. 35. The publication of the registry shall be done by insertion
in a newspaper of the Department, if there be any, at least three times
at intervals of ten days. If there should be no newspai)er in the
Department, the publication of the registry shall be made by means
of placards, which shall be posted for a period of thirty days on the
bulletin board of the court and in two of the most public places.
Art. 36. The discoverer is obliged to open the discovered croppings
or vein to examination within a period of ninety days from the date
of the registry by erecting over the body of the vein a shaft, borer,
or gallery, or a combination thereof, to the depth of 8 meters, at least,
from the surface, in order that the class of mineral may be known,
the thickness, direction, and inclination of the vein, and other cir-
cumstances which establish the existence of the mine and serve to
characterize it.
Art. 37. The extension zones conceded to the miner for exploiting
his mine shall be known as adjoining or appurtenance plots.
Art. 38. The appurtenance is of rectangular form and of indefinite
depth within the vertical planes which limit it, and shall comprise an
area of 5 hectares at most, and 1 hectare at least, in such form as
shall be previously decided.
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^KBgi I 'wVufl^'^ '^"^ 9^^E ^BiSS^Iifl
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1
MINING CODE. 103
•
Art. 39. When the shaft has been made as per article 36, the
claimant may mark his appurtenance, provisionally, with visible land-
marks set up in each corner of the tract. Following this, he must
ratify his registry by means of a petition directed to the judge of
record, in which he shall set forth the character of his mine, the
points to which he has measured and demarcated provisionally his
appurtenance, and the area of the same in hectares. This petition
shall be registered as the declaration was. These obligations shall
be fulfilled by the claimant within the period granted for the con-
struction of the shaft.
Art. 40. The said records shall serve as provisional title to the
mining property until, on petition made by the claimant or party
interested, a final title is given on the measurement of the appurte-
nance by judicial order. Definitive title shall be taken out within
one year from the date of the registry.
Art. 41. If the claimant does not desire a provisional title, but pre-
fers at an early date to obtain a definitive one, he shall so express
himself in the application for the ratification of the registry.
Art. 42. If the claimant does not construct his shaft, or if when
constructed, he fails to have his registry ratified, he shall be held as
having abandoned his rights.
Art. 43. An error in any part of the ratification of the registry
may be corrected at any time, and the correction shall be ordered
inscribed in the registry; all of which shall be without prejudice to
third parties.
Art. 44. Those who pretend to have greater right to a discovered
claim must perfect their claim within the period given to the regis-
tered claimant for the ratification of the registry; and they shall not
be heard afterwards.
Title V. — Of the appurtenances for prospecting in known regions.
Art. 45. Ninety days after the ratification of the registry any quali-
fied person may petition for an appurtenance for prospecting the vein
beyond the demarcations of the discoverer. These petitions shall be
recorded in the register in the same manner as those declaring dis-
coveries.
Art. 46. If two or more parties should solicit appurtenances of
this kind on the same line of vein, he shall be preferred who first
presents himself, and successively such others in the order of their
presentation.
Art. 47. If the grantee does not find minerals or profitable ground,
or does not register within the time prescribed in article 36, he shall
forfeit his rights, and the claim may be granted to the first party
requesting the same, if he has not discovered or registered it. But
if works have been well and sufficiently established within the time
allowed and no profitable ore discovered, by reason of the ground
being very much overgrown with bush or for any reason which could
104 HONDURAS.
not have been foreseen, on^ petition for a prorogue of the time expressed
there shall be granted to him, upon the previous recognition of the
facts and the report of the engineer, a prorogue not to exceed a term
greater than the first.
TrrLE VI. — Of the demarcation and survey of claims^ and the establishment of
definite title of ownership.
Art. 48. In order to make a survey of a claim, the neighboring
owners must be previously personally cited, if they are known or live
in the mineral district or Department, or the manager of the mine, if
the owner lives in other parts ; and if the owner or director is not found
on the place, by means of a placard posted on the bulletin board of
the court for fifteen days and published three times in a newspaper,
if there is any in the Department. The parties cited shall have ten
days in which to oppose the survey in respect to their mine or mines.
Art. 49. The priority of declaration of a mine shall give a prefer-
ential right for the demarcation and survey thereof with respect to
mines more recently discovered.
Art. 50. If there be no opposition to the petition for survey or
final judgment, the judge shall order the execution of the acts, pre-
viously notifying the parties of the day on which it is to take place.
Art. 51. The survey of a claim shall be made for the interested
party by any licensed mining engineer, in the presence of two wit-
nesses; and failing him, by experts appointed by a judge.
Art. 52. Each party in interest shall have the right, likewise, to
name before the judge an expert to assist in the survey' and watch
the operations to be executed, to take notes on the field, and contest
any procedure, acts, and expert decisions.
Art. 53. The engineer or expert shall previously examine the mine,
and after having ascertained that it contains mineral or a vein and
that the legal amount of labor has been done shall proceed to lay out
the claim, distributing the measurement of length to one or the other
side of the shaft in the manner that has been requested by the miner
in the ratification of his registry, or as he then desires if there are no
neighboring owners, or if there are and they make no opposition; but
said shaft shall always be inclosed within the limits of the claim.
He should also collect samples of the ore and mark out the points
where he fixes the posts or boundary marks, that they may be firm,
lasting, and easily found.
Art. 54. The width shall be measured upon a horizontal line per-
pendicular to the course of the vein, distributing it on one side or the
other of the vein in the proportion the miner requests, but if the neigh-
bors oppose it there shall not be granted more than 10 yards against
the inclination of the vein.
Art. 55. To fix the width the following scale shall be observed:
From 30° to 45°, inclusive, 200 meters; from 45° to 50°, inclusive, 165
MINING CODE. 105
meters; from 50° to 60°, inclusive, 135 metiers; from 60° to 65°, inclu-
sive, 115 meters; from 65° to 90°, inclusive, 100 meters.
Art. 56.' The length of the claim shall be that which necessarily
results in forming the number of hectares desired by the miner, tak-
ing as a base the measurement of width, and the measurement shall
be made by following the course of the vein and starting from the
point of the cropping which the miner designates, so as to leave within
the claim the works mentioned in article 36.
Art. 57. In irregular deposits and auriferous and tin deposits the
claim shall be measured in length and width requested by the miner
up to the point necessary to coiflplete the extension or area which has
been granted to him.
Art. 58. Claims solicited for prospecting a vein on the continuation
of another known vein should be laid out, if possible, in such a man-
ner as to leave no vacant space between the one or the other.
Art. 59. A claim must, in all cases, be continuous. If it should
happen that there is not enough ground to fill up the measurement to
which it is entitled by reason of the interposition of another claim,
the first shall be restricted to the ground which is free, up to the
point of interposition, and its measurement shall not be completed by
jumping over the interposed mine. The extension of ground less than
1 hectare, which results from a measurement between several claims,
shall belong to the neighbor who first registers it.
Art. 60. The engineer or expert shall make use of the magnetic
north to fix the courses, and always, if possible, shall determine the
position of the lawful works which he has taken as a basis for
his operations, with reference to landmarks easily perceptible on the
ground, taking note of their distances. In those places where the
astronomical meridian has been determined the engineer should care-
fully note the angle of the magnetic declination.
Art. 61. The operation having been completed, the engineer or
expert shall draw up a statement of the proceedings, containing a clear
and circumstantial description of the manner in which they were per-
formed and of their results, as well as of the observations or objections,
made by the assistant experts named by the interested parties. This
statement, signed by the engineer, by the assistant experts, by the
interested parties and by two witnesses, shall be presented to the judge,
who, upon finding it complete and in legal form, shall order its record-
ing in the register, and shall have the original placed in the archives
and a copy given to the interested party, or he shall correct the faults
or illegalities which he may discover.
Art. 62. If there should arise any disagreement between the engi-
neer and the experts upon any point of the examination, the judge
shall appoint another engineer or expert who shall act jointly with
those disagreeing, and if the new examination results in a majority
of similar opinion the inscription shall be ordered in conformity with
the majority and in the manner laid down in the preceding article.
106 H0NDUBA8.
Art. 63. The proceedinpjs mentioned in the preceding articles shall
be final and shall constitute a definite title to the property of the
mine, and it can not be impugned except in the case of an evident
error of experts being found in the record or of fraud and deceit.
Art. 64. It shall also be corrected on the petition and at the expense
of any miner who shall locate within the limits or in the vicinity of a
staked claim, and who alleges that it has a greater extension than
that assigned in the title.
Art. 65. In correction the proceedings shall be the same as in the
first location and measurement.
Art. 66. The miner is obliged to maintain and preserve the land-
marks of his claim and can not change or move them, under penalty
of a fine of not less than 50 pesos nor greater than 500 pesos, without
prejudice to the criminal responsibility of his action, if malicious.
Art. 67. If by accident a landmark has fallen down or has been
destroyed, the miner shall inform the judge, that he may have it
replaced in its proper position after summoning the neighboring own-
ers to be present.
Title VII. — Of the rights of a miner over his claim and of trespass on mining
property.
Art. 68. The grantee of a mine is the exclusive owner within the
limits of his^claim, and in all its depth, of all the veins and mineral
substances which exist or may be found therein.
Art. 69. The owners of adjoining or neighboring mines have the
right to visit other adjoining mines personally or through an engineer
or expert named by them or by the judge. When the visit is pro-
posed because of a suspicion of trespass or through fear of inunda-
tion the engineer or expert may take measurements of the works
adjacent to the mines of the petitioner.
Art. 70. Refusal or any difficulty or obstacle placed in the way of
inspection or examination shall be presumptive of bad faith.
Art. 71. If the measurements taken by the engineer or exj^ert
named by the judge result in proving a trespass, the judge shall order
a temporary susi)ension of the work at the crossing and affix seaLs to
the points of division, while the interested parties present their case
before the proper tribunal.
Art. 72. He who has trespassed shall be obliged to make restitution
of the value of the acquisition at the appraisal of experts, without
prejudice to the liability of being charged with theft when bad faith
is proved. Bad faith will be presumed when the trespass exceeds 20
meters.
Title Vin. — Of the exploitation of mines and services that must be rendered.
Art. 73. Mines must be worked and operated according to the sci-
entific rules of mining, and in conformity with the regulations pre-
scribed for seomrity and order.
MINING CODE. 107
Art. 74. In order to carry out the provisions of the preceding arti-
cle the mines shall be subject to inspection by the administrative
authority, which shall prescribe the time and manner of inspection
as may be deemed convenient.
Art. 75. The miner or operator must place at the disposal of the
engineers or experts appointed to visit the mine or its works, the arti-
cles necessary for such inspection.
Art. 76. He must at the same time exhibit his books, plans, labor
rolls, and other data which may serve to make a complete showing,
if so desired.
Art. 77. The owners or managers of mines must keep their works
well ventilated, so that the laborers may not be suffocated by accu-
mulated gases or unwholesome air or by the infiltration or accumu-
lation of water.
Art. 78. The owners or managers of mines are forbidden, under a
penalty of from 50 to 500 pesos, without prejudice of being liable to
either criminal or civil action, in case of accident, to allow work to
be done in places where lamps burn with difficulty or become extin-
guished from lack of sufficient pure air. They are forbidden also,
under penalty of from 25 to 150 pesos, to allow work to be carried on
in darkness.
Art. 79. Miners are obliged to secure the roof and sides or walls of
their works in headings and levels, used for carrying orp or material,
by means of timber, masonry, or broken-stone walls, etc., as the soft-
ness or hardness of the work or nature of the ground may require,
under a penalty of from 50 to 250 pesos for the first failure, and for
the second the loss of the mine, if, after request by the Governor,
they fail to execute the work deemed to be necessary for its safety in
such time as may have been specially designated in accordance with
the engineer's report.
Art. 80. The drainage of a mine by means of works of a lower level
can not be done without the permission of the Governor. In this per-
mission, which shall be given upon the previous report of the engineer,
the proper precautions to avoid accidents shall be determined. Any
infraction of this article shall be penalized by a fine of from 25 to 150
pesos, without prejudice to liability of civil or criminal action in case
of accident. If, by failure to apply the proper means of drainage,
any lower mine shall suffer damage, the miner shall indemnify the
injured owners, according to the valuation of experts.
Art. 81. In all headings the inclinations of which exceed 35° there
shall always be a railing, solidly constructed, to facilitate the entry
and exit of the laborers. If the average inclination of such works
reaches 40°, there must be, besides the railing, a series of footholds in
the rock itself, or artificially constructed. Any infraction of this arti-
cle shall be penalized by a fine of from 25 to 50 pesos.
Art. 82. The ladders placed in the transit shafts shall be con-
structed with a view to the safety of the miners. Any infraction of
108 HONDURAS.
this article shall be punishable by the same fine as that specified in
the preceding one.
Art. 83. If the workmen have to descend into the mine through
shafts, in cars or cages, the owners shall use cables of first quality,
and use such apparatus of safety to avoid accidents as the Governor
shall prescribe, upon the previous advice of an engineer.
Art. 84. Safety fuses shall be used for firing powder in the work-
ing of the mines. Only ramrods with points of soft iron or copper, or
any other material which does not produce sparks by striking, shall
be used in the loading of blasts.
Art. 85. The employment of women, or of children under the age
of 12 years, in the interior of the mine is prohibited, under a i)enaity
of from 10 to 25 pesos.
Art. 86. The damages caused to a mine by the work of operating
another shall be paid by the owner of the latter, upon a just valuation
made by experts, without prejudice, of any liabilities to which such
damages may have given rise. Should tlie mining operations be
extended under habitations or buildings the party owning the enter-
prise may have to give security to guarantee the payment of any
damages which may be caused by the work.
Art. 87. When, on a visit of inspection of a mine by the commis-
sioned engineer, it shall appear that the lives of the workmen or the
security of the works are in jeopardy from any cause, he shall dictate
the measures necessary to remove the cause of danger. Should anj^
reclamation be made the Governor shall hear the report of one or
more engineers, employed at the expense of the interested party, and
shall decide in accordance with the opinion of the majority. If the
report of the first engineer shows that there is immediate danger, he
shall order the temporary suspension of the work, any reclamation to
the contrary notwithstanding.
Art. 88. If by any accident occurring in a mine there shall be caused
the death or severe injury of one or more persons, or the safety of the
miners should be imperiled, the owners, directors, or administrators
must, under a penalty of from 50 to 200 pesos, give immediate notice to
the proper judge, who, together with the engineer or expert, shall pro-
ceed without delay to make a summary investigation of the occurrence
and its causes and to take the proper measures to avert danger and
its consequences. To this end he shall have the power to use all tools,
workmen, and animals belonging to the mine and anything he may
deem necessary to attain his object.
Art. 89. The penalties which are established in this code shall be
imposed by^the judge.
Art. 90. The miner who desires to operate his mine by means of
drifts, shafts, or inclines may prosecute his work without previous
permission within the limits of his claim or outside of them, if the
ground is not occupied by other miners.
HONDURAS. 109
Art. 91. If to carry on these works it should be necessary to begin
them on the claim of another party or to cross it in all its breadth or
only on a portion and no arrangements could be made with the owner,
the miner must solicit permission from the judge. The judge will
grant it if in the opinion of the engineer the following circumstances
are made manifest:
1°. That the work is possible and useful.
2**. That it can not be performed on any other point without incur-
ring much greater expense.
3°. That the working of the mine which the excavation has to cross
is not rendered impossible or very diflBicult.
Art. 92. Each of the parties can name an expert to proceed jointly
with the one appoint-ed by the judge, and the judge shall notify them
beforehand of the day on which the examination of the ground will
take place.
Art. 93. If any disagreement should arise between the engineer and
the experts, it shall be treated as described in article G2.
Art. 94. The judge, in granting the permit, shall determine the
course of the excavation or work and the maximum of extension which
can be given in the other claim, on the opinion of the engineer or experts,
and the miner has to conform strictly to that course and extension
in the prosecution of his work; otherwise he shall have to request new
permission, which can not be granted without the advice of the engi-
neer thereon. Such permission shall not be necessary, however, when
the variation is accidental and occurs in order to avoid the diflBiculties
which may be encountered in the work.
Art. 95. Before beginning the work of excavation the miner shall
give bonds to the mine which he intends to cross.
Art. 96. The owner of the property to be crossed must not interfere
with the shaft or drift which crosses it nor with its supports; nor can
he extract mineral nearer than two yards, unless he erects supports
according to regulations. But the miner shall reimburse him for the
expenses which may be occasioned by this compliance with the rules.
A^T. 97. If the party excavating encounters a vein in another claim,
he can not operate and work it, but is permitted only to follow his
own excavation across it; and he shall surrender the ore to the owner
after deducting the cost of extracting it.
Art. 98. The owners of mines that may be drained by the excava-
tion, or the operation of which may be facilitated by it^ shall pay to
the party making the excavation, upon a valuation by experts, either
the value of the benefits derived or the cost that might accrue if the
benefits were obtained by other means. This disposition applies to
drainage by means of shafts.
Art. 99. Mines may be used to facilitate the ventilation of those
which may need it and to allow the underground drainage of other
mines in the direction of the general drainage. They can not stop
110 HONDURAS.
the necessary transit on the surface, and here, as well as underground,
they must render to each other such services which, without detri-
ment to any, may be of benefit to others. This is understood to be
with payment for damages, to be appraised by exi)ert8.
Title IX. — Alienation and prescription of mines and sales of minerals.
Art. 100. Mines can be alienated among living i)ersons or conveyed
in case of death in the same manner as any other real estate.
Art. 101. The original property of mines is acquired by legal regis-
try, and after this has been accomplished the registered mine remains
subject to the rules governing recorded property.
Art. 102. For the transfer of laid-out mines and to constitute
vested rights in them there shall be kept in each Department a special
recording register, placed in charge of the judge. It shall be kept in
the same manner and under the same rules as the recording register
of real estate.
Art. 103. The transfer of mines whose registry has not been com-
pleted, or respecting which a definite title of prox)erty has not been
secured, will be done by inscription in the register of discoveries.
Art. 104. The sale of mines shall not be held as complete while a
public deed has not been granted. The private memorandum of con-
tract of sale shall hold good, however, as a promise to complete and
legalize it.
Art. 105. The time of possession necessary to acquire the property
of mines by prescription is only two years in the ordinary prescription
and ten years in extraordinary.
Art. 106. There shall not be allowed, in any manner, recovery of
minerals bought in the stores of mines, or from a well-known miner,
or in the presence of the j,udge or witnesses not employed by the
buyer, or by means of a certificate from the proper authority of the
district whence the mineral proceeds, stating that the vendor actually
works a mine producing the same mineral as that sold or that he has
acquired such mineral by legal right.
Art. 107. The purchase of stolen mineral accomplished withou^con-
forming to the conditions of the preceding article subjects the pur-
chaser to the presumption of concealing stolen property.
Art. 108. In this last case it will be suflacient for the claimant to
prove that he has been robbed of minerals and that the ores he claims
are similar to those produced by his mine.
Title X. — Of the hire of workmen by time.
Art. 109. The contract for the hire of the services of workmen for
more than one year shall be made in writing, but the workmen shall
not be obliged to remain in service more than five years, counted from
the date of the contract.
MINING CODE. Ill
Art. 110. If no time is stipulated the services may cease at the
option of either party. Nevertheless, in the case of overseers, mechan-
ics, or other operatives of the same class, either party must give notice
to the other of his intention of canceling the contract, although no
condition to that eifect be stipulated, at least fifteen days previously.
Art. 111. If the workman, engaged for a determinate time with a
notice clause, should leave suddenly without serious cause, he shall
pay to his employer an amount equal to one month's salary, or to that
of the notice period, or that equal to the number of days needed to
accomplish it, respectively.
Art. 112. The emploj^er who in the same manner should dismiss
the employee shall have to pay him a similar sum, besides traveling
expenses of coming and going, if to engage his services he made him
change his residence.
Art. 113. Inaptitude, disorderly conduct, or insubordination of the
employee or if the latter has become unfit for work from any cause
for more than one month, shall be considered cause for dismissal.
The employer, however, shall take all the necessary care of the
employee who shall have been injured, or who has become sick in the
service of the mine, or who shall have been injured by an accident
which may have occurred in the mine. \
Art. 114. Bad treatment on the part of the employer or the failure
to pay the wages of the employee at the specified time shall be consid-
ered as serious cause in favor of the employee for leaving his employ-
ment.
Art. 115. The employee who runs away after having received an
advance on his salary without returning it shall be guilty of fraud in
the sum misappropriated.
Art. 116. The books of the mine shall be admitted as evidence when
kept by an employee, and not by the owner:
V. In regard to the amount of salary.
2®. In regard to the payment of the salary and the time limit.
3**. In regard to the amount advanced to the employee on account of
the current month.
Art. 117. The contracts made for the performance of special work
or those which refer to the service of the overseers, of bookkeepers,
or other employees of this class, shall not be subject to the preceding
provisions, although they may have contracted for a specified period.
Art. 118. The salaries and wages due for the current month to the
workmen and other employees of the mine, the comptroller included,
shall be paid in preference to all others from the products of the
mine. Even the utensils and tools may be sold for that object. As
for the other property of a bankrupt miner, the salaries and wages of
the laborers and employees shall have the same preference which is
granted by common law to those of the clerks and servants.
112 HONDURAS.
Title XI. — Of mining companies.
Art. 119. When two or more persons engage in mutual mining
work, in accordance with the provisions of this code, the combination
shall be a company. Companies "are formed:
1°. By the act of registration as a mining company.
2°. By the act of acquiring an interest in a company.
3°. By special contract of the company. This contract shall be
executed in writing.
Art. 120. All business of a company shall be transacted and passed
in meeting by a majority of votes.
To form meetings, half of all the members with a right to vote and
one additional shall be sufficient, upon the previous notification to
all the members, including such as may have no vote. The summons
shall contain the purpose of the meeting and the day and hour
appointed therefor.
Art. 121. Summons shall be mkde by means of notices and procla-
mations. The notices shall be published in a newspaper of the
Department three times during a period of fifteen days. A placard
notice shall also be affixed for a x>eriod of fifteen days on the bulletin
board of the court. In the absence of a newspaper the placard notice
shall suffice.
Art. 122. The members who have a right to vote, or their recog-
nized representatives, shall be personally summoned if they reside in
the Department in which the mine is situated. Otherwise the notices
and placards shall be deemed a sufficient summons.
Art. 123. Whenever during the business of the meetings the nature
of the meeting is made known, and a day and hour fixed for a new or
succeeding meeting, those members present shall be deemed to have
received personal notice.
Art. 124. The order of calling the meeting and the summons shall
be issued by the president of the company when he shall consider it
necessary, or whenever any of the members shall so request; in the
absence of the president, by two or more members, or by the man-
ager when that power has been conferred upon him; and if the presi-
dent declines, they may nevertheless be issued by two or more mem-
bers concurring.
Art. 125. The company or the board of directors must appoint a
representative sufficiently empowered to deal officially in any manner
with the authorities.
Art. 126. At all meetings of the company, except when otherwise
stipulatiCd, those members having at least a 4 per cent share shall
have the right to vote thereon. Those having a less interest may
combine their interests by a voting trust greater than 4 per cent in
interest.
Art. 127. To obtain a majority, the number of votes necessary shall
be represented by a majority of stock. Those belonging to one holder
MINING CODE. 113
may not of themselves form a majority. When they are above a half
interest the vote shall be considered as one-half.
Art. 128. The judge shall decide tie votes without regard to their
origin, taking into consideration the law and the interests of the
company.
Art. 129. The members may freely transfer their rights in the com-
pany; but the incumbrances and obligations thereon shall be held as
subsisting.
Art. 130. The power of management of the company shall reside in
all its members, but they may appoint one or more persons by election
of a two-thirds vote of those present. The period of service, powers,
duties, and compensation of managers shall be determined in meeting
if not stipulated in the terms of the contract with the company. The
managers shall not contract debts, encumber the mines in whole or in
part, sell minerals or bullion, name nor depose the managers of the
works, without special authorization. In every case the members may
stop the sale of minerals and bullion by paying the expenses and
charges corresponding.
Art. 131. The expenses and product shall be divided in proportion
to the shares of stock which each member holds in the mine, unless
otherwise stipulated. A stipulation depriving any member from par-
ticipation in the profits or product is null and void.
Art. 132. The division of profits or product shall be made when a
majority of the members so elect, and if there be no agreement among
them, whenever the managers of the company and the mine shall
deem it convenient.
Art. 133. The division shall be made in minerals, bullion, or cur-
rency, as the members may resolve. When there is no resolution to
this effect the division shall be made in currency.
Art. 134. The amount and^ extension of the works which are to be
made in the mine with the profits produced shall be determined by a
majority vote, provided always that the amount does not exceed one-
half the value of the product.
Art. 135. If the mine does not give a sufficient return the members
shall fix the amount which they must contribute for the expenditures.
In this case, in order to make the resolution obligatory, a two-thirds
vote of all interested parties must be obtained; but in no case shall it
be obligatory on one member to contribute for work destined to benefit
or treat minerals which the mine produces.
Art. 136. Nonconcurrence shall be deemed —
1*". B^'^ nonpayment at the day set of the part apportioned.
2**. When, by want of stipulation or resolution, these quotas have
not been paid in within thirty days from the date of levy.
3**. If the expenses have been incurred without requesting a quota,
or if, when they have exceeded the amount paid in, the difference is^
not paid within a period of fifteen days.
488a— 04 8
114 HONDURAS.
4**. When no contribution necessary for the security and conserva-
tion of the mine is made.
Art. 137. In any of the cases cited in the preceding article the
manager of the company may dispose of a part of the minerals, bul-
lion, or money belonging to the delinquent, sufficient to cover the
expcDditures and share of payment which are due from him.
Art. 138. When the mine fails to furnish returns, or these are not
sufficient to defray the expenses and liabilities in whole or in part,
any of the contributing members may request the judge to require
the delinquent to pay, on warning that he may be deprived of his
rights. If payment is not made within thirty days following the
demand, his share of the mining property shall be held as abapdoned
and shall be sold at public auction for the amount of the payment
which is due. The surplus, if any, shall be paid to the delinquent
after deducting the expenses of the sale. But when the proceeds of
the sale do not suffice to pay the obligation of the delinquent, he shall
be absolved from anj^ demands on the part of the company.
Art. 139. When the delinquent shall be outside of the State, the
demand shall be made by notice and proclamation as provided in
article 121" In this instance the publication shall be made five times
in a period of thirty days, and during the same period placards shall
be posted.
Art. 140. The members upon whom a demand has been made may
contest it within the period of thirty days, against the declaration of
the concurring members. The answer in opposition shall be accom-
panied b^'^ the documents and a clear and detailed exposition of the
reasons which justify it. If the opposition papers be not presented
within the time fixed, the judge shall order the public sale of that part
of the mine owned by the delinquent members.
Art. 141. Causes for opposition are —
1°. The due payment of share assigned.
2°. That the amount is due for work executed without the sanction
of the opponent, when such sanction is requisite.
3°. That the amount demanded is contemplated for the same class
of work.
4*". That sufficient mineral exists to defray the debt.
Art. 142. Mining companies are dissolved :
1**. When all parts or shares are owned by one person.
2°. By declared abandonment of the-mine.
3''. When, having formed a company under special stipulations,
any of the acts which are done with respect to those stipulations
create a dissolution.
Art. 143. A company dissolved under the last clause of the pre-
ceding article subsists legally among the persons who have conserved
part of the mine.
Art. 144. The company does not dissolve by reason of the decease
MINING CODE. 115
of one of its members, ffis heirs shall replace him, each one in such
part as may have fallen to his share.
Art. 145. Exploration companies are organized by the act of two
or more parties deciding by resolution to form an expedition for the
discovery of mineral deposits. The resolution may be verbal or exe-
cuted notarially or in private writing.
Art. 146. When the prospectors or parties in charge of explorations
receive no wages or other remuneration, it is presumed that they are
partners in the discoveries.
Art. 147. Every one of the party who is under salary, whatever be
his occupation, makes his discoveries in behalf of the promoter who
compensates him. If there be any previous agreement or contract, it
must be executed in writing.
Title XII. — Franchise tax and the abrogation of ownership of mines.
Art. 148. Individuals who receive mining grants in conformity with
the provisions of this code shall pay an annual tax of 5 pesos for each
hectare of the area of the claim.
Art. 149. Present proprietors of mines shall pay the tax, but may
disregard a fraction less than half a hectare.
Art. 150. The annual tax shall be payable in advance between the
1st and 31st of January, inclusive, into the ofl&ce of the collector of
revenue of the Department in which the mine is situated. The
amount of the tax to be paid by the concessionaires upon the ratifica-
tion of the registry or the completion of the survey shall be propor-
tioned to the time that remains to complete the annual period to
January 1.
Art. 151. A mining concession or property in a mine shall become
void only through failure of the payment of the taxes at the times
established by this code, in which cases, upon prior declaration of the
rescission, the mine or mining property shall be taken for sale at pub-
lic auction to the highest bidder, to secure the amount of the tax. The
sum realized from the sale shall be retained by the fiscal to the amount
due in taxes, the remainder being turned over to the concessionaire
after deducting the expenses. The concessionaire may suspend the
sale upon payment of double the tax, but he shall not be received as
a bidder on the day of the sale if he has not previously paid a fine
equal in amount to the tax due. Should there be no bidders, the judge
shall order the documents filed in case a party should present himself
with a request that the sale be reopened. After a period of five years
the property shall be open to selection on claim of any party, except
when he shall prefer to buy the property at public sale, by paying the
taxes due during that period.
Art. 152. During the first fifteen days the collector of revenue shall
furnish to the court a list of the mining properties on which the taxes
due have not been paid. The court shall order the publication of a
116 HONDURAS,
notice in a newspaper of the Department, if «^here be any, and if not,
by placards, in which shall be set forth the day of the public sale,
which shall be on or before the forty-fifth day from the day of the
date of the first publication of the notice. Any omissions by those in
charge of the lists as provided in the first paragraph of this article
may be inserted on the petition of any interested party.
Art. 153. Judges of courts of record shall transmit, every quarter,
to the Sux)erior Tribunal of Accounts, a list of the surveyed conces-
sions, or those that have been ratified on registry, recorded during
the period.
Title XIII. — Of advancements to mines.
Art. 154. By contract to furnish advances a person obligates him-
self to 'cover the expenses caused by working the mine and to repay
himself only from its proceeds.
Art. 155. Contracts for advances must be in writing, and they will
hav^ no effect in regard to third parties unless they are drawn as a
public document and recorded and registered as vested rights in a
mine.
Art. 156. Advances may be contracted for quantities or for a deter-
mined time, or for the performance of one or more works in the mine.
Art. 157. If the contract does not specify the time or quantities of
• advances the contracting parties can cancel it whenever they deem it
convenient.
Art. 158. The miner can at any time stop the furnishing of advances
by transferring the ownership in the mine to the party advancing the
money, and the latter by renouncing his credit for advances made.
Art. 159. It can be stipulated that the payment of what is due to
the party advancing the money may be made in bullion, at the price
agreed upon by the interested parties, or appraised by a third person,
as in the case of sales, or in cash, with the premiums which may be
determined.
Art. 160. It may also be stipulated that the party advancing the
money may become the owner of a portion of the mine in payment for
his advances. In this case the contract shall be governed by the pro-
visions which regulate mines owned by a company. But if the advanc-
ing party, using the right granted by article 157, should stop the fur-
nishing of advances, the part of the mine of which he became owner
by virtue of the contract shall revert to the miner without incum-
brances or obligations on the part of the latter.
Art. 161. The advances must be made at the time stipulated, or as
the works may require ; and if, after being requested, he refuses to
pay the expenses or delays such payments to the detriment of the
works, the miner shall have the right either of making a demand in
the usual manner in such cases, or receiving money from another
MINmG CODE, 117
party on account of the party advancing, or contract with another
whose account shall have preference of payment.
Art. 162. If the miner invests the money or supplies advanced by
the party for a purpose other than was intended without his consent,
he shall be guilty of abuse of confidence, and the contractor shall
have the right to assume the administration of the mine. The party
making the advance shall have the same right, if the mine being
insolvent, it can be proved to the miner that the administration of
the mine is careless and too expensive, even if said party makes
representations and reclamations against those abuses.
Art. 163. If at the expiration of the contract for advances the
mine should be found insolvent, the party making the advance shall
have the right to retain it, and to continue his advances under his
own administration until he can repay himself, in preference to all
other creditors except those holding prior mortgages, not only for
what was due him, but also for the new advances with the premiums
and in the manner stipulated in the contract.
Art. 164. If the mine is in the position indicated in the preceding
article and the party making the advance does not wish to continue his
advances, the miner shall have the privilege to contract with other
parties, whose accounts shall have precedence over previous ones.
Art. 165. The share given to the party so advancing by the preced-
ing articles shall not retard the examination or the intervention of the
proprietor of the mine, and the opposition of the party making the
advance to the exercise of this power in any act of the management
shall deprive him of it. The management shall cease likewise upon
the abuse of confidence without prejudice to the criminal liability of
the proprietor.
TrrLE XIV. — Of mineral zones.
Art. 166. In order to undertake mining on a large scale mining
zones may be requested from the Government, through the Executive
authority, to be granted in proportion to the magnitude of the enter-
prise. In no instance shall a zone comprise a greater area than 1 ,000
hectares.
Art. 167. The Executive authority may also grant to mining
enterprises reduction works, ground and plantels for establishing
them thereon, and the water necessary for the exploitation of the
mines or mineral zones, the reduction of their products, and other
uses relating thereto.
Art. 168. There shall be published at the expense of the interested
parties, in a newspaper at the capital, three times during the period of
one month, an abstract of the petition which has been made before
the Executive authority, to acquire any of the property mentioned
in the two preceding articles; the fact shall also be communicated to
the court of record in the jurisdiction where the property is situated;
118 H0NDUKA8.
and the priority of the petition made before the Executive authority
or the Judicial authority shall serve as a basis of preference in the
adjudication in case of conflict or opposition between concessionaires
or between concessionaires and other claimants.
Art. 169. The President, the Minister of Public Works, women not
divorced, and children under the protection of the aforesaid of&cials
are prohibited fr«ra acquiring mining concessions or any part or
interest therein through the Executive authority.
Art. 170. Plantels and concessions of surface land destined for the
establisliment of reduction works shall not have a greater area than
10() hectares and shall belong exclusively to the promoters to whom
they have been granted as long as they shall preserve their property
by payment of their franchise tax. In consequence, they shall have
absolute right to request the withdrawal of those who have or shall
have established thereon orchards, tilled ground, houses of habitation,
or analogous enterprise, indemnifying them for the value thereof on
just appraisal of experts besides for the value of the land if it should
be private property.
Art. 171. If several miners petition for water rights or for a site
for the establishment of reduction works and it is not large enough
for all of the parties interested, preference shall be given to him who
shall give the most satisfactory guaranty for conducting the enter-
prise on a large scale; other conditions being equal, the priority of
the petition shall be taken into consideration.
Art. 172. Every question arising between miners over the use of
water, cutting of timber, limits of mining claims, plantels, and min-
eral zones shall be submitted to the judgment of a tribunal of arbitra-
tion, which must terminate its sittings within one month, except when
the parties shall show that their means of proof is outside of the State,
in which case the tribunal may prolong its proceedings for three
months more.
Art. 173. In concessions of zones for the exploitation of auriferous
sands there shall always remain to the natives of Honduras the right
to exploit them by present methods, without the use of machinery,
and at a distance of 200 meters at least from the regular establish-
ments of the concessionaires.
Art. 174. Mineral zones shall be subject to an annual tax of 50
centavos for each hectare of the area. Concessions for plantels ami
reduction works shall pay an annual tax of 5 pesos per hectare.
Art. 175. The payment of the tax or the failure to do so shall be
subject to the same dispositions as in the case of mining claims, and,
whenever applicable, the other provisions of this code shall rule with
respect to the zones. Should a zone not be appropriated by a pur-
chaser at public sale, the respective records shall be filed in the ofl&ce
of the Minister of Public Works in case an interested party should
present himself to acquire it at public sale; but after five years from
MINING CODE. 119
its voidance the Executive authority, by virtue of a claiLi made or
through contract, may concede the property by transferring the
proper title.
Art. 176. Concessionaires of zones are obliged to establish the
mining concern within two years from the date of the concession.
Not doing this, they shall pay, in addition, a tax amounting to the
maximum of hectares which could be given as mining claims.
Art. 177. Voidance of the concession shall likewise take place if
the survey be not made within the period fixed therefor, but which
may, for just reasons, be prorogued. Neglect of the interested party
to prosecute the matter of his application for a zone shall give rise to
the voidance of the claim.
Title XV.— 0/ the rights of miners.
Art. 178. All promoters of mines shall have the right, without the
payment of any tax, to use the timber which they find on Government
or community lands within a radius of 3 leagues from the seat of the
works, likewise of waters that may be free and of all materials which
they require in their enterprise, without further restriction than that
established by the regulations in these branches and issued by the
Executive Authority or by the respective municipalities with the
approval of that Authority.
Art. 179. They shall have the exclusive right to use all timber
found on the national lands within the zone or claim that has been
granted to them, subjecting themselves also in this case to the regu-
lation issued by the Executive Authority.
Art. 180. They shall also enjoy the rights and exemptions granted
by decree of November 18, 1882, which was prorogued the 31st of
December, 1894.
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS.
Art. 181. The present possessors of mines may establish their
claims in the form prescribed by this code without prejudice to the
rights acquired by third parties.
Art. 182. The present proprietors of mineral zones and plantels
shall pay a tax of 50 centavos for each hectare of the area comprised
in their holdings.
Art. 183. The President shall be empowered to dictate the regula-
tions necessary to facilitate the execution of the articles of this code.
Decree of November 18, 1882.
Whereas the mining industry is daily acquiring greater importance,
and whereas it therefore becomes necessary to favor it, in order that
it may attain in as short a time as possible all the development and
perfection of which it is capable, therefore the President decrees:
Article 1. Honduraneans or foreigners who, associated together or
120 H0NDUBA8.
as private individuals, engage in the bona fide working of mines which
have first been duly enrolled shall enjoy the following concessions:
1. To export free of duty the «^ilver, gold, copper, etc., which they
produce.
2. To introduce free of duty and of every kind of imposts
machinery for raising weights, stamping and grinding ores, for
extracting the metals therefrom, for working iron and steel and saw-
ing timber, etc., whether the said machiner}^ be moved by steam or
water, pumps to extract water, shovels, hammers, plantation knives,
axes, drills, wedges, grindstones, machinists' tools (including forges,
anvils, etc.), powder of all kinds, exploders and fuse to produce the
explosion, oils for illuminating and lubricating purposes, materials
in bulk, such as steel for augers, iron in plates or bars or cast or in
the form of hoops, nails, spikes, screws, tubes of iron, bronze, copper,
lead, gutta-percha, etc., locks, hinges, ropes made of steel, iron,
hemp, or other material, plates of pure or sheet copper, silver and
copper in bars for smelting, bronze, tin, lead, quicksilver, or any
other metal considered necessary to cany out the work, diamonds in
bulk or with teeth, diamond drills if needed to drill rock, all the
material used in the art of assaying ores, such as crucibles, smelting
furnaces, chemical ingredients for mixing and analysis or to be
employed in the milling of ores or to extract therefrom the gold,
silver, and copper which they contain ; the said ingredients may be
acids, sulphur, metallic salts, etc., glass apparatus for chemical
operations, stearin or sperm candles, and tents of cloth.
3. The right to use the woods and waters extant in public or vacant
lands, without other restriction than such regulations of the Govern-
ment or with its approval the respective municipalities may issue con-
cerning the same ; and
4. The operatives engaged in mines and mills shall be free from
military duty during the time they remain thus employed, but they
must engage to serve for at least six months, to which end the mana-
gers shall register with the respective departmental commanders the
number of operatives which they may need.
Art. 2. The materials specified in article 1 must be ordered from
abroad directly by the owners of the mines, or by the superintendents
representing them, and they must send a copy of the said order to the
Secretary of the Treasury (Secretaria de Hacienda). These articles
shall be brought directly from the ports to the establishment of the
mines to which they belong, and the waybill for the transit of the same
shall be extended by the administrator of customs and returned by
the alcalde of the municipality in whose jurisdiction the establish-
ments are situated.
Art. 3. The managers of the mines are obliged to construct a safe
place for storage for powder and other explosives. Such places for stor-
age will not be permitted within the precincts of human settlements.
MINING CODE. 121
Art. 4. The managers of mines shall not be permitted to sell the
powder or other dutiable articles, which they have introduced free
under these concessions, during the time they Cjarry on their opera-
tions. The party who violates this rule shall be prosecuted as a
smuggler, losing in addition the right of availing himself of the privi-
leges of this decree. But the matriculated miners located in the same
mining district may in cases of urgent necessity make loans and sales
among themselves of such articles as they may require to continue
their operations, after previously obtaining permission of the respec-
tive judge of the peace.
Art. 5. A mine being abandoned, its owners shall have the right to
sell, at a price which shall not exceed the first cost, their machinery,
tools, and all movable articles {material volante)^ but before making
said sale the owners must present to the Government an inventory of
the things to be sold, so as to enable the Government, if it should deem
it advisable, to make the purchase in whole or in part.
Art. 6. In all the "tercenas" (Government stores) will be sold the
I)owder, at 6 reals per pound, needed by the matriculated miners.
Art. 7. The governors of the Departments will keep a register, in
which, by solicitation of the interested parlies, the governors will
inscribe the names of mines which are under exploitation in their
respective Departments, according to the regulations of the mining
code; they will also inscribe the name of the individual or company
to which they belong.
The certificate of this register will constitute the matriculation,
which, with "anonymous" companies, will be extended in favor of
the superintendent.
Art. 8. In making the register, the governors will demand the pre-
sentation of the definite title of the mining property; also judicial
information that the mine is worked. Every four months the gov-
ernors will remit to the ''ministerio de hacienda" a report about the
extended matriculations.
Art. 9. The matriculation shall be reaewed every four months;
otherwise it shall be of no advantage.
Art. 10. The present decree shall not admit of any change during
ten years, and all the privileges hereby granted shall be considered in
force during that period.
Dbcrer in which the Rights Granted to Mining Enterprises is Prorogued
[December 31, 1894.]
Whereas it is the duty of the Government. to exploit mining indus-
tries, the President of the Republic, until a Law of Free Customs
Imports in favor of mining shall be decreed, in use of the extraor-
dinary faculties in him vested.
Decrees:
That^the supreme decree of November 18, 1882, shall remain in
force.
CHAPTER VIII.
MANTTFACTTTBINa INDXTSTBLES— THEIB DEVEIjOFMENT— PRO-
DUCTION.
Brewenes, — For a few yeare the brewing industry was conducted
by a company of merchants in Tegucigalpa, but during the past year
(1903) the works have been closed down. This brewery was run with-
out a freezing apparatus, and as the beer had to be made on a formula
to resist the warm. temi)erature the quality was necessarily poor and
detrimental to health. A new company has been formed, composed
chiefly of German merchants, who are about to begin anew the brew-
ing of beer, and contemplate in conjunction therewith to erect a large
ice producing and freezing plant, so that the beverage shall have a
suitable temperature.
The brewing vats have a capacity of 6,000 liters per month or 720
hectoliters per year, and the output will reach this figure, approxi-
mately.
The freezing and ice plant has a capacity for the production of 1
ton of ice per day, which will be used for the purposes of the brewery
as well as a commodity to be placed on sale at 5 centavos per pound.
The machinery is American, and the engine is a 15 horsepower.
Distilleries. — All distilleries are under Government supervision and
under the direct control of the Minister of the Treasury and his depu-
ties, the collectors of customs and taxes of the several departments.
There is but one class of these distilleries, i. e., those that distill
from the sugar cane. Th« liquor produced is in the nature of a strong
alcoholic rum, which the natives call aguardiente.
The sugar cane planters usually enter into contract with the Gov-
ernment to supply a given quantity of the aguardiente every month,
receiving therefor a stipulated sum upon delivery. They can not dis-
pose of their product elsewhere, as the Government exercises a
monopoly over the output.
The Government in turn sells the liquor in wholesale quantities to
regularly licensed shops, known as estancos or monopoly stores, and
it is at these places where the liquor may be obtained at retail, the
price being regularly set at 1 peso 25 centavos per quart bottle, though
lesser quantities can be purchased at correspondingly lower rates.
In the year 1901-2 907,993 bottles of this liquor were sold, yielding
122
INDUSTRIES.
123
to the Government an income of 1,134,991.57 pesos. Of this sum
211,399 were paid to producers or manufacturers, 69,676.04 in fees to
receiving and dispatching agents, 27,546.06 for revenue expenses, or
a total of 308,621.11, giving a surplus of 826,370.44 pesos. As the
budget item was allowed at 800,000 pesos, this leaves a surplus over
the estimated revenue of 26,370.44.
Following are the receipts and expenditures in connection with the
Government monopoly of aguardiente for seven years :
Year.
Receipts.
Exi)enditures.
Pesos.
308,621.13
284,494.91
254,861.42
253,991.63
234,829.34
253,816.61
232,154.16
Surplus.
1901->
Pesos.
1,134,991.57
1,078,907.64
1,037,493.94
917,808.53
930,416.55
915,319.65
858,532.95
Pesos.
826,370.44
1900-1901
794,412.78
1899-1900 . ..
782 632.52
1898-99
663,816.94
1897-98
695,587.21
1896-97
661,503.04
1896-96
626,378.79
Quarries. — There are many small quarries in various parts of the
Republic, from which is obtained the soft stone so generally used for
house facings, door and window frames, and curbs. The stone most
commonly used and cut from such quarries is a schist, and is popular
because it can be easily turned to decorative purposes.
The cutting of marble and other hard stone has not become general,
both on account of the difficulty of extracting it from the beds and
the absence of suitable implements to work it.
Sugar. — The production of sugar from cane has always been an
iipportant industry in Honduras in every Department. The sugar
cane of this country is indigenous and differs greatly from the Asiatic
variety cultivated in the West Indies and the United States, being
softer and slenderer, and containing a proportionately greater quantity
of stronger sap. It grows luxuriantly, alike on the plains and upon
the mountains, at elevations of between 3,000 and 4,000 feet. The
crystals of the sugar produced from this cane are large and hard, and
with care in the manufacture, nearly as white as the refined sugar of
commerce. There are no extensive establishments for its production,
but innumerable little trapiches, or mills, driven generally by oxen,
are scatt-ered everywhere to supply the small local wants of the peo-
ple. The supply for ordinary consumption is made of cakes of crude
sugar, 2 pounds in weight each, and wrapped in plantain leaves.
The number of sugar-cane fields under cultivation can not be
accurately or approximately figured, as no statistics are available.
Daring the economic year 1901-2 it has been officially published that
15,000 cargoes of cake sugar, valued at 150,000 pesos, was produced.
At 200 pounds to the cargo, this would mean an annual production of
not less than 3,000,000 pounds. In this same official report the aroa
under cultivation was given as 7,711 manzanas, or 13,725 acres,
124 HONDURAS.
approximately. The greater iuiiiil>er of these plantations are in the
Departments of Tegucigalpa, Copan, Santa Barbara, Olancho, Gracias,
Choluteca, and Comayagua.
The eastoms duty on imported sugar is 5 centavos (2+ cents. United
States currency) per half kilo (1.1 pounds).
Tobacco. — Since the Government removed the monopoly (Govern-
ment control) on tobacco the production of this plant has greatly
increased and it is grown to-day in nearly all the Departments of the
State. In 1901 10,201,000 tobacco plants were cultivated, producing
13,582 quintals. Of this 5,531 quintals were exported in leaf and 4,240
quintals manufactured, leaving a residue of 3,811 quintals for home
consumption. Three-fourths of the tobacco crop was grown in the
Department of Copan, and the Departments in relative order of pro-
duction are Gracia.s, Santa Barbara, Comayagua, and El Paraiso. The
exportation of tobacco during the past three years is as follows :
1900-1901 213,423.75
1901-2 200,851.00
1902-3 748.00
The largest manufacturing plants are situated in the Department
of Copan, in the town of Santa Rosa. From here come all the better
brands of cigars and cigarettes.
The decline in the production and export of tobacco in leaf and
manufactured must be attributed to the revolution during the first
three months of 1903.
The duty on imported tobacco is 1 peso per half kilo.
VARIOUS INDUSTRIES.
Rush and palm-leaf hats, — These hats, known under the general
name of ''Panama," were manufactured on a large scale in the Depart-
ment of Santa Barbara during 1901-2, and shipped thence to the
United States to the number of 15,000. The manufacture of these
hats is now carried on only for the local market.
Flour, — Several flour mills have been in operation during the past
two years, producing an annual amount of about 500,000 pounds.
The duty on imported flour is 2 centavos per half kilo, but as in the
case of all imported merchandise the tariff fee is the least burden-
some, a dozen other charges having to be counted on before deliverj'^
to the market, which compels a final sale at excessive rates in order
to secure a profit. The native population has not learned the value
of flour, nor could they purchase it if they did, at the present price.
The staple food is maize cake, flattened out by the hands and baked
on an earthen dish until it assumes the consistency of a buckwheat
cake.
Woodcutting. — The woodcutting industrj'^ is, with mining, as old as
INDUSTRIES. 125
the early date of Spanish dominion. Although millions of feet have
been cut and exported, and other millions left after cutting to decay,
there still remain vast forests in which mahogany, cedar, and other
rare cabinet woods may be found in abundance.
Soap and candles. — During the past year a resident of Tegucigalpa
has built an excellent factory and has installed the latest machinery
for the manufacture of candles and soap. He has attached a small
sawmill to cut timber for use in his further building extensions and
to saw lumber for use as boxes in which to pack his manufactured
articles.
Another manufacturer has erected a large sawmill to supply the
demand for building material and lumber in Tegucigalpa and the
vicinity. The mill has a capacity for cutting some 4,000 feet daily.
The machinery for both these enterprises was purchased in and
brought from the United States.
CHAPTER IX.
COMMERCE; DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN STATISTICAL DATA;
CUSTOMS TARIFF; STAMP AND INTERNAL TAX LAWS.
COMMERCE.
Honduras is far from having attained a prominence in commerce
and industries to which, it would seem by her natural resources and
splendid climate, she would be entitled. In these natural resources
one of the richest ccintries of Central America, she yet stands to-day
one of the poorest. 1 his condition is due to a variety of causes, not
least among which should be noted (1) the rapacity of foreign promo-
ters, especially Americans, who have obtained concessions merely for
financial speculation, and are humbugging both the native and the
American investor, and (2) the consequent distrust with which the
Government authorities view all who now seek concessions in good
faith. It must not be supposed that these coni[5essions may be had for
the asking now; they are as difficult to obtain, as onerous in condi-
tions imposed, and as expensive as any franchises in the United States.
The Government appears to hold that in consideration for its grants
it must be assured of some return, either in the form of a mone3'^ for-
feit, monopoly fee, or the development of the property granted.
The foreign commerce of Honduras reached its climax in the tiade
of 11)01-2. During the fiscal year following, neither the imports rior
the exports approached the figures of the preceding year. In 1901-2
the country experienced its greatest prosperity and advance, enjoying
the advantages of settled trade conditions, of security abroad and at
home, and an era of unprecedented domestic industrial activity.
During 1901-2 the import and export trade of Honduras was largely
in favor of the United States. The importations from the United
States represented 60 per cent of the total importations, while the
exportations of over 66 per cent went to our ports. Great Britain
received the greater portion, in value, of metal exports; Cuba and
Mexico received the larger number of cattle. The exports to the
United States were, for the most part, fruits and conoanuts, sent
chiefly from the ports on the north coast. The United States bought
1,235,624 pesos more in trade than Honduras purchased from her.
Tariff. — Commerce in Honduras is governed by a tariff for revenue
only. In addition to the customs duties there must be paid munici-
pal imposts, or an octroi, at several of the inland towns on merchan-
dise entering them from abroad.
Valices of imports and exports, 1902-3. — In the first half of the last
fiscal year (August, 1902, to July, 1903) the United States used Hon-
136
COMMEBCE.
127
duras exports to the value of 1,757,185.70 pesos, but sold to her only
1,460,226.22 pesos of goods. The purchases were nearly all of trop-
ical fruits and cocoanuts.
In spite of domestic disorders experienced during the first half and
part of the second half of this year, the trade conditions were fairly
strong, and the falling off both in imports and exports is relatively
slight as compared with the volume of trade of recent years of Hon-
duras commerce.
Expoi ts 1902-3,
Total.
Vegetable products:
Bananas
Berengenas
CoflPee
Mahogany
Cinnamon
Cocoanuts
Beans
Bubber
Rush
Cacao
Lemons
Linseed
Fustic
Mangoes
Oranges
Plantains
Pineapples
Pepper
Sarsaparilla
Bunches .
Boxes
Pounds. . .
Feet
Pounds. . .
Number .
Pounds. . .
do....
do....
do....
Boxes
Pounds ..
Tons
Number .
do....
do....
do....
Pounds...
do....
Total.
Animal products: I
Tortoise shells Pounds .
Hides do.
Steers. .
Cows...
Horses.
Mules . .
Hide trimmings .
Lard
Butter
Skins-
Deer
Tiger
Goat
Cheese
Tortoises
Total.
Manufactured products:
Jewelry ^.
Coffins
Shoes
Hammocks
Books
Machinery
Merchandise shipped .
Cigars
Combe
H»t8
Total
Varioiis products.
Head.
....do...
....do..
....do..
...do..
Pounds
....do-.
.....do..
....do...
...do...
...do...
...do...
Number
Pounds ..
Number .
Pair
Number .
do....
Pieces
Pounds ..
do....
Number .
do....
Units.
Quantity.
Value (silver).
Mineral products:
Ores
Pounds
938,268
4,023
956
528
22,817
610
41,400
Pem%.
488,120.98
Copper
Oold, powder
Qold and silver . . . .
do
4,591.00
do
160,351.00
do
12,000.00
Silver-
Bars .
do
396,993.64
Coined
do.:::
9,715.00
Salt
do
1,242.00
1,073,013.62
3,243,494
12
:«2,656
1,082,505
100
7,868,456
172
60,339
2,567
20
25
736
377
14,000
1,558,800
1,319,660
3,080
2,200
177,992
22
744,671
26,502
2
38
41
3
4,219
4,300
660
115,395
3:^
10
9,625
6
282
203
62
100
50
1,872
590
108
6,262
Pounds .
55,438
1,457,320.11
24.00
58,665.12
105,648.50
100.00
234,631.97
10.00
60,500.30
1,923.00
.50
50.00
150.60
4,641.00
77.00
15,593.50
23,159.00
158.50
286.00
65,678.75
2,028,617.85
176.00
288, 802. a5
762,273.00
100.00
390.00
2,110.00
250.00
131.47
500.00
100.00
62,852.85
10.00
4.00
677.00
300.00
1,063,677.17
900.00
400.00
50.00
50.00
485.00
748.00
4.50
4,254.00
6,891.50
89,949.38
128
HONDUBAB.
B^SUldS.
pe*^'
Mineral prodncts
Vegetable product*
Aninmlprodnct*
M&nuf iw^tur^d producto .
VaHotiHprfxiuctfl
'. 2,088,617.*
. i,o83,iyn.w
Total
Comparative tables of dutiable and noiidutiable imports and exports
years 1902 and 1903.
IMPORTS.
[Values are in gold.]
during the
Subje<'t to duty .
Free of duty
Total .
Subject to duty .
Free of duty
Total
i9(K.
$1,824,119.57
426,884.80
1,151,677.50
1,436,468.80
1908.
$1,128, 406.31
• 304,998.80
675,660.06
1,009,200.74
2,588,141. 30| 1,684,850.80
Year.
BALANC5E OF TRADE.
Exports.
180&-99....
1809-1900.
1900-1901.
1901-2-..-
1902-3....
$1,913,074.63
2,372,041.75
2,473,293.48
2468,141.60
1,684,859.80
Imports.
$640,000.00
Wd,649.96
1,667,319.80
1760,864.56
1,328,668.46
Balance.
$l,2T3r,074.ffi
805,978.«
717,2TO.94
886,206.84
The different countries from which the several products were
imported, together with their valuations, are as follows:
Imports from different countries, 1903 and 190£.
[Values are in gold.]
CcmntTice.
ITnftefl States —^
Engrlftnd... ^
Q^ermaiky , ,
France _.
Italy
Spain . .__
E^lj^iiim
Other KuToponn countri^ __.
Belize ....... ^_
Central Amiarica. . . . . „
Other Spanish- American onuntriea-
ChitiB. . .
Scc^tl&nti
ludlfl.
Mexico ..._. .-„.„
Jauia^ic^a . ^
Oraitd Cayman ..._._ __^
Cayo JSnetio .....,_. ., ,
1003.
$1,010^390.04
US, *y 1.10
86,016,76
6,ffrr,6o
21 B00.6fl
3, 003. 00
looe.
7fi,T3L«fl
153,907.03
1,01^.56
41.00
JB65.00
3a. 00
780.00
eoo.00
$L.113,5fle,40
44,040.79
io,3sa.3t
S.ttlO.iJO
4&,fl75.««
1. are- 04
7 1SD.00
COMMERCE. 129
The figures showing exports to the different countries follow:
Exports to different countries, 1903 and 1902.
[Values are in gold.]
Countries.
1908.
1902.
tJnited States
$1,218,576.00
88,396.04
2,594.24
16,186.88
13,388.00
222,370.00
84.00
1,082.08
2,889.00
82,557.43
26,404.00
90,404.00
2,576.00
4,456.08
100,826.84
$1,690,843.56
311,317.44
8,164.16
54,485.81
Enflrland
France ._. . ..... . .
dermATiy . , .
Mexico '
5,796.00
121,408.06
5,084.65
Cuba
Jamaica
Orand Cayman
CayoHueso.. . __ .. . .
Beuze
20,856.52
(liuatemalA
Salvador
310,189.56
CJostaRica
Colombia
Commercial statistics. — The commercial statistics for Honduras
show in general a great falling off during the past fiscal year (1902-3).
Exports of ores and precious metals have decreased 50 per cent. Fruit
has fallen off, as well as cabinet woods, rubber, tobacco, and various
other products, among them sarsaparilla. A slight increase is notice-
able in live-stock exports, coffee, hides, and skins, as well as in some
other articles. A general decrease in the amount of imports has like-
wise taken place. The imports from the United States, which have
in recent years formed an average of 60 per cent of the total, have
fallen off 60 per cent, but those from other countries exhibit a corre-
spondingly greater percentage of decrease.
Cattle exports, — During the year 1902-3 26,502 head of cattle were
exported, chiefly to Cuba and to the neighboring Central American
States. The value of the exports was $305,109.20 gold.
Exports of plantation crops. — The principal exports are bananas,
plantains, red beans, coffee, and cocoanuts. With the exception of
the beans and plantains, these products are shipped entirely to the
United States, the chief port of entry being New Orleans. During
the past fiscal year 3,243,494 bunches of bananas were exported, at a
valuation of $582, 928. 04 gold, and plantains to the number of 1,319,660,
at a valuation of $9,263.60 gold. Three hundred and thirty-two thou-
sand six hundred and fifty-six pounds of coffee were shipped, at a
valuation of $23,466.05 gold, most of this consignment going to Ger-
manf^. Of cocoanuts, 7,868,456 were exported, chiefly to the United
States, the value thereof being $93,864.79 gold. Oranges to the
number of 1,558,800 were consigned to the United States and a few
European ports, the value of this fruit being stated as $623,704 gold.
488A-04 9
180
HONDUBAS.
Foreign trade in 1901-2.
IMPORTS.
Importations during this fiscal year amounted to $1,692,551, divided
as follows:
Subject to cnstoms duties $1, 357, 997
Admitted free under concessions _ 256, 956
Admitted free for Government use 35,847
Admitted free under reciprocity 41, 751
Total - 1,692,551
The value of importations at the various ports of entry were:
[Values are in gold.]
Port.
Packages.
Metric
tons.
Valne.
Amapala
Puerto Cortes
Trujillo
LaCeiba
Boatan
68,516
86,581
^,863
42,465
8,223
4,397
4,n6
767
1,343
$753,943
617,696
107,242
184,568
29,114
The importations according to countries during the fiscal year
ended July 31, 1902, were:
Countries.
Packages.
Value U.S.
gold.
174,682
11,399
9,891
1,632
6,014
611
11,271
10,383
231
14
$1,133,885
197^427
191,507
41354
18,606
7,430
68,067
43,600
679
918
225,628
1,602,458
United States
Gtormaxiy
England
France
Spain
Other European countries
Belize
Central America
Other Spanish- American nations
Africa and Asia
Total
From the above it will be noted that the balance of trade was
largely in favor of the United States.
EXPORTS.
The United States also took the bulk of the exports from Hondiiipas.
Its purchases during the year 1900-1901 amounted to about 70 per
cent of the whole, the other 30 per cent going for the most part to
Germany and to the other Central American Republics. The exports
amounted in value to $2,510,307, and were made up of the following
commodities:
OOMMEBOE. 181
Value
U. 8. gold.
Ores $925,321
Fruits 789,828
Cattle 226,270
Coffee 111,729
Woods 111,348
Tobacco 86,650
Hides and skins 74,034
Indigo - 43,589
Rubber 33,680
Sarsaparilla 35,933
Sundries 71,926
Total- _-. 2,510,307
EXPORTS PROM PUERTO CORTES.
The exports from Puerto Cortes to the United States for the six
months ended June 30, 1902, were:
Bananas bunches.. 765,000
Coffee pounds.- 116,000
Cocoanuts number. . 158, 000
Deerskins pounds. . 11,700
Hides, dry do... 82,000
Hats, Panama number.. 2,140
Mahogany and cedar feet.. 311,000
Rubber pounds.. 19,500
Sarsaparilla do 62,000
Silver, crude, value in U. S. gold $8,400
The exports for the same period in 1901 were:
Bananas . . .- bunches. . 819, 000
Coffee pounds.. 54,000
Cocoanuts number.. 74,000
Deerskins pounds.. 14,000
Hides do 78,000
Hats number . . 276
Rubber pounds.. 31,700
Sarsaparilla do 58,000
IMPORTS.
The value of the imports through the Puerto Cortes custom-house
for the years 1900 and 1901 was as follows:
Ck>imtrie8.
1900.
1901.
United States
$387,627.10
90,467.26
65,411.96
12,754.67
8,683.00
1884,104.99
Oivat Britain
85,091. n»
(TMnrmanY , . ......
27,711.15
France ........... .... ,, .. - .
6,266.14
ftpali^ . , ,
2,124.75
Total
654,788.96
405,888.06
182 HONDUBA8.
FOREIGN TRADE IN 1900-1901.
The oflBcial newspaper of Honduras, in its issue for January 27,
1902, publishes official statistics regarding the commerce of the
Republic during the fiscal year 1900-1901. The total importation
during that period amounted to 4,168,599.51 pesos, while the exporta-
tion rose to 6,183,023.37 pesos. About 70 per cent of the exports
were shipped to the United States, the remainder going to Germany,
Central America, and other countries. Following table shows the
value of the imports of the Republic by custom-houses:
Valne U. S. gold.
Amapala _ $742,800.82
LaCeiba 181,825.48
Puerto CorteB 608,467.52
Roatan 28,688.60
Trnjillo 105,657.39
Total..-. _.-. 1,667,439.81
Of this amount, merchandise to the value of $1,337,829.96 was sub-
ject to the payment of customs duties, while goods amounting to
$329,609.85 were imported free of duty. Of the articles that were
admitted free of duty merchandise valued at $253,168.30 was for
account of concessions in force, $35,278.14 for the use of the Govern-
ment, and articles to the value of $41,163.40 were brought in under
the provisions of reciprocity treaties. The imports by countries were
as follows:
Value U. S. gold.
United States , $1,117,128.96
Germany 194,509.47
England 188,676.33
Belize 61,120.01
Central Americsa 42,964.86
Other Sx>ani8h- American countries 669. 26
France 40,742.38
Spain _ _ 13,405.27
Other European countries 7,320.50
Africa and Asia.- 902.78
Total _ 1,667,489.81
The following table shows the principal exports:
Value U. S. gold.
Ores $911,646.20
Fruits 778,155.37
Stock 222,926.40
Coffee 110,077.58
Woods - 109,702.00
Tobacco - 85,369.50
Hides and skins *.... 72,939.88
Indigo 42,946.08
Rubber 33,183.36
Sarsaparilla 35,401,42
Sundries 70,861.56
Total 2,473,209.85
OOMMEBOE.
133
Comparative tables. — The foreign commerce of the Republic during
the fiscal year 1900-1901, as compared with 1901-2, is, in United States
gold:
1900-1901.
1901-2.
Imports.
Exports.
Im];)orts.
Exports.
Dutiable
$1,387,820.96
829,609.86
$1,179,368.55
1,293,840.80
$1,357,997.00
334,554.00
$1,127,446.00
Free
1,382,861.00
Total
1,667,439.81
2,473,209.35
1,692,551.00
2,510,307.00
According to the above figures, the increase of imports for the year
1901-2 amounted to $25,111.19, and the exports to $37,097.65, or a total
increase in the foreign trade of Honduras of $62,208.84.
The following table shows the countries that participated in the
importations during the two years under comparison :
Country.
1900-1901.
1901-2.
United States
Germany
England
Prance
Spain
Other European nations
Beliae
Central America
Other Spanish-American nations.
Africa and Asia
Italy
Belgium
$1,117,128.96
194,509.47
188,676.33
40,742.38
13,406.27
7,320.50
61,120.01
42,964.86
669.25
. 902.78
$1,136,593.64
236,552.17
190,667.38
44,040.75
7,082.00
2,910.00
68,087.00
43,609.00
679.00
918.00
10,828.34
4,193.00
Exports. — In 1900-1901 the United States received 70 per cent of
the total exports; in 1901-2, 66 per cent, and in 1902-3, 72 per cent.
LUMBER EXPORTS.
Cabinet woods. — Mahogany and cedar have formed a principal
source of the export revenue of Honduras. The value of the exports
during the past five years is given below in United States gold :
18dad899 _ $198,963.08
1899-1900 132,168.^5
1900-1901 109,702.00
1901-1902 86,983.88
1902-1903 : 42,259.40
EXPORTS.
The chief exports are tropical fruits and cocoanuts. The following
table demonstrates the importance of this branch of the foreign trade
of Honduras:
Tropical fruits
and cocoanuts.
Live stock.
Hides and
skins.
180B-18Q0
$512,988.40
648,611.57
778,151.87
777,267.22
690,896.08
$109,527.84
514,786.04
222,926.04
224,164.04
808,049.02
$48,502.28
180».ig00
43,958.72
1900-1901
76,938.88
1901-190e
108,089.24
IflOB-lSOB.
116,687.88
184 H019DUBA8.
Commercial travelers, — Commercial travelers need no license to
transact business in Honduras. ' They should have a good knowledge
of the Spanish language, and above all should understand the char-
acteristics and peculiarities of the people of this country. A full line
of samples is indispensable; buyers will not consult catalogues or cir-
culars, nor will they purchase on trial. The goods and articles must
be placed where they may be examined by the dealers here. Long
credits do not prevail because business is done on a cash basis by
small buyers, and the merchants are not willing to pay heavy interest
on their bills of goods.
Commercial travelers by visiting this country are enabled to exam-
ine and make a study of the business and trade conditions here,
which will aid them materially in giving directions to their houses in
the matter of packing, forwarding, and arranging their goods to enter
the customs-house with the least expense possible. They are enabled
also, after a personal interview with the merchants, to give explicit
information to their establishments on the quality, style, and patterns
of goods and articles most likely to be sold in their respective lines.
TRADE.
This country has experienced a great decrease in the volume of busi-
ness, owing to the revolution in the early part of 1903. At the present
time the mercantile pursuits are nearly all in the control of natives,
there being only a few foreigners (Germans) with large stores. The
shipping of imports and exports at the port of Amapala is entirely in
the hands of Germans, who conduct all the great commission houses.
Each one of these does a very profitable business.
Our market in Honduras can not very well be increased at present
until we can overcome the excessive entry expense at the ports, which
compels merchants here in selling at prices which are beyond the
reach of the common people. American goods are much sought after
and their qualities duly recognized, but their prices are prohibitive
to the large majority of the public, which, in general, is very poor.
It will be readily granted that even in the United States there are
few persons who could afford to buy flour at the rate of $3.25 per 50
pounds. The same holds true of other merchandise. Only the most
inferior kind of merchandise can be sold cheap enough to reach the
general public. Under more favorable conditions a great market could
be established here for American cotton fabrics and general merchan-
dise. Our goods need little advertising to sell ; they are simply beyond
the reach of most buyers. Nor do the people of this country require
peculiar widths or patterns. Implements and tools of all kinds used
in manufacture or agriculture should find a ready sale if properly
brought to public notice — that is, by demonstration of their useful-
ness — and provided always that they can be sold at a price within the
means of the people. American hardware and farm implem^its are
not BO well known as^our other merchandise.
OOMHEItOE.
185
Exports declared for the United States,
1000-1901.
'Quarter ended—
Sept. 80, 1900.
Dec. 31, 1900.
Mar. 31, 1901.
June 30, 1901.
AtiiapaIa
$174,697.46
148,495.16
$191,924.09^
150,628.58
$151,186.14
132,728.57
$148,880.39
Total preceding year
140,270.77
Increase
26,202.30
41.295.51
18,397.57
2,559.62
Bonacca _
7,121.00
8,865.00
7,200.00
.6,577.00
6,835.80
5,171.50
9,986.40
Total preceding^ year
11,888.80
Decrease
1,744.00
1,896.40
Increase
623.00
1,663.70
Puerto Cortes
132,270.00
304,300.00
211,585.00
245,750.00
104,040.00
119,550.00
189,880.00
Total preceding yftai*
864,088.00
Decrease , . .
172,080.00
84,165.00
15,510.00
74,808.00
Rnatan
6,855.75
6,664.24
81,886.08
84,841.62
7,606.10
6,736.81
9,979.43
Total preceding year
6,479.58
Increase
191.51
7,584.21
768.29
3,499.91
Tmjillo
4,654.02
22,780.34
11,048.21
16,589.79
2,876.00
480.00
4,480.19
Total preceding year
15,116.50
Decrease
18,066.32
5,546.58
10,686.40
* Increase
1,960.00
Utilla:
Banana-s
181.25
2,000.00
18.75
1,725.00
86.00
15.00
43,005.00
158.00
600.00
1,950.00
84.00
8,801.85
Plantains
8,400.00
Limes
86.00
Oranges
Cocoanuts
8,070.00
4,586.06
Rettir'ned good^
Mangoes
86.00
Total
2,131.25
18,655.64
44,957.75
51,715.86
4,644.00
18,861.88
10,908.80
Total preceding year .,
81,750.36
Decrease
11,254.39
6,757.51
13,617.38
10,848.06
1001-1902.
Quarter ended—
Sept. 30, 1901.
Dec. 81. 1901.
Mar. 81, 1902.
June 80,1^.
Amapala:
Bullion-
Gold
$87,986.97
168,332.60
$46,628.06
148,715.86
$82,489.01
76,571.42
5 24
10, 319! 51
402.03
$80,800.22
Silver
79,075.27
Coffee
1,067.68
Hides
2,604.76
672.86
5,870.97
56.86
7,532.61
India rubber
288.50
Plumes
884.46
Skins, deer
407.66
880.88
906.07
i 864.87
666.84
Scrap copper
Mif^ellRneouH . ^ . ...
119.87
Ore
68.11
Specie, gold and silver
689.14
622.85
Wax
12.81
Ore, gold and silver
26,716.79
Total
194,277.24
174,697.46
196,689.65
191,924.09
121,891.82
151,188.14
164,767.18
Total preceding year
142,830.39
Increase
19,579.78
4.766.56
11,986.79
Decrease
29,834.98
Bonacca:
Bananas x x ..... .
1,287.50
860.00
700.00
8.00
1,487.50
Banana plants
Plantains
6,568.00
2,180.00
1,000.00
80.00
96.00
27.00
800.66
7,008.00
400.00
10.00
100.00
1,880.00
Cocoanuts
1,270.00
1,125.00
50.00
667. UO
Rubber
600.00
Oranges
Qreen turtles
286. UO
Parrots.......
i, S>k5»^
186
HONDURAS.
Exports declared for the United States — Contmned.
1901-1902.
Quarter
ended—
Sept. 80, 1901.
Dec. 31, 1901.
Mar. 31, 1908.
June 80, 1008.
Bonaoca— Continued.
Pincsapples
$1.00
76.00
8.00
$87.50
Tnrtle shells
Lim6fi
$16.00
80.60
Miif04^1lftnfK>\iff
$50.00
Total
11,807.60
7,181.00
8,806.00
7,800.00
8,168.00
6,836.80
4,808.50
9,966.40
Decroaae . ,.
8,072.80
5,688.90
Infrreano
4,066.50
1,006.00
Ceiba:
Bananas
87,600.00
66.000.00
40,400.00
78.00
806.00
186.00
800.00
468.00
89,800.00
BirdBkins
Cocoannts
150.00
86.00
1.178.00
Deerhides
283.00
Gk>ld dust
Hides
479.00
82.00
5.00
Hide cuttinms
8.00
Tiim^
10.00
Plantains
650.00
478.00
410.00
488.00
Barsaparilla
1,049.00
780.00
Snecie. nesos .- -
8,000.00
Rubber
297.00
1,046.00
706.00
1,864.00
.860.00
Orangfes..
880.00
8,044.00
Total
90,711.00
60,899.00
44,339.00
04,161.00
Puerto Cortes:
Bananas
108,600.00
72,000.00
38,080.00
1,380.00
1,550.00
100,600.00
171,800.00
Cattle
19,100.00
Cocoanuts
16,900.00
3,140.00
130.00
420.00
1,240.00
1,800.00
916.00
8,400.00
680.00
Coffee
7.840.00
Hats, straw . . .
600.00
Hides
12,600.00
22.00
15,300.00
5,400.00
7,600.00
130.00
60,000 00
800.00
6.000.00
Orang^es
Sarsai>ariila
. 10,800.00
8,800.00
1,786.00
8,400.00
Rubber - . .
4,000.00
R1rin«|, H^r
2,800.00
Tortoise sliell - . - .
Wood, mahogany and cedar
62,400.00
1,800.00
81,094.00
Rilvf^r bullion , , . ..
800.00
2,000.00
Total
193,290.00
132,270.00
809,742.00
211,586.00
187,801.00
lO4,Oi0.OO
866,614.00
Total preceding year
180,880.00
Increase ., -
61,080.00
88,851.00
65,684.00
Decrease
1,843.00
Ruatan:
Bananas ,.
707.50
8.00
6,686.25
1.80
6.75
17.10
113.40
146.25
440.00
460.00
8,708.60
Bottles
Cocoanuts
87,583.99
8.16
8,448.40
4.00
2,280.97
Hides .
Mangoes
16.80
Oranges
1.60
Plantains .
80.80
816.00
1,068.00
Miscellaneous.
170.20
Total
7,627.05
6,865.76
88,057.95
31,826.03
4,188.40
7.506.10
7,180.97
Total preceding year
9,979.48
Increase ...xx^ ^ ^»-.
777.30
6,231.92
Decrease
8,876.70
2,796.46
Utilla:
Bananas
365.00
4,054.85
2,958.20
13,975.06
778.00
449.00
1,848.56
Cocoanuts
1,060.80
Mangoen .., -..-... .„,-- .
88.88
Limes
7.20
90.00
1,143.00
10.80
10.00
16.00
168.00
.96
Oranges
2.86
Planmins
1,602.86
46.22
1,874.44
Turtles . . . ....
Total
6,670.35
2,131.25
18,677.88
44,957.75
1,406.00
4,644.00
8,880.44
Total preceding year
10,006.80
Decrease _
86,880.48
8,888.00
7,068.86
Increase..... ._ .... _
3,630.10
TARIFF AND POBT 0HABGE8.
187 —
Exports declared for the United States, quarter ended March 31, 1903,
Concentrates .
Bullion—
SUvep
Gold
Deerskins
Hides
Rubber
Total
Total quarter ending March 31, 1902.
Decrease
Bonaoca:
Bananas....
CkMsoanuts
Oreen turtles
Plantains
Oranges
Parrots
Banana shoots
Cocoa plants
Timber, rough
Tarns
Rubber
Total
Total quarter ending March 31, 1902.
Increase
Ceiba:
BftTia.'nu i ^ -
Cocoanuts
Deerskins
Eggplants
India rubber .
SarsaiMbrHla. .
SUyer specie. .
Total
Total quarter ending March 31, 1902.
Increase .
$33,678.55
Ruatan:
Bananas
. Cocoanuts
Hides
Plantains
Total
Total quarter ending March 31,
1902...
Increase
Puerto Cortes:
BftTn^naff
Cocoanuts
Coflfee
Deerskins
Hats
Hides
Mahogany and cedar
$1,077.00
5,053.60
7 20
3.006.37
7,982.33
439 49
496.00
4,000.00
27.60
6,635.80
4,128.40
49,074.34
. 121,291.22
2,507.40
. 72,*a6.88
147,000.00
2,860.00
1,200.00
2,560.00
800.00
5,400.00
862.50
1,350.00
438.00
1,305.00
20.00
29,200.00
132.00
2.00
Rubber
Silver bullion
3,440.00
3,954.00
4.00
34.00
2.00
250.00
Sarsaparilla
Total :
Total quarter ending March 31,
1902... :.
Increase
Utilla:
Parii'-'naff
Cocoanuts
Plantains
Mahogany
Oranges
Limes
Miscellaneous
Total
Total quarter ending March 31,
1902...
Increase
6,000.00
202,414.00
4,399.50
3,163.00
1,236.50
137,891.00
64,623.00
69,212.80
42.80
1,222.8q
17.60
460.20
150.00
900 00
786.00
661.20
666.80
20.00
4.00
8.40
82.00
. 17,200.00
88,115.20
. 44,339.00
43,776.20
2,077.40
1,406.00
671.40
TARIFF AND PORT CHARGES.^
Duties are levied by the half kilogram (1.1 pounds) on the gross
weight of merchandise. It behooves our exporters to pack their goods
as carefully, securely, strongly, and lightly as possible to avoid heavy
duties on their importations to this country, and tie resulting pro-
hibitive selling prices, which greatly affect the sale of our merchan-
dise. Take silk, for example. The duty is 3 pesos per pound; if
the wrapping weighs another pound the duty levied will be 6 pesos
in all. Goods should be packed not only to minimize the wrapper
weight, but also to withstand the cutting and crushing force of the
lasso which binds the cargo on the pack saddle.
The tariff has been amended by several decrees, the substance of
which follow:
Congressional decree No. 139, March 29, 1901: Declares free of
duty, or of fiscal or municipal impost, for a period of five years, car-
riages, launches, oars, zinc in sheets, barbed wire. Storage fees for
one month after arrival at port are also remitted on the above articles.
« For tariff see Appendix No. 3, pp. 288-248.
188 HOKDUBAS.
Congressional decree No. 60, February 26, 1902: Printing paper,
imported direct by printing concerns or by newspajier editors, shall
be exempt from fiscal duty of every description.
Congressional decree No. 74, March 1, 1902: Importation through
the ports of the Republic of galvanized-iron plates and pipes, and also
rain-water tanks of iron or wood, shall be exempt from fiscal and
municipal duties of every description during a period of five years.
Articles imported by virtue of this decree shall not be subject to ware-
house rent during one month from date of landing.
Congressional decree No. 75, March 1, 1902: Amends section 60 of
the tariff act as follows: On every half kilo of alcohol introduced
there shall be paid a duty of 2 pesos. Proprietors of pharmacies may
introduce 30 gallons of alcohol annually for the exclusive use in their
shops under duty as medicine. The alcohol introduced shall be
chemically pure.
Congressional decree No. 25, May 29, 1903: Amends sections 1598,
1599, and 1600 of the tariff act, to read: Candles, stearin, 5 centavos
per half kilo; candles, wax, 10 centavos per half kilo; candles, tal-
low, 3 centavos per half kilo.
Congressional decree No. 35, June 5, 1903 : Amends decree No. 25,
May 29, 1903, to read: Candles, stearin, 10 centavos i)er half kilo
instead of 5 centavos.
On every package or bale of merchandise unloaded at a port of
entry in Honduras there must be paid certain fixed port charges in
addition to the customs duties and the commission merchants' fees
who act as custom-house brokers.
Charges at Amapala on goods imported: currency.
Manifest $0.75
Poliza or custom-honse X)erniit 1.50
Transfer fee, custom-house. . .1 _ 50
Sanitary fee — .
On goods to interior _ 10
On goods to port only _ .15
Municipal imposts or octroi on goods for port only:
Cotton goods, etc __.I)er 100 pounds. . 1.00
General merchandise do 50
Flour do 15
On exports, shipping permit from custom-house 75
Brokerage fees:
Landing-
General merchandise from steamer per ton. . 4. 00
Machinery, etc do 5. 00
Commission —
To receive, deliver, or ship each package up to 150 pounds 50
To register and forward merchandise, according to class, per pack-
age $0.20 to 1.00
To register and forward machinery per ton. . 5. 00
TABIFF NOTES. 189
Brokerage fees — Oontmned.
Loading— Hondriras
Commiacdon and freight on board — currency.
Every 150 i)onnds ore $0.50
Every 150 pounds indigo _ _ . .50
Every 100 pounds mbber, deerskins 1.00
Every 100 x>onnds coffee, hides .50
Every 100 pounds rice or grain _ _ 25
Freight to Sam Lorenzo, La Brea or Aceituno _ -per ton. . 8. 00
Depot fee, San Lorenzo . _ per ** lot " 150 pounds. _ . 35
Freight, San Lorenzo to Tegucigalx>a ...per **lot"__ 2.50
TONNAGE.
The tonnage registered at the various ports of entry of the Repub-
lic during 1901-2 was:
Amapala - -.. 456,763
Puerto Cortes 194,909
LaCeiba - ..- 126,408
Ruatan _ - 56,975
Trujillo, Iriona, Balfate 41,268
During the same year 987 steamers, 10 brigantines, 747 schooners,
805 sloops, 3 yachts, 13 small boats, 212 canoes, and 2 fishing vessels
arrived at the ports named. The total registered tonnage was 876,322,
and of this the steamer registry reached a total of 820,275 tons.
CUSTOMS DUTIES.
The customs duties are payable in the currency of the nation, i. e.,
silver pesos. All duties are specific, and the total weight of the par-
cel or "lot" is taken into consideration and included in arriving at
the weight.
TARIFF NOTES.
V, All merchandise shall be assessed on the gross weight, and the
rates established are for each half kilo. Construction wood is excepted,
the rate thereon being for each 1,000 feet.
2®. Merchandise which is registered shall pay the exact duty in
Honduranean currency according to the tariff, without any charge for
depot storage in the ports of the State, when the registry is presented
within one month, counted from the date of the arrival of the vessel
containing the merchandise in question in the port; but after the
lapse of this time there shall be paid, but only in the large ports, a
storage fee of 1 centavo per month for each half kilo of gross weight
of the merchandise. For the purposes of this account a month shall
be deemed as concluded when begun.
3°. Before the registry no part of any merchandise may be cleared
of its wrapping.
4**. Merchandise will be rated according to the material which com-
poses the greater part of it.
140 HONDUBAS.
5"". Merchandise not rated in the tariff shall be rated acoording to
that class of merchandise which it most closely resembles.
6". All wines having an alcoholic strength of more than 16^ Car-
thier shall be rated as liquors or alcohol, according to the quality
thereof. Liquors which exceed 25° Carthier shall be rated as aloohol.
7". All laws not conflicting herewith shall be deemed to be in effect.
LAW OF STAMPED PAPER AND REYBNUE STAMPS.
Article 1. Stamped paper shall be sold at the rate of 10 centAvos
per folio.
Art. 2. Stamped paper shall be issued only every four years, hav-
ing imprinted on every folio the coat of arms of Honduras and the
years for which issued, as "1901-1904," together with the value
thereof, 10 centavos.
Art. 4. Stamped paper shall be used in all transactions such as
petitions, judicial acts, and contracts whose value does not exceed 30
pesos.
Art. 5. Where the value exceeds that of the paper, revenue stamps
must be a£&xed to the proper amount.
Art, 7. In every judicial act whose value shall exceed 30 pesos, or
if it be indefinite, in the legal documents of notaries public, certifi-
cates of public o£&cials, the revenue stamps to be affixed to the stamped
paper shall amount to the value of 50 centavos.
Art. 8. Contracts, invoices, receipts, bills of exchange, and all docu-
ments representing a value of from 10 to 30 pesos shall be written on
stamped paper; and if the valuation exceeds 30 pesos, stamps repre-
senting the following valuations shall be affixed in addition:
Pesos.
Between 30 and 100 pesos - 0.50
Between 100 and 1,000 pesos 1.50
Between 1,000 and 2,000 pesos 3.00
Between 2,000 and 3,000 pesos 8.00
Between 3,000 and 4,000 pesos - _ 4.00
Between 4,000 and 5,000 pesos 5.00
After 5,000 pesos a stamp of 5 centavos shall be affixed for each
100 pesos or fraction thereof.
Art. 9. The same regulation as contained in the preceding article
shall apply to the first sheet of a document executed by a notary
public and 50 centavos on each succeeding sheet where the value
exceeds 30 pesos.
Art. 10. On documents of unknown value stamps to the value of
more than 5 pesos shall be affixed on the first folio and stamps of 50
centavos each on each succeeding page thereof.
Art. 12. Mercantile books, as well as the books of companies, shall
have a 5-centavo revenue stamp affixed to each page used thereof.
Art. 13. On commissions and diplomas, free land and forest con-
INSURANCE. 141
cessions, mining concessions, and patents granted by the Executive
Authority shall be affixed a stamp of the value of 10 pesos on the first
sheet and a stamp of 50 centavos on each succeeding sheet.
Art. 15. There shall be excepted from the necessity of the use of
stamped paper the following: Sections 1 to 6, inclusive, public docu-
ments; 7, private documents not exceeding in value 10 pesos.
Art. 17. Revenue stamps on stamped paper shall be duly canceled
by writing thereon the day, month, and year when canceled so that
a part of the writing shall overlap on each side of the stamp. The
person afGbdng the date on the stamp shall also sign his name thereto.
Art. 19. Notaries public before whom or by whom documents are
executed shall thus cancel the revenue stamps.
Art. 23. Instruments or petitions not drawn and stamped as herein
provided shall be regarded as of no effect.
Art. 24. Instruments or books not duly written on stamped paper
or having affixed the proper revenue stamps shall be disregarded in
all actions of law, and in order to be admitted the delinquent must
pay a fine aggregating an amount ten times that of the stamp value
that should have been affixed.
Art. 27. Directors of companies and brokers who do not have the
proper stamps af&xed to their books of entry shall incur a fine equal
to ten times the value of the tax the first time and double the value
for each succeeding delinquency.
LICENSE LAW.
Each municipality fixes upon its own scale of licenses and what
kinds of establishments shall pay a license fee. For the city of Tegu-
cigalpa the following monthly fees have been decreed:
Pesos.
For each first-class store -._ 2
For each second-class store 1
For each wholesale house 5
For each liqnor store - 10
For each drug store - 10
For each caf6 10
For each billiard room 5
For each hotel, casino, or club 5
For each banking establishment 25
For each pawn shop 20
INSURANCE.
Insurance companies may be organized under the laws providing
for the organization of general mercantile companies. After their
formation or establishment they are regulated and sui)ervised by the
Law of Insurance
CHAPTER X.
FINANOIAIi OBGANIZATION, REVENUE, BT7DOET8, TNTEKNAL
AND EZTEBKAL DEBTS.
FINANCE.
llie revenues of the State are derived from the oustoms dues, octrois,
monopoly profits on the sale of aguardiente (sugar-cane rum),- gun-
powder, from concession taxes, stamped paper and revenue stamps,
the railroad, and the Honduras Lottery, formerly the Louisiana State
Lottery.
The revenue and expenditure of the National Government since 1895
is given below:
Tew.
Be^euiXiaA.
Difference.
1896-1896
4^90^%^ 41
«,T13 £65,96
S, MO, 864. 09
e,Tm.6e&.H
S, 0^6,664. 18
8,017,373.40
3,5»i,ti76.0a
0,367, no. ao
FtBOM.
4,»4»,O0QL1£
6, WO, 090,03
Si,53U,666.ti6
0,606,077.66
7,Tie,54B.74
£.840,307. ai
0,386,^7.87
68,14S.20
llS,fl4».<»
510,708.34
10r,08H.8tf
jHse-iwr
1W87-J8W
1««8-1WN*
1R0B-I9l)i;t
^83,114. 44
iwsmiii
loni ivxtf ,— ,,,
S86 flO& 17
ifiCte-iwoa
141, sea. «3
BUDGETS.
The budget for 1902-3; as fixed by the National Congress, amounted
to $1,051,620 in gold, made up as follows:
RECEIPTS.
Cnstoms duties - $440,000.00
Tax on aguardiente 320,000.00
Taxonliqnors 32,000.00
Tax on gunpowder _ I .._. 10,000.00
Stamped paper and revenue stamps 32, 000. 00
Tax on live stock 12,400.00
Postal revenues -. 9,600.00
Telegraph and cable 25,600.00
Custom-honse paper 6, 400. 00
Printed matter 400.00
Export tax on cattle 24,000.00
Exi)ort tax on products 8,000.00
Lottery and wharfage. -_. 89,400.00
Receipts from lands. - _ 2,000.00
Printing and binding 1,600.00
Pawnshops 1,400.00
142
BUDGET. 143
Mint -• $400.00
Manual Training School 1,200.00
Lithographing 400.00
Receipts from steamships 800. 00
Incidental receipts -_• ._ 34,020.00
Total 1,051,620.00
DISBURSEMENTS.
Executive Department 173,048.80
Department of Justice - 56,968.00
Department of Financ/e 96,051.33
Department of Public Credit 48,010.84
Department of Foreign Relations 23, 408 . 00
Department of Public Works __ 173,596.00
Dei>artment of Public Instruction _ _ 99,148.00
Department of War 381,389.04
Total - . 1,061,620.00
BUDGET RECEIPTS FOR 1908-4.
Customs duties - - $440,000.00
Tax on aguardiente 822,000.00
Tax on liquors-., 1 82,800.00
Tax on gunpowder 10,000.00
Stamped paper and revenue stamps 82, 000. 00
Tax on cattle 12,400.00
Postal receipts ..- - 9,600.00
Telegraph and cable 25,600.00
Custom-house paper. - _ 6,400.00
Printedmatter 800.00
Export tax on stock 24,269.68
Export tax on other products 8 , 000 . 00
Lottery and wharf age 89,400.00
Receipts from land sales 2,000.00
Printmg and binding 1,600.00
Pawnshope 1,400.00
Coinage 400.00
Manual Training School 1,200.00
Lithographing 400.00
Receipts from steamships 800.00
Incidental receipts 34,020.00
Total 1,055,089.68
EXPENDITURES.
Departments:
Interior - 175,774.48
Justice 56,968.00
Treasury ..-. 96,795.32
PubUc Credit 48,010.84
Foreign Relations 23,408.00
PubUc Works - 173,548.00
Public Instruction -. 99,148.00
War 376,741.54
Total 1,055,089.68
144 HOKDUBAS.
PUBLIC DEBT.
The public internal debt of Honduras was 1,704,124.68 pesos when
President Sierra became Chief Executive of the Republic, on Febru-
ary 1, 1899. By October 31, 1901, this sum had been reduced to
1,221,298.09 by the amortization of 482,826.59 pesos. The entire
amortization in that time reached a total of 1,916,180.19 pesos.
Between November 1, 1901, and July 31, 1902, a further sum of 456,-
453.76 pesos was paid. The total amortization during three and one-
half years of President Sierra's administration was 2,172,633,94 pesos.
Investigation and records are being made at the present time in
order that the exact debt of the Republic may be arrived at. A
pamphlet recently issued by the Grovernment, Breve Resena de La
Bepuhlicay contains the following statement of the debt:
" The interior debt, according to documents presented to Congress
in January last (1903), was, on the 3l8t of October of the year preced-
ing, 1,221,298.09 pesos. This amount has been augmented consider-
ably by the expenditures created by the war in the month of February,
which are not entirely paid off, nor recognized in part; but according
to the estimates of persons informed, the amount will not be over
1,000,000 pesos. Taking into consideration that there are also some
other internal debts not comprehended in the documents above
referred to, and computing them on the same authority, we may cal-
culate that the total internal debt does not greatly exceed 4,000,000
pesos.
" The external debt is likewise yet to be settled, but the exaggerated
pretensions of the bondholders of the railroad enterprise have not
been acknowledged, the emission and negotiation of which bonds, as
is well known, was conducted with fraud and scandal. At present
there is a Government commission abroad and at home, engaged in
collecting documents relative to this debt, as the Government pro-
poses to arrange with the bondholders on a basis that shall be just
and legitimately cover what is due."
EXTERNAL DEBT OF THE NATION.
[Details from a report of the Council of Foreign Bondholders.]
1827: Upon the breaking up of the Central American Federation,
the proportion of the Federal debt (£163,000, or $793,240) allotted to
Honduras was two-twelfths, or £27,000 ($132,369), with interest at 6
per cent. No interest was paid on this by Honduras.
1867: Five per cent conversion loan: Amount £90,000 ($437,985).
Sinking fund, 1 per cent; specially secured on the customs dues of
the port of Amapala. This loan was issued for the conversion of the
above with arrears of interest (total, £90,075, or $438,350) and for the
liquidation of other liabilities in London amounting to £30,375
($147,820).
FOREIGN DEBT. 145
The holders of the old bonds received £55,000 (1267,658) new bonds
in satisfaction of their claims. The settlement was effected as a prep-
aration on the part of the Government for floating a loan for the con-
struction of an interoceanic railway.
1867: Ten per cent railway loan: Amount, £1,000,000 ($4,866,500).
Issued at 80 per cent by Messrs. Bischoffsheim & Goldschmidt, for
the construction of an interoceanic railway. The interest was secured
upon the railway and its revenues and the products of the mahogany
forests. The Government undertook to provide an annuity of
£140,000 (*681,310) for fifteen years from December 31> 1869, for the
service of the loan, and promised the subscribers half the profits of
the proposed railway for fifteen years after its redemption.
1869: Six and two-thirds per cent Government railway loan: Amount,
£2,490,108 ($12,117,091). Issued in Paris by Messrs. Dreyfus & Co.,
at 75 per cent. Redeemable at par in seventeen years by half-yearly
drawings. Security, first mortgage on State railways and forests.
1870: Ten per cent Government railway loan : Amount, £2,500,000
($12,166,250). Sinking fund, 3 per cent. Issued at 80 per cent by
Messrs. Bischoffsheim & Goldschmidt, on account of Mr. C. J. Lefevre,
for the completion of the interoceanic railway. Security, the railway
and its revenues and the produce of State domains.
1873 : All four loans went into default, the interest having been paid
out of the proceeds of the money borrowed.
1875 : The loans were the subject of investigation by a parliamentary
committee.
1887-1893: A concession was granted to Mr. Binney for the comple-
tion of the interoceanic railway, which included a settlement of the
external debt. The existing bonds of the foreign loans, with arrears
of interest, were to be exchanged for £100 shares in a new railway
company to be formed in London. The old bonds were to be lodged
in the Bank of England pending the completion of the railway, when
the Government was empowered to cancel them. The company was
formed in 1888, but the Government declined to renew the concession
when it expired in 1892. Another similar concession was granted to
an American company, which,.however, contained no provision for
the settlement of the debt, and which was canceled in 1893.
1896: An American syndicate concluded a contract with the Gov-
ernment for the building of the railway, the settlement of the foreign
debt, and the establishment of a bank charged with the collection of
the customs. Each £100 external-debt bond, with arrears of interest,
were tQ be exchanged for £25 of 1^ per cent new bonds, redeemable
within twenty-five years and secured by a guaranty from the bank
and a first charge upon the railway. The contract did not specify
the date at which interest on the new bonds would begin, or the
length of time allowed for the conversion. All new bonds not claimed
within the period allowed by the syndicate were to be divided between
488A-04 10
146 HOKDUBA8.
the latter and the Government, The committee consented to nego-
tiate on the basis proposed, provided it was satisfied with the secu-
rity offered. Disputes, however, arose between the Government and
the syndicate, leading to the suspension of work upon the railway
and to the revocation of the concession in 1900.
1900: A second contract with the same syndicate was approved by
Congress on the 26th of May, 1900. This new arrangement provided
for a lease of the already constructed portion of the railway to the
syndicate for twenty-five years, at an annual rental of *15,000 gold.
Under pain of forfeiting the lease, the syndicate bound itself: (a) To
erect a bridge over the Ulua and to reconstruct that over the Chamele-
con within two years from the approval of the contract; (6) to recon-
struct the existing line within four years, and (c) to build and open to
traffic the line from Ulua to Comayagfia within five years. It also
undertook to construct 25 kilometers of railway (15^ miles) within two
years, and to complete the line to the Gulf of Fonseca within seven
years from the same date. The syndicate also obtained a preferential
right to construct branch lines, and for fifteen years from the fulfill-
ment of stipulations (a), (6), and (c) the right to construct a line from
the northern coast parallel to the existing section. This contract con-
tained no reference to the external debt.
1902: The syndicate, notwithstanding its failure to carry out the
conditions of the above contract, obtained an extension of time of
one year from the Government.
The following statement is taken from the report of the Council of
Foreign Bondholders, published in November, 1903:
**The Amount op the Debt.
"The external debt of Honduras consists of four loans. The first
is known as the 5 per cent loan of 1867 and represents the portion
of the old debt of the Central American Federation assumed by
Honduras when the federation broke up in 1827. Honduras paid
nothing on this debt for forty years, but in 1867, wishing to pave the
way for borrowing money in this country for the construction of a
railway across the continent, the Government made an arrangement
with its creditors, bonds to the amount of £90,000 being issued. The
present amount of this loan is £78,800, and it is sjiecially secured on
the customs duties of the port of Amapala.
"In the same year (1867) Honduras issued in London a loan. for
£1,000,000 for the express purpose of building the transcontinental
line. Interest was to be at the rate of 10 per cent, and the loan was
secured upon the railway and its reVenues and the produce of the
mahogany forests, which were stated to be of great value. The bond-
holders were also to have half the profits of the railway for fifteen
years after the loan had been redeemed. The amount of the loan out-
standing is £900,700.
FOREIGN DEBT. 147
"Iji 1869 a further loan for £2,490,108 was issued in Paris, bearing
6f per cent interest, and this was also secured on the railway and
forests. The amount outstanding is £2,176,570.
"In 1870 Honduras borrowed still more money for the completion
of the Interoceanic Railway. A second loan, bearing 10 per cent
interest, was issued in London, the amount being £2,500,000, and it
was also secured on the railway, its revenues, and the produce of the
State domains. The present amount is £2,242,500. It will thus be
seen that the total amount of the external debt was £6,080,108, and
of this £5,398,570 is at present outstanding and unredeemed.
**THE PARLIAMENT ART INQUmT.
"Interest on the loans was paid up to 1873, when default took place,
and since then Honduras has not paid, nor, as far as I am aware, has
made any serious effort to pay the bondholders anything at all. In
1875 the circumstances attending the issue olthe loans was iflade the
subject of inquiry by a special committee of Parliament. This inquiry
showed that their issue was attended by grave abuses, and that the
Honduras Government never actually received a considerable part of
the money which she borrowed. I wish, however, to point out that
the bondholders were in no way responsible in the matter, and can
not be held in any way to blame. They were innocent parties, who
acquired their bonds for value. Whatever irregularities took place
must necessarily have been committed by the agents of the Honduras
Government, but it is worthy of note that these agents were accorded
a vote of thanks by the Congress of Honduras, and one of them
received special honors from the Government of Honduras on account
of his services in connection with floating the loans. This was, more-
over, done subsequently to the publication of the report of the parlia-
mentary committee, so that the Government were well aware that
irregularities had been committed. I also wish to lay particular stress
on the fact that according to the parliamentary report the net cash
proceeds of the three railway loans amounted to £2,695,000, of which
more than £1,000,000 went to the construction of the first section of
the railway and to materials supplied for the second and third sec-
tions.
''equitable and not legal bights claimed.
"Moreover, it is perfectly well known to the Government of Hon-
duras that although it is undoubtedly responsible for the payment of
the outstanding principal of the debt and the arrears of interest
thereon it has never been suggested that it should pay any such sum.
On the contrary, we have always approached the question of settle-
ment, not from a legal, but from an equitable point of view. Indeed,
I may say that we have gone further than that. Honduras must, at
148 HONDUBAS.
any rate, recognize the full amount of the 5 per cent Federal d^bt of
1867, and as regai*ds the three railway loans she can not deny her
absolute moral as well as legal responsibility for the £2,695,000 cash
she actually received. These two items would amount to £2,785,000.
Let us, however, deduct from this sum the amount of bonds amortised
or said to have beeii amortised during the five years when Honduras
paid the service of the debt. This would leave a little over £2,000,000.
If we add to this simple interest at, say, 4 per cent, the total owing
by Honduras would amount to about £4,500,000. But, as you will
presently see, we have gone even beyond this. I am particularly
anxious that publicity should be given to what I am now saying, and
I hope that people in Honduras, many of whom appear either to be
ignorant as to the true position of the matter, or have been misled by
certain parties whose interest it appears to be to oppose and obstruct
any payment to the bondholders, will read and consider my remarks.
'' THE CASE SUMMARIZED.
"I trust you will pardon me if for the sake of clearness I sum up
what I have already put before you.
" First, I say that Honduras can not legally deny her liability for
the full amount outstanding of the bonds she issued through her own
agents, viz, £5,308,570 of principal, with arrears of interest amounting
to £14,500,000, for although it may be true that a considerable part of
the proceeds of the bonds was wrongfully withheld from its proper
destination, this was not done with the knowledge or connivance of
the bondholders.
"Secondly, if the legal aspect of the question is waived and it is
only regarded from a moral and equitable standpoint, Honduras is
bound to repay the actual amount of cash she received. Allowing
simple interest only, at the rate of 4 per cent during the time the debt
has remained in default, instead of at the higher rates Honduras
promised to pay, it will be found that Honduras must in equity admit
in round figures a debt of £4,500,000.
"Thirdly, the proposals of your committee are much within what
might have been claimed even from the point of view of equity. We
have offered to advise the bondholders to surrender to Honduras the
whole of the arrears of interest, and as regards the payment of the
amount of the principal for which the country is unequivocally liable,
we are prepared to treat Honduras in the most liberal and generous
manner. I think that I need say no more to prove that so far from
wishing to be exacting or to impose a burden on Honduras greater than
it can easily carry, we have endeavored to meet the Government in a
spirit of unexampled generosity. Later on I shall, with your permis-
sion, give you some details as to the proposals which we have placed
before the Honduras Government. You will then be in a position to
FOREIGN DEBT. 149
judge as to the correctness of what I have said, and I feel sure you
will share the disappointment and surprise which we feel at the man-
ner in which the Government has treated our efforts to arrive at a
settlement. How any country can deliberately remain for thirty years
in total default, and deprived of all credit, without apparently mak-
ing any serious attempt to remove the disgraceful stigma attaching to
its good name is quite incomprehensible.
"I must now return to the year 1873, when the Government of
Honduras defaulted in the payment of its foreign debt. At that time
about 50 miles of railway had been built, and it might naturaily have
been expected that the Government would have at least paid over to
the bondholders the revenues derived from the working of the line. I
regret to say, however, that the Government of Honduras has done
nothing of the kind, but has consistently withheld these revenues
from the bondholders and has turned a deaf ear to our demands that
they should be handed over to us, as your representatives, for your
benefit. What the actual net receipts of the line have been it is dif-
ficult to say, but I find that in 1901 they were given at $100,000, or,
say, £8,000. This is not a large sum, but I think you will agree that
it is extremely dishonorable that these receipts should go to anybody
but the bondholders, to whom they were specially mortgaged and with
whose money the line was made."
On December 15, 1903, Mr. Angel Ugarte, in behalf of the Govern-
ment of Honduras, opened negotiations looking toward a settlement
of the question of the foreign debt of Honduras, being invested with
powers as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the
Governments of the United States, Great Britain, and France. These
negotiations took place in London with the Council of Foreign Bond-
holders. During the progress of these negotiations Mr. Ugarte sub-
mitted the following alternative bases of arrangement to that body:
[Translation.]
"The Government of Honduras and the Committee of Honduras
Bondholders —
"Taking into consideration that the product of the loans issued
in London in 1867 and 1870, and in Paris in 1869, with the object of
constructing an interoceanic railway across Honduras, was diverted
from its true purpose, frustrating the hopes and prejudicing the
interests of that country at the same time as those of the subscribers
to such loans, without any blame attaching either to the one or the
other side;
"Taking into consideration that by reason of the failure of the
undertaking the value of the Honduras bonds fell in the market until
it reached insignificant quotations, the maximum in cash obtainable
150 HONDCTRAS.
at this date being 6 x)er cent on the nominal or original price of the
said bonds; and
"Taking into consideration that the present revenue of the Repub-
lic of Honduras is about £200,000, a cii*cumstanee which must be
taken into account in order that any arrangement which may be made
may have the possibility of being duly carried out:
"Have agreed to conclude a definite arrangement for the payment
of the external debt of Honduras in conformity with the following
bases:
"1. Honduras actually received in respect of the said loans 53
miles of railway, which, as its construction did not present any obsta-
cles or technical difficulties, may be estimated at the most at £4,000
per mile, or, say, £212,000, and in addition about £100,000 for the
payment of the so-called Federal debt, the dispatch of some arms
and ammunition, and of a quantity of nickel coin, making a total
of £312,000.
* ' 2. The maximum value of the bonds, estimating their actual quota-
tions, is 6 per cent on their original nominal value, which is £5,398,570,
consequently there remains a true debt of £323,920 4s.
"3. The budget of Honduras amounting to only £200,000, it does
not admit of a greater deduction than 10 per cent for the service of
the debt, as if this proportion were exceeded the administration of
the country would be rendered impossible.
"In consequence they have agreed upon an arrangement on the
following terms:
"1. The Government undertakes to pay 6 per cent on the nominal
value of its bonds, such as may be found to be represented by the
same, and discounting the coupons paid.
"2. On the sum of £323,920 4s., which forms the said 6 per cent, it
recognizes interest at 4 per cent per annum until the extinction of the
debt.
* ' 3. The Government will make the payment by annuities of £19,435
4s. 3d., or, say, £12,956 16s. 2d., for interest at the rate of 4 per cent,
and £6,478 8s. Id. to form a sinking fund of 2 per cent to be applied
to amortization by drawings, thus the payment being made for twenty^
eight years and three months, a total of £549,044 14s. 9d., will be
reached.
"4. To provide for the payment of the said annuity the Govern-
ment specially assigns the product of the custom-house at ,
placing in the possession of the committee, or of the agent which it
may nominate, each half year a moiety of the amount corresponding
to the year.
"5. This contract shall be submitted by the Government to the Con-
gress of Honduras, and by the committee to a general meeting of
bondholders for their approvaL
FOREIGN DEBT. 151
"6. On obtaining the approval of the bondholders, the committee
shall receive the said bonds in deposit — if possible, the whole of them,
and if not, at least three-quarters of the total — in order that the oper-
ations may have due security.
"7. If the approvals are obtained due notice will be given by each
party to the other, and the contract will come into force as from the
exchange of the respective approvals, the first payment being made
on the 30th of June or the 31st December following said exchange.
'*NOTE. — ^The deposit of bonds may be converted into an exchange
of the existing bonds for new bonds, at the price indicated in the
project of a contract."
[Translation.]
ALTERNATIVE PROPOSAL.
"1. The Govemmenii hands over to the committee the constructed
portion of the railway from Puerto Cortes to La Pimienta, with all its
fixtures, profits, accessories, buildings, etc.
"2. The Government grants to the committee the exclusive right
of way for the completion of the Interoceanic Railway, which shall be
constructed within the periods mentioned in article — .
"3. The Government grants all the other concessions relating to
lands for the railway and its annexes, the free importation of mate-
rials and provisions for the works, exemptions for employees and
workmen, and the other clauses which are customary in such cases.
" 4. The Government grants, in addition, to the committee the prop-
erty of 200,000 acres of national lands at the place or places which the
committee may select, the same to be measured in alternate lots with
the Government of from 1,000 to 5,000 acres each by two engineers,
respectively, nominated by the Government and the committee.
"5. The committee, in exchange for the definite titles of property
which it receives in respect of the railway and the lands, cancels the
account of the Government.
"6. If the work on the railway should not be begun or carried into
effect within the periods indicated, the committee shall lose the exclu-
sive right of way, keeping all the other concessions, and the Govern-
ment shall remain at liberty to contract for it with such person or
company as it may deem desirable.
*'7. The committee can transfer the present contract, giving notice
of the transfer to the Government, provided it is not to the State or
the corporation of the State of any country." — From statement Foreign
Bondholders' Committee.
The subcommittee declined the terms outlined by Mr. Ugarte, but
requested him to submit a new propbsal on the lines of the agreement
which had been entered into between the committee and the Squier
Syndicate.
152 HONDURAS.
Mr. Ugarte, on oenalf of his Government, thereujwn submitted the
following:
[Translation.]
''December 23, 1903,
** NEW SCHEME FOR THE SETTLEMENT OF THE HONDURAS EXTERNAL DEBT.
"The Government of Honduras would purchase, through the agency
of the Council, the bonds existing in the market at the rate of 8 per
cent during the first two years, increasing one-half per cent every
two years until 12 per cent is reached, insuring the purchase at those
X>rices of an annual minimum of £250,000.
"The remittances would consequently be made in the following
form :
Yr. Mo. D. £ £ 8. d.
2 8 percent, 20,000= 40,000
2 Sipercent, 21,250= 42,500
2 9 percent, 22,500= 45,000
2 9ipercent, 23,750= 47,500
2 10 per cent, 25. 000= 50,000
2 lOi per cent, 26,250= 52,500
2 11 percent, 27,500= 55,000
2 lliper cent, 28,750= 57,500
5 7 4 12 percent, 30,000=167,582 14 9
21 7 4 557,582 14 9
"The purchases would begin when the Council should hold depos-
ited at least three-quarters of the bonds.
"The Government would assign for the payment of the above-
mentioned sums the product of one of the custom-houses of Honduras
at the choice of the Council, and the latter would, in exchange, sur-
render the other guaranties which it might have with respect to the
payment." — Statement of Committee,' Foreign Bondholders.
This proposition was also unacceptable by the Committee of For-
eign Bondholders, and virtually ended the negotiations. for the time
being.
THE PROPOSAT^ OF THE SQUIER SYNDICATE.
TERMS OF SETTLEMENT PROPOSED.
An ad referendum agreement was entered into in December last
between the Council and the committee and the Squier Syndicate,
the principal provisions of which were as follows: The Squier Syndi-
cate were to purchase the railway and other properties assigned to
the bondholders as security under the contracts relating to the three
railway loans of 1867, 1869, and 1870, for a cash payment of £2 10s.
in respect of each £100 bond with interest in arrear, and the bond-
holders were thereupon to release all their rights in the railway, leav-
ing the syndicate free to proceed with its construction. It would no
^ FOREIGN DEBT. 158
doubt seem that the sum which the Squier Syndicate offer to pay the
bondholders is a small one, as if the whole of the outstanding bonds
of the three railway loans were to claim payment of the £2 10s. per
cent, it would only come to a little over £130,000. We do not suggest
that this amount represents the real value of the 53 miles of con-
structed railway and other properties mortgaged to the bondholders.
The Squier Syndicate have, however, to find the money for the con-
struction of the 180 miles of line yet to be completed to the Pacific,
and in addition to this, Mr. Turner estimates that it will cost his syn-
dicate at least $400,000 to put the constructed portion of the railway
in reasonable order.
CHAPTER XL
BANKINa AND OXJBBENCT, BANK OF H0NDT7RAS, SEMIANNTTAL
STATEMENTS.
Laws on ba/nking, — The laws and regulations relating to banking in
Honduras are principally governed by various sections in the Com-
mercial Code. Title III deals with brokers; Title VIII with contracts
and bills of exchange; Title IX with promissory notes, bank notes,
and checks; Title XI with loans; Title XIII with pledges. Title XIV
of the Civil Code relates to contracts of pledges and mortgages.
GOLD premium'.
Honduras is preeminently a silver country, and every fluctuation
abroad in the price of silver directly and instantly affects exchange,
or the gold premium. During the past two years the premium has
varied between 215 and 250 per cent. In October, 1903, exchange was
at 230 per cent, and at this time (February, 1904), is at 245 per cent.
Money in circulation. — The money in circulation is largely pesetas
or 25-centavo silver pieces, which pass current in ordinary small trans-
actions. The silver peso, 0.900 fine, is the standai*d money, and the
Bank of Honduras, a quasi-public institution, is by law authorized to
issue paper currency, which passes at par with the silver peso.
Owing to the large percentage of gold in the silverof the i)eso, there
has been a brisk demand beyond the limits of the country for that
coin, with the result that to-day one rarely meets with a Honduranean
peso in the ordinary business negotiations of the stores and markets.
Honduras mint, — The Honduras mint is situated in Tegucigalpa,
and up to within a year was in active operation. During 1901-2 silver
coin to the amount of 27,329.75 pesos was coined, and 590 pesos in
copper cents.
From 1879 to 1890, 743,173 pesos in silver coins were minted and
8,614.33 pesos in copper pieces. In 1888 and 1889 gold coins to the
value of 1,118 pesos were minted. The following table will show the
amount of coinage in recent years:
Year.
Silver.
Copper.
Gtold.
1895-1896
Pesos.
91,805.50
8,426.80
19,J^.50
10,350.00
13,611.62
Pesos.
Pesos.
275. CO
1896-1897. ■ ..
1898-1899
1,796.56
291.00
977.90
1899-1900. .
1900-1901
154
BANKING AND OURRENOY. 155
BANK OF HONDURAS.
The Bank of Honduras was established October 1, 1889, with an
authorized capital of 1,000,000 pesos, limited by resolution of the
directors to 600,000 pesos. The capital subscribed amounts to 417,500
pesos.
The ofl&cers of the institution are president, vice-president, secre-
tary, and manager.
The bank is established in Tegucigalpa, with correspondents in
San Pedro and Santa Rosa. It is proposed by the board of directors
to establish a permanent branch in San Pedro Sula, near the north
coast.
The following tables give the financial condition of the bank at the
end of the several recent half years:
BANK STATEMENT.
January to July, 1900.
U. S. gol4.
Exchange $16,317.30
Salaries 1,128.00
(General expenses - 695 . 12
Extraordinary expenses ._ 21. 60
Engraving of notes 102 . 22
Reserve fnnd 670.30
Dividends - - 5,995.30
Total - 24,929.84
Net income dnring the six months, $11,008.54.
July to December, 1900,
Exchange - 16,637.46
Salaries .- 1,128.00
Qeneral expenses _ 533. 67
Engraving of notes _ 84. 80
Reserve fund ...- 1,852.04
Dividends 16,646.56
Total .- 36,882.53
January to June, 1901,
Exchange 29,835.05
Salaries .^- - 1,128.00
General expenses * _ . . .* 451 . 61
Engraving of notes 76.32
Reserve fnnd 806.23
Otheracconnts 400.01
Dividends 7,261.14
Total 39,948.36
January to June, 1902,
Receipts:
Exchange $1,777.64
Commissions 1, 142. 86
Interest and disconnt 13, 408. 84
Total 16,329.23
156 HOKDUBAS.
DiBboTsements:
Salariee* $1,899.85
Engraying notes 61.88
General ezpenaes 1,1S8.8S
Extraordinary ezpenaes 966.80
Other accounts 8,088.70
Total »t,884,^
Net income during the six months ll.tMLl
Dividends 10,871.1
Reserve fund _ .}t»f{9*|
July to December, 190B,
Receipts:
Exchange '. 774.1
Commissions _ 818.1
Interest and discotmt... 16,845.1
Total 18,688.'
Disbursements:
Salaries 1,487.1
Engraving notes 65.1
Furniture ..- 87.;
General exx>enses 887.061
Extraordinary expenses 880.081
Other accotmts 2,800.881
Total 5.057.60]
Net income during the six months:
Reserve fund-.*. 1,858.18 j
Dividends 12,888.14^
Total r. 18,681.J
January to July, 190S.
Receipts:
Interest and discounts 12,814.14
Other accounts 1,540.88
Total 18,854.45
Disbursements:
Expenditures _ 1,868.68
Reserve fund : 1,188.48
Total.. 8,068.10
Net income during the six months 10, 786.86
During the revolution (February, 1903) $40,000 gold were removed from the
bank on the forcible order of President Arias.
July to December, 190S,
Receipts:
Interest $18,678.88
Other sources 2,190.26
Total 14,868.64
CHAPTER XII.
MEANS OF OOHMXTinOATION— INTEBIOB OOKKUNIOATION— OOM-
MX7NI0ATI0N WITH FOREIGN OOX7NTBIES, LINES OF STEA1CEB8 —
EAUiBOAD— CONCESSIONS— MAIL, TELEOBAFH, AND POSTAL
SERVICE.
MEANS OF COMMUNICATION.
Stearnship lines, — Steamship lines connect Honduras with the United
States, Europe, the West Indies, Mexico, and with the South Ameri-
can republics on the Pacific side of the Continent.
The two principal ports of entry are Puerto Cortes, on the Caribbean
Sea, and Amapala, on the Gulf of Fonseca, on the Pacific Ocean.
The steamers of the United Fruit Company run between Puerto
Cortes and Ceiba, on the north coast of Honduras, and New Orleans
and Mobile. The time for making the trip of 900 miles between Hon-
duras and the United States Gulf ports is six days. Passenger serv-
ice is subordinated to freight, and consequently travelers find poor
accommodations as well as inferior table service.
Tramp steamers ply between Ceiba, Trujillo, and Cuban ports,
engaged chiefly in the transportation of cattle to points on the latter
island.
Pacific Mail Steamship Company. — The steamers of this company
touch at Amapala on their route between the terminal points at San
Francisco and Panama. A steamer arrives every two weeks at Ama-
pala, either on the downward or upward trip; thus the steamers aver-
age making the port about once a week. The distance from Amapala
to Panama is 670 miles and to San Francisco 2,600 miles. The time
consumed by a voyage between Amapala and San Francisco is sixteen
days, including which are stops usually made at La Union, La Liber-
tad, and Acajutla, in Salvador; San Jose de Guatemala and Cham-
perico, in Guatemala, and Acapulco and Mazatlan, Mexico, each stop
being from a few hours to two days in duration. Between Amapala
and Panama stops are made at Corinto and San Juan del Sur, Nica-
ragua, and at Puntarenas, Costa Rica, the voyage requiring from five
to six days. The time required to make the journey from New York
to Amapala via Panama is fifteen days; New York to Puerto Cortes
via New Orleans, nine days.
The steamers of the Pacific Mail Company are commodious and
comfortable, and an excellent table service is provided.
The fares are: San Francisco to Amapala, $75 gold; Amapala to
Panama, $40; New York to Amapala via Panama, $120.
158
PORT8. 159
From New York to Colon the steamers of the Panama Railroad
Steamship Company are used; thence the transit of the Isthmus is
made by railroad, and from Panama to Amapala the steamers of the
Pacific Mail Company are employed. This route is the most con-
venient for passengers and freight from New York to interior points
in Honduras.
Foreign shipping^ 1899-1900, — During this fiscal year 2,157 vessels
arrived in the ports of Honduras. Of these, 236 touched at Puerto
Cortes, 140 at La Ceiba, and 118 at Amapala. But in respect to ton-
nage Amapala led, with 175,719; Puerto Cortes and Ceiba, 156,687 and
49,304, respectively.
1900-1901, — The number of vessels arriving in Honduranean ports
during the year was 2,999, of which 618 were steamers, 1,001 sailing
vessels, 936 fishing vessels, and 444 canoes. The port of Buatan
entered the largest number of sailing vessels, the steamers numbering
but 39. At Puerto Cortes 199 steamers entered. The total tonnage
was 491,199, of which the port of Amapala received 224,158.
1901-2. — The total tonnage of vessels entering the ports of Hondu-
ras during the year was 876,322. Of this number, the steamer tonnage
was 820,275, shown as follows:
Tons.
Amapala . _ 456 , 762
Baerto Cortes ' 194,909
La Ceiba 126,408
Bay islands. '. _ ^ 56,975
Trnjillo, Iriona, Balfate 41,268
Total 876,322
This shows an increase over the preceding year of 369 steamers
entering the ports of Honduras 4ind an increased tonnage of 385,123.
PORTS.
The ports of Amapala and Puerto Cortes are excellently situated
fo»* the fostering of foreign trade, especially is this true of Amapala.
Puerto Cortes, — The bay on which this port is situated is about 9
miles in circumference. It is well sheltered from the northers and of
great capacity for many vessels. Its depth is ample, ranging for more
than two-thirds of its area from 4 to 12 fathoms, with secure holding
grovnd. Toward its northern shore the depth of water is greatest,
and by construction of docks or wharves 60 feet in length large steam-
ers ol the coast-trade type may enter and unload and load cargo with
every facility, as the tide is insignificant. The winds which prevail
on the north coast are from the northeast, north, and north by west,
from all of which the port is perfectly protected. At the entrance to
the harbor there is a light-house — the only one on all the coast of
Honduras.
Amapala. — The port of Amapala is situated on the island of Tigre,
160 HONDURAS.
30 miles from the mainland of Honduras and nearly in the center of
the magnificent Bay of Fonseca. The expanse of water around the
island of Tigre and off the port of Amapala is ample and of sufficient
depth to secure excellent anchorage to the largest vessels. Steamers
are unloaded and loaded offshore, and although there is a rise and
fall of the tide of some 12 feet no difficulty is experienced, because
the waters of the bay are usually smooth, being sheltered by lofty
mountains on all sides. The channel, which is broad, has an aver-
age depth of 10 fathoms.
The bay is the most beautiful ])ody of water on the Pacific coast
of the continent.
Port dues at Puerto Cortes.
Pesos.
Manifest - 2.25
Permit to load 8.00
Permit to unload _ 8.00
Bill of health 3.00
Clearance 3.00
Light-house dues (per ton) 06i
GENERAL IMPOSTS.
Storage on imports and exports, one-half centavo per pound "per month. Ton-
nage and light-house, 25 centavos per ton of registry. Toll (peaje), one-half
centavo i)er pound of gross weight.
THE HONDURAS RAILWAY.
First railway construction, — In the years 1850 to 1852 the repre-
sentative of the United States in Central America, Mr. E. G. Squier,
conceived the idea that it might be possible to make a railway across
the Republic of Honduras from Port Caballos to the Bay of Fonseca.
Adhering to this idea, he succeeded in getting a scientific body organ-
ized in the United States to ascertain the practicability of that line.
That body left the United States in February, 1853, and returned in
December of the same year. The report was very favorable, and in
consequence Mr. Squier solicited from the Government of Honduras
a concession for the construction of the road in favor of a company
of American and English citizens. Having obtained from the Gov-
ernment of Honduras the concession to construct this railway, on
the 28th of July, 1853, Mr. Squier formed a company in New York,
which dissolved shortly afterwards on account of the opposition which
it met with from those who were interested in and partisans of the
Panama line and on account of the contempt and indifference with
which it was received by the speculating public of the United States.
The promoters of this undertaking determined to have recourse to
the European markets in order to seek funds to carry it out. For
this purpose they commissioned Mr. Squier to proceed to London or
Paris and bring it before the public in one of those capitals. After
two years of contest and exertion he succeeded in forming a mixed
RAILWAYS. 161
company — that is, English, French, and American — with its seat in
London, and under the direct sanction of the British Government.
The company having been formed in London, and at the personal
expense of the directors, who laid out some £80,000 upon it, a com-
plete survey of the line was made in the years 1857 and 1858, under
the direction of Gen. William W. Wright, and the ports and rivers
were carefully surveyed by Capt. W. N. Jeffers, of the U. S. Navy.
But before the fruits of these preparatory labors could be gathered
the Italian war broke out, and all work for carrying on the under-
taking was suspended. Then also began the civil war in the United
States, and very soon afterwards the invasion of Mexico by the
French. Under these circumstances the directors of the company in
London suspended all action calculated to further .the undertaking.
In the midst of so many unfavorable circumstances the concession
for the railway became void by virtue of one of the articles contained
therein, and the projected Honduras Railway disappeared for the
time from the public view.
Senor Don Jeronimo Zelaya, delegate to the International American
Conference at Washington in 1890, in a report on the railways of
Honduras, says:
*'The Government of Honduras, being convinced that the best
means for developing the country would be to traverse it by an inter-
oceanic railroad, attempted its construction as much as thirty years
ago. Unable to organize a company in this country, it at length con-
tracted in England a debt of $5,000,000 for the execution of a third
part of the work, mortgaging the road itself and the Government lands.
In October, 1868, the work was formally begun at Puerto Cortes,
but scarcely had 50 miles of the road been laid, at a probable cost of
a million and a half at the most, when Honduras, the victim of
wretched management, found herself defrauded of the remainibg
millions, and indebted, without the power of prosecuting the work.
Since then other endeavors have been made to arrange the debt in
England and secure the continuance of the railroad, but these efforts
have been of little avail, and at the present date Honduras possesses
only her hopes for the future and 38 miles of railroad in actual oper-
ation, since the remaining 12 miles became useless owing to the
destruction of an iron bridge over the Chamelecon River, and to-day
sleepers and rails lie buried beneath the grass."
The act authorizing the Ilonduranean ministers to contract the loans
in London and Paris is as follows :
"Jose Maria Medina, General of Division and Constitutional
President of the Republic of Honduras in Central America, being
desirous- of facilitating the construction of the Interoceanic Railway,
and making use of the constitutional faculty accorded to the execu-
tive power to promote and protect the development of agricultural,
manufacturing, and commercial industry, has ordered to be conceded,
483a— 04 11
162 HONDURAS.
as in fact it does concede by these presents, to M. Victor Herran,
minister plenipotentiary of the Republic at Paris, and to M. Carlos
Gutierrez, minister i^lenipotentiary of the Republic at London, full
power to the intent that they may jointly and severally conclude and
sign all conventions or contracts for the construction and working on
account of Honduras of the projected railroad which is to start from
Puerto Cortes and proceed to the Bay of Fonseca.
*' There are likewise conceded to the aforesaid ministers all full and
ample powers by these presents to the intent that they may issue and
sign in the name of the Republic all the bonds which they may issue
representatively of any loans negotiated by them to pay for the con-
struction of the above-mentioned railway, it being understood that the
Government will ratify all the conventions which messieurs the min-
isters before named shall deem useful and proper to conclude in the
interests of the country in the name of the Government and of the
State for the speedy consummation of this enterprise.
"The bonds which shall be issued shall be guaranteed:
'*1. By the general receipts of the Republic.
"2. By the receipts of the railwaj'^ itself.
"3. By the unpledged lands of the State, of which details shall be
subsequently dispatched.
* ' Given in the city of Gracias, capital of Honduras, in the Palace of
government.
** Signed with my hand and in my name; sealed with the arms of
the Republic, and countersigned by the Minister of the Interior and
for Foreign Affairs; undersigned the 26th day of May, 1866."
Upon the completion of the railway as far as Santiago the work
ceased from lack of funds for further prosecution of the construction.
A few years later the bridge over the Chamelecon River was destroyed
by a heavy flood and remained many years an unsightly wreck in the
river. The line between Puerto Cortes and San Pedro Sula continued
to be operated over the 37 miles of poorly constructed roadbed until
in 1900 the new bridge was placed across the Chamelecon, thus
reopening the line as far as Pimienta, at the crossing of the Ulua
River.
The following historical statement is taken from a report of the
general meeting of the Council of Foreign Bondholders, November
20, 1903, in London:
"the history of events, 1873 to 1897.
"From 1873 to 1882 the interests of the bondholders were assumed
by a company styled the Honduras Interoceanic Railway Company,
and some of you will no doubt recollect this unfortunate concern.
This companj^ went into liquidation in 1882, and in that year the
Council, in response to an influentially signed requisition, formed a
oommittee to protect the bondholders' interests. This committee has
RAILWAYS. 163
lost no opportunity of pressing the claims of the bondholders on the
Honduras Government. I should detain you far too long if I were
to attempt to give you more than an outline of what has happened
since 1882. I shall, therefore, only touch on the principal points.
Anyone who wishes for more detailed information can obtain it from
the annual reports of the Council. In 1887 Mr. Binney, the then
Consul-General of Honduras in London, obtained a concession for the
completion of the Interoceanic Railway, which also included a settle-
ment of the defaulted external debt, and the obligation of the Gov-
ernment to effect this settlement was fully recognized in the concession.
Mr. Binney-cntered into a provisional agreement with your committee,
but unfortunately the concessionaires were unable to find the neces-
sary funds, and the proposals fell through. The concession expired
in 1892, and the Government declined to renew it. The Government
thereupon granted a similar concession to an American company.
This concession, however, contained no provision for the settlement
of the external debt, and it was canceled in 1893. In 1896 another
concession for the completion of the railway was granted to an Ameri-
can company, styled the Honduras Railway Company, who were, it
appears, the successors of the company formed in 1892. This conces-
sion carried with it the special obligation to effect a settlement of the
debt. An agent of the company came over here and had an interview
with your committee. The terms he proposed were perfectly inadmis-
sible, viz, £15 in shares in the projected railroad for each £100 of
bonds with twenty-three years' arrears of interest. I need scarcely
say that your committee declined even to submit such an offer to the
bondholders, and the concession appears to have lapsed.
'* HONDURAS SYNDICATE.
"In the following year (1897) matters assumed what we hoped was
a more favorable turn. An American syndicate, styled the Honduras
Syndicate, with which were associated several gentlemen of great
wealth and high financial position in the United States, concluded a
contract with the Honduras Government for the completion of the
railroad, the establishment of a bank charged with the collection of
the Customs duties, and the settlement of the foreign debt. The
terms which were suggested for the settlement of the debt were
not altogether satisfactory, especially as regarded security, but your
committee after some hesitation stated that they were willing to
negotiate on the basis proposed. Much to our disappointment, how-
ever, the syndicate made no approaches to us, and, indeed, I may go
as far as to say they discouraged our approaches to them. Under
the terms of the syndicate's concession they had to advertise within
ninety days, calling the bonds in for conversion, but no such notice
appeared, and in the following year the Council and committee were
extremely surprised to hear that the syndicate, through its agents,
were endeavoring to induce the Honduras Government to haiwi cvM^iJ^
164 HONDURAS.
to tlieinselves the completed portion of the railway pledged to the
l)ondholder8. The Council and committee at once instructed Mr.
Hain, their agent in Honduras, to enter a formal protest against any
transfer of the line being effected before a settlement was made with
tlio bondholders, and at the same time the Foreign Office at our
request sent instructions to the same effect to His Majesty's Minister
in Central America.
This attempt of the syndicate to obtain possession of the bond-
holders' property was frustrated, and in his Message to Congress in
1898 tlie President of Honduras declared that "the syndicate had
failed to comply with their obligations, and no evidence* had been
produced to show that the syndicate had any actual capital with which
to build the road." Finding that to obtain possession of the com-
pleted portion of the railroad was not such an easy matter as they had
apparently imagined, the syndicate sent an agent to London to ascer-
tain what terms the committee would recommend the bondholders to
accept. This gentleman frankly stated that the syndicate-regarded
the contract they had made with the Government in 1897 as unwork-
able, and it appeared evident that the syndicate had never from the
outset entertained any serious idea of carrying it into effect. Nego-
tiations then ensued between the committee and the representative
of the syndicate, but the latter refused to accept the very moderate
proposals made by the committee.
THE PRESIDENT'S STATEMENT IN 1899.
In the following year disputes arose between the Government of
Honduras and the syndicate. In January, 1899, the President of
Honduras wrote to the Council as follows:
**As the Council understand, one of the principal objects which the
Government of Honduras had in view when making the contract with
the syndicate was the settlement of the debt, which could not be
effected in any other way, seeing that the resources of the country
did not permit of any proposal which could probably be fulfilled
except in connection with the opening of the Interoceanic line.
Unfortunately, the syndicate, thinking perhaps that it was not finan-
cially powerful enough to carry out the contract in all its details, or
for other reasons unknown to me, has not only failed to carry it out
as regards the point you refer to (i. e., the settlement of the debt), but
has also failed to comply with sundry obligations toward the country,
and the said contract is now in a state of suspense."
An attempt was made to refer the dispute with the syndicate to
arbitration, but this failed, and matters remained at a sort of dead-
lock, the syndicate doing nothing or next to nothing as regards the
extension of the railway and threatening the Government with inter-
vention on the part of the United States Government. During 1899
one of the London directors of the syndicate approached the Council
with a proposal; but as this proposal involved the surrender by the
RAILWAYS. 165
bondholders of their lien on the existing railway without any proper
security that the new arrangement would be faithfully carried out,
the committee naturally did not feel disposed to recommend it to the
bondholders.
A NEW CONCESSION GRANTED TO THE HONDURAS SYNDICATE.
In May, 1900, the Honduras Syndicate obtained from Congress a
new concession, which entirely annulled the concession of 1897, which
had been the cause of so much trouble and embarrassment to the
Honduras Government. This new concession was silent as to any
settlement of the external debt, and merely leased to the syndicate
the completed portion of the railway for a term of twenty-five years,
at a rental of 115,000 gold per annum. Under penalty of forfeiting
the lease the syndicate undertook to carry out certain works in con-
nection with the extension of the railway within a specified time.
You may, no doubt, wonder why, after the syndicate had been in the
field for so many years and had failed to carry out its contract with
the Government, it should have been able to obtain a fresh concession.
The Council have been informed that the object of the Government
in granting this new concession was to free itself from the trouble-
some clauses as to arbitration which appeared in the 1897 contract.
Under the new contract the concession was to be ipso facto forfeited
if the works specified were not carried out before the prescribed date,
viz. May 26, 1902. The Council and committee at once protested
against the leasing of the line to the syndicate without a settlement
with the bondholders. The President wrote in reply to this a vague
and unsatisfactory letter, but he specially pointed out that under the
last concession to the syndicate the rights of the bondholders in the
railway were specially protected and reserved. The American syndi-
cate did little or nothing in the way of carrying out the works speci-
fied in their latest contract, and it became evident that on May 26,
1902, the Government would be entitled to resume possession of the
completed portion of the railroad.
AN EFFORT TO SECURE THE LINE.
The committee cabled the President on March 22, 1902, asking to
be informed whether the Government were prepared to hand over the
line to the bondholders on their regaining possession of it. The
answer to this was really a masterpiece of Spanish-American evasive-
ness. The President telegraphed in reply that when the Government
was in possession of the line they would be able to answer the ques-
tion. The Council thereupon instructed Mr. Bain, the bondholders'
agent in Honduras, to proceed to the capital and press on the Gov-
ernment the bondholders' claim to be put in possession of the railway.
The only reply he could obtain from the President was that he was
powerless in the matter, as the syndicate could only bo dispossessed
of the railway by a further Act of Congress. It subsequently tran-
spired that the President had, by an executive decree dated MacoXv 1 ^
166
HONDUBA8.
already grante<l the syndicate an extension of their lease for twelve
montlis, viz, to May 2i\ of the i)resent year. It is noteworthy that
this decree was kept secret and not made public until May 22, 1902,
or four days before the concession lapsed. In April, 1002, two of the
London directors of the syndicate approached the committee with
fresh proposals. An agreement was drawn up which the London
directors undertook to recommend to their colleagues in New York.
No reply, however, was received from America, and the proposals
fell through.
THE HONDURAS SYNDICATE AOAIN FAIL TO CARRY OUT THEIR CONTRACT.
Notwithstanding the extension of one year granted by the Govern-
ment, the Honduras Syndicat*^ again failed to carry out their contract.
In his report to Congress early in the present year the Minister of
Public Works said : " In order to give the Honduras Syndicate for the
last time the opportunity of fulfilling its engagements to the country,
a delay of one year was granted to the company at the request of the
representative of the syndicate on March 7 of last year. That the
company has not fulfilled the obligations of its contracts is well
known, nor does the representative of the syndicate deny it. The
abrogation of the contract will be effected de facto and without the
need of an appeal to arbitration. The next administration remains
at full liberti>^ to take such a resolution as it may deem most desirable
in the interests of the State." On May 2(5 last the Government took
the railway out of the hands of the syndicate and are now in posses-
sion of it and working the line themselves.
The line now in operation is 60 miles long, and traverses the richest
agricultural district in Honduras. Banana plantations hedge the
railway for miles on either side, and the line is used for the transpor-
tation of the produce of these plantations to the steamers at Puerto
Cortes.
The following tables will demonstrate the volume of business since
the Government undertook to run the railway:
[Amounts in gold.]
Date.
Railroad
receipts.
Government
receipts
from
railroad.
June
July
August
September .
October
November. .
December . .
1903.
January .
1904.
$17,613.48
15,989.26
15,073.04
16,225.89
14,114.07
12,050.98
11,100.35
9,928.96
$5,600.00
6, 000. a)
4,800.00
4,000.00
4,769.67
Total ' 112,046.08
25,169.67
June, 1903, to January, 1904, inclusive:
Expenditures $86,404.10
To Government 25,169.67
CSaah balance, February 1, 1904 472.26
TELEGBAPHS-
167
The Honduras syndicate paid the Government $15,000 a year for
lease.
Railroad tariff.
On imports, per quintal, $0.75 to $1.50.
On domestic products exported, per quintal, $1.25.
Bananas, per bunch, 18f centavos.
Passenger fares.
First
class.
Second
class.
Puerto Cortes to —
La Laguna
Baracoa
Rio Blanquito .
Choloma
San Pedro
Pimienta
$0.25
1.25
1.75
2.60
3.00
4.00
$0.76
1.00
1.50
1.75
2.50
TELEGRAPHS.
The telegraph system of the Republic embraces the national lines,
as well as those of railway and private companies.
The tariff is uniform over the different systems. The lines are all
aerial, and the construction consists of palm or pine poles, and in
many instances trees are used for the purpose of holding the wires.
First telegraph line, — By a Government decree of October 9, 1876,
it was resolved to begin the construction of a telegraph system. By
February of 1877, there were in operation 692 miles of wire in the
Departments of Tegucigalpa, Choluteca, La Paz, Comayagua, Santa
Barbara, Copan, Gracias, and to the port of Amapala. Communica-
tion was likewise established with the neighboring Republics of
Guatemala, Salvador, and Nicaragua. By 1879 there were in opera-
tion 1,547 miles of lines, at a total expenditure of 21,421.94 pesos. In
1881 1,409 miles were added at an expense of 243,950 pesos, and, again,
in 1882 1,704 miles more were hung and opened to service.
In September, 1882, the Republic of Honduras was put in cable
communication with North America and Europe through the Central
and South American Company, which established stations at La
Libertad, Salvador, and at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
Lines in 1902. — The mileage of telegraph lines in 1902 was 3,249.
During the j^ear the volume of business may be noted by the follow-
ing: Number of messages sent, 617,939; number of words, 12,299,857;
value of messages, $369,023.10, which amount includes official and
public-8er\ice telegrams, for which no charge is made. One thousand
four hundred and seventy-eight cable messages were sent, containing
10^951 words, and having a value of 24,837.35 pesos.
r
POSTAL OBGANIZATION. 169
Director of the Telegraphic Bureau, CMefs of the Bureau, and opera-
tors; Deputies in Congress (on public business) when Congress is not
in session, and on either public or private business during the session
of Congress; telegrams directed to the President, Secretaries of State,
and other Government officials to whom the franking privilege has
been extended, provided the messages contain not more than 10 words;
franking privil^es may likewise be conceded to departmental officials,
ministers plenipotentiary, delegates, and confidential agents; to socie-
ties for the diffusion of scientific, artistic, or industrial knowledge; to
medical men pursuing investigations of general sanitary interest to
the country.
Telegraph law. — The telegraphic and telephonic service is a branch
of the public service and constitutes an exclusive right of the Stat«. —
(Telegraph Law, Article I.)
Prohibition of cipher. — ^In private dispatches the use of cipher,
signs, or combinations of conventional words to conceal the true con-
tents of a message is absolutely prohibited, except by special arrange-
ment with the central office. — (Article 38, Telegraph Regulations.)
Repeated tdegravis. — Upon request to have a message repeated to
insure its correct transmission, the office from which sent shall repeat
the message, and if no error has been committed, the party requesting
the repetition shall again pay the amount of the message. (Article 45,
Telegraph Regulations.)
Code or cipher telegrams. — Whenever a code or cipher message is
presented for transmittal, the code or cipher book must be exhibited
for examination and deposited with the officials of the telegraph
office.
POSTAL ORGANIZATION.
Organization of mails. — The control and organization of the
national postal service is vested in Congress, which body, in March,
1898, passed the postal laws which are at present in force. In Janu-
ary, 1899, the President of Honduras proclaimed the regulations
whereby this branch of the administrative service is governed. The
postal service comprises official mail matter, ordinary correspondence,
printed matter, samples and business papers, parcels post, registered
letters, postal money orders, and postal drafts (with United States).
Postal service. — During the year 1901-2 the business of the post-
office increased to considerable extent. One million two hundred and
forty-two thousand eight hundred and sixty pieces were carried,
classified as follows:
Pieces.
Domestic service 793,110
Foreign service _ 449, 750
Total 1,242,860
This was an increase of 180,243 pieces over the preceding year.
The increase in the parcels post was over 60 per cent. During the
170 HONDURAS.
year 2,810 parcels were receive<l, the total weight being 9,538 kilos,
and 36 packages, with a weight of 64 kilos, were dispatched to foreign
coantries.
Postal drafts, — In 1901-2, 75 postal drafts were sold, at an aggregate
value of $1,792.40 gold; 17 drafts were paid, of a total valuation of
$190.99. * The income from this source of the service was 100.43 pesos.
RECKIPT8.
Receipts during 1901-2 were 27,909.70 pesos, the disbursements
58,446.99 pesos, leaving a deficit of 30,537.29 pesos. Ascompared with
1898, the volume of business is shown herewith : 1898, 1,106,034 pieces ;
1902, 1,242,860 pieces handled.
VOLUME OF BUSINESS IN 1902-3.
Money-order departmejit, — To United States, 70 drafts, valued at
$2,960.69 gold; commission thereon, 142.27 pesos. From United
States, 11 drafts, valued at $152.43 gold.
Parcels post department — Received from abroad, 2,312 parcels,
weight 9,861 kilos, duties thereon amounting to 9,680.86 pesos; sent,
64 parcels, of 96 kilograms, and postage 60.83 pesos.
Domestic mail movement — 350,612 pieces dispatched; 308,645 pieces
received.
Foreign mail movement — 177,559 pieces received; 128,129 pieces
dispatched.
The net earnings of the post-office during this year were 14,402.59
pesos.
MAILS.
Mails for the United States are sent either by way of Puerto Cor-
tes and New Orleans, or by way of Amapala, via Panama or San
Francisco.
Mails for the United States leave Tegucigalpa once a week on
Thursdays, leaving Puerto Cortes the following Thursdays and arriv-
ing in New Orleans on Tuesdays.
Mails for the United States via Amapala leave every two weeks.
Mails for Europe leave every two weeks.
POSTAL ROUTES IN THE INTERIOR.
Tegucigalpa to Sabanagrande, La Venta, Pespire, Nacaome, and
Choluteca, three times a week; Tegucigalpa to San Lorenzo and Ama-
pala, twice a week; Tegucigalpa to Comayagua, twice a week; Tegu-
cigalpa to La Paz, Esperanza, Gracias, Santa Rosa, twice a week;
Tegucigalpa to Siguatepeque, Santa Barbara, twice a week; Teguci-
galpa to Meambar, Santa Cruz, San Pedro, Puerto Cortes, twice a
week; Tegucigalpa to Danli and Yuscaran, twice a week; Tegucigalpa
POSTAL TARIFF. l7l
to Santa Lucia, San Juancito, Cantarranas, Juticalpa, twice a week;
Tegucigalpa to Cedros, Sulaco, Yoro, Trujillo, Celba, and Bay Islands,
once a week.
POSTAL TARIFF.
Local service: CentavoH.
Letters, for each 15 grams or fraction thereof _ 2
Printed matter, for each 50 grams or fraction thereof _ _ 1
Commercial papers, for each 50 grams or fraction thereof _ 2
Parcels, for each 450 grams or fraction thereof. 10
Domestic service:
Letters, for each 15 grams or fraction thereof 6
Printed matter, for each 50 grams or fraction thereof 1
Commercial papers, up to 250 grams, 10 cents; each additional 50 grams. 2
Samples, 1 to 100 grams, 2 cents; each additional 40 grams 1
Parcels, for each 500 grams or fraction thereof _ 26
Registered letters, without advice of receipt _ _ _ _ 10
Registered letters, with advice of receipt _ 15
Registered letters, with telegraphic advice of receipt 30
Foreign service:
Letters, for each 15 grams or fraction thereof _ 15
Printed matter, for each 50 grams or fraction thereof 3
Commercial paper, up to 250 grams 15 \
Commercial paper, more than 250 grams, each additional 50 grams 3
Samples, up to 100 grams 6
Samples, more than 100 grams, up to 350, each additional 50 grams 3
Registered letters, without advice of receipt 10
Registered letters, with advice of receipt «._ 15
CHAPTER XIII.
IMMIGRATION AND COLONIZATION— IMMIGRATION IiAW AND
REGXnLATIONS-tLAW OF FOREIGNERS.
Colonization Law, 1866.
By a decree of Congress passed in February, 1866, and promulgated
by President Medina on March 6 following, a law of immigration was
established in the hope that foreigners might be induced to come to
Honduras. The liberal advantages which the Governments of the
United States and the Argentine were offering to foreigners who pur-
posed immigrating to their shores did much to prevent any immigration
to Honduras, nor has there been since the promulgation of the law
an influx of any foreign settlers.
This immigration law is general in its provisions, and fails to pro-
vide in any manner for the accommodation or other ordinary comfort
of the immigrant.
The present condition of the land and agrarian laws do not provide
an easy and speedy method of acquiring title to land in Honduras.
Though the Government owns vast tracts of land which are suitable
for agricultural purposes, the titles thereto are clouded, and in many
instances there is no opportunity to define a title until a suit at law
has established a decree settling the claims of various parties to the
land which the Government may have already granted to the immi-
grant. Until all national lands shall have been surveyed and abso-
lute title therein passed to the Government, there must always remain
the possibility of expensive litigation to determine property rights, as
all laws and grants are made ** subject to the rights of third parties."
There is no immigration bureau to take charge of and direct the
immigrant upon his arrival in Honduras. The departmental Grovern-
ors or petty officials are given full power to direct the affairs of the
stranger as they may see fit.
REQUIREMENTS TO SECURE IMMIGRATION.
1. A wise and liberal law and regulations affecting immigrants and
immigration.
2. A Bureau of Immigration to supervise immigrants upon their
arrival in Honduras, and give them all security, shelter, and assist-
ance in procuring land, cattle, and other farm necessities.
3. Depots at the several ports where immigrants may be sheltered,
172
IMMIGRATION. 173
provided with meals and lodging, and held pending investigation as
to their health, abilities, and i)rospects, in order that they may be
properly settled on lands suitable to their prospective enterprises.
4. Survey and measurement of all national lands, with a view to
giving secure title and relief from vexatious and expensive realty
litigation.
5. Enactment of a national law which shall make the immigrant
the special ward of the nation and relieve him from all responsibility
or compliance with any other than that law, any other national or
municipal regulations to the contrary notwithstanding.
6. The enforcement of such a law to be made by the Immigration
Bureau authorities especially appointed therefor.
Much discussion has been given of late years to the contemplated
reform of the immigration law, but nothing definite has been done in
this direction.
The following is the immigration law dated February 26, 1866, now
in force in the Republic of Honduras:
Article 1. All foreigners who desire to take up their domicile in
Honduras shall be granted the same rights as natives, in accordance
with the laws, to which the immigrants shall be subject when they
become residents.
Art. 2. The foreigner who shall in five years from the day he
obtains his permit of residence cultivate a parcel of land by establish-
ing thereon plantations shall receive it as his property, and may
select other national lands adjacent as may be necessary for his pur-
poses of plantation.
Art. 3. Foreigners shall enjoy an exemption from military service
during a period of ten years, except in times of war to repel invasion,
and during four years shall be absolutely exempt from all official
services.
Art. 4. Immigrants who profess any other than the dominant reli-
gion may privately exercise their worship and establish cemeteries for
burial.
Art. 5. Immigrants shall be exempt for a period of five years from
the payment of taxes and extraordinary imposts; nor shall they pay
customs duties on the introduction of machines, hardware, instru-
ments, and books for the exercise of their sciences and industries.
Art. 6. The Executive Authority shall concede exclusive privileges
to foreign inventors or to those who introduce machines and useful
processes not used in the country.
Art. 7. Foreigners who have no legal restrictions may at any time
emigrate and dispose of their interests at will.
Art. 8. Immigrants who take private farms or lands in rental shall
not be required to pay more than natives.
Art. 9. The privileges herein conceded shall be held to be accorded
likewise to the immigrants of the American Republics.
174 HONDURAS.
CONCERNING THE ISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF DOMICILE TO FOREIGNERS.
1**. Letters of domicile shall l>e granted to foreigners requesting the
same by the first gubernatorial authority before which they may
appear, on submitting themselves to the laws of the Republic; the
form used shall be in accordance with the form annexed. The same
authority shall keep a book in which shall be entered the petitions of
the parties interested, signed by them, or by other parties if they can
not write, and also by two witnesses.
2**. The same authority shall cause the allotment and delivery of
land, of his own accord or by intelligent deputy, giving to each immi-
grant a manzana of 100 yards square which he considers him capable
of cultivating with his resources. In addition, he shall issue to him a
document in which shall be recorded the place, the manzanas allotted,
and the boundaries thereof, all of which shall be free of cost and on
ordinary paper, and shall be copied in a book kept for the purpose.
3**. The two books heretofore referred to shall be kept by the
respective municipalities at their expense, and shall at the end of
the year be placed in the archives.
4®. No immigrant shall sell his land before having acquired prop-
erty therein, in conformity with article 2 of the law of February 26,
before cited; and he who fails to cultivate his land within a year from
its receipt, or, having begun his cultivation, abandons the land for an
equal period, shall forfeit his possession in favor of another immigrant
who may solicit it.
5**. Landholders shall not be obliged to let their lands to immi-
grants; but if they do so by private contract they must not set a
higher rental than they would for Honduraneans, in accordance with
the provisions of Art. 8.
[Form for letters of domicile.]
** REPUBLIC OF HONDURAS.
" , Governor of the Department of (or the name
and title of the deputy).
* * To whom it may concern: , from , in the Republic
(or Kingdom) of , years of age, and professing the
religion, has appeared before the Governor (or other official) request-
ing letters of domicile in order to enjoy the privileges and guaranties
conceded to immigrants in the law of February 26, 1866.
"Therefore, the petition having been recorded in the book kept for
the entry of the decrees of this office, over his hand and those of two
witnesses, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the decree of
October 26, 1868, I declare that is a resident of the Republic.
" Given at , and countersigned by my Secretary, this day
of , 190-."
LAW OF FOREIGNERS. 175
COLONIZATION.
Colonization as such is not permitted. Colonists may obtain grants
of land, but the Government allots alternate plots of ground only; on
the borders of neighboring republics no foreigners can obtain title to
lands.
LAW OF FOREIGNERS.
[April 10, 1895.]
Title I. — Of foreigners.
Art. 1. Foreigners are those —
1 '. Born beyond the limits of the country, who are subjects of for-
eign governments or who have not been naturalized in Honduras.
2". Children df a foreign father or mother, or of an unknown father,
born within the State, are until they reach the age of majority accord-
ing to the laws of the country of their father or mother, respectively,
citizens of said foreign country. If within a year after they reach
their majority they do not declare before the local authority their
desire to be regarded as foreigners, they shall be considered as Hon-
duraneans.
3**. Honduranean women who have married foreigners shall retain
the nationality of their husbands, if they become widows; but they
may recover their nationality when, residing in the State, by manifest-
ing before the highest authority of a Department their desire so to do.
Honduranean women who, upon marriage with a foreigner do not
acquire by the law of the husband's country his nationality, shall be
regarded as native Honduraneans.
4°. Honduraneans who become naturalized in other countries and
remove their residence thither shall be regarded as foreigners.
5**. Honduraneans who serve under foreign governments, without
permission of the State, in any political, judicial, diplomatic, or admin-
istrative post shall be regarded as foreigners.
Art. 2. To fix the place of birth, in the cases of the preceding arti-
cle, national vessels, without exception, shall be regarded as national
territory.
Art. 3. Children of ministers and employees of the legations of the
Republic shall not be regarded as born beyond the limits of the Re-
public, for the purposes of this law.
Art. 4. The nationality of persons or legal entities shall be regu-
lated by the law which authorized their origin; in consequence, all
those who are constituted under the laws df the Republic shall be
regarded as Honduraneans, provided always that they have therein
their domicile.
Title 11.— Of expatriation and naturalization.
Art. 5. The Republic of Honduras recognizes the right of expatria-
tion as natural and inherent in every person and as necesrary for the
176 HONDURAS.
onjoyinent of individual liberty; inconsequence its inhabitants are
lierniitted to exercise this right; they may leave their native land
and establish themselves in foreign countries, and likewise those for-
eigners who come to live within its jurisdiction are protected as such.
The Republic, therefore, receives the subjects and citizens of other
nations and those naturalized according to the constitutional pre-
scriptions and regulations of the present law.
Art. G. Expatriation and naturalization obtained abroad do not
exempt a criminal from extradition, trial, and punishment io which
he is liable according to treaties, international practice, and the law
of the land.
Art. 7. Persons naturalized in Honduras, although permanently or
temporarily residing abroad, have the right to the protection of the
Government of the Republic equallj' with native citizens, on questions
either of person or property. This shall not be the case if they return
to the land of their birth, when they shall be subject to all responsi-
bilities which they have incurred prior to their naturalization, accord-
ing to the laws of that country.
Art. 8. The Government of Honduras shall protect, by such means
as are authorizied by international law, all Honduranean citizens
residing abroad. The Executive, as he may deem proper, shall use
such means, provided they do not constitute acts of hostility; but if
diplomatic intervention be insuflficient, or similar means of no avail,
or if the grievance to Honduranean nationality is so grave as to demand
stringent measures, the Executive shall advise the legislature so that
it may act in accordance with the constitutional provisions of the
Republic.
Art. 9. The naturalization of a foreigner shall lapse after a resi-
dence of two years in his native country, except when he is on the
public service of the Honduranean Government or with its permission
is residing abroad.
Art. 10. Every foreigner who complies with the provisions of Article
9 of the Constitution, makes his application in writing, and renounces
therein his allegiance and complies with the stipulations of the follow-
ing article of this law, may become naturalized in the Republic.
Art. 11. Naturalization implies a renouncement of all submission,
obedience, and loyalty to another government, and especially to that
to which the naturalized person shall have been subject; to every
protection foreign to the laws and authorities of Honduras, and to
every right which treaties or international law accord to foreigners;
and, moreover, a declaration of adhesion, obedience, and submission
to the laws and authorities of the Republic.
Art. 12. Letters of naturalization shall not be extended to subjects
or citizens of a nation with which the Republic shall be at war.
Art. 13. Nor shall citizenship be accorded to persons reputed or
declared in other lands to be pirates, slaves, firebrands, counterfeit-
ers, or forgers of credit paper, nor to assassins, plagiarists or thieves.
LAW OF FOREIGNERS. 177
Naturalization obtained through fraud in violation of law is null
and void of any right.
Art. 14. Certificates of naturalization shall be issued gratuitously,
and persons obtaining them shall not be obliged to pay any fees for
certificates, registration, stamps, or for any other reason.
Art. 15. The act of naturalization being personal, only under spe-
cial and full powers may the petitioner be represented when the pro-
ceedings are not effected under the operation of the law; but in no case
shall such powers supply the failure of residence within the Republic.
Art. 16. The qualifications under naturalization are not trans-
ferable ; consequently the native can not enjoy the rights of foreigners
nor the latter the rights of the former by reason of the respective
qualifications.
Art. 17. A change of nationality does not produce a retroactive
effect. The acquisition and rehabilitation of the rights of the Hondu-
ranean shall only have effect from the day following the naturalization.
Art. 18. Colonists who come to the country at their own expense,
or at the expense of a company or private enterprise, as well as immi-
grants of every class, may be naturalized, each according to his case,
in conformity with the law and the provisions of the Constitution.
Colonists now established here are also subject to said provisions
' when they do not conflict with the rights they have acquired under
their contracts.
Art. 19. A naturalized foreigner shall be a Honduranean citizen as
soon as he complies with the conditions prescribed in Article 9 of the
Constitution, becoming equally invested in his rights and obligation
as a Honduranean, but he shall not be qualified to assume those offices
or duties which, by the Constitution, require nativity in Honduras.
Title III. — Of matriculation and its effects.
Art. 20. The matriculation of a foreigner consists in inscribing his
name and nationality in a book provided for the purpose in the office
of the Minister of Foreign Relations.
Art. 21. A foreigner wishing to matriculate, and being in the Cap-
ital of the Republic, should go to the Ministry of Foreign Relations,
and, if in any of the Departments, to the offices of the respective Gov-
ernors, proving his nationality by any of the following documents :
V. Diplomatic or consular certificate, in which shall be stated that
the party is a native of the country which the official is representing.
2*". Passport, duly legalized, with which the petitioner entered the
country.
3". Letters of naturalization, duly legalized, and only when their
destruction or loss is proved or when it is shown that by the law of
the country where issued they are not necessary as proof may other
proof of equal admissibility be supplied, showing that the docu-
483a— 04 12
178 HONDURAS.
ments of the interested party had been legally obtained by the act
of naturalization.
Art. 22. Upon the production of proof of the nationality and pedi-
gree of the petitioner to the Minister of Foreign Relations, the inscrip-
tion shall be made in his office and his certificate given to the foreigner
without other expense than stamped pai>er for the certification.
Art. 23. The matriculation constitutes only a legal presumption
that the foreigner is of the nationality therein expressed and may be
rebutted by proof to the contrary.
Art. 24. Matriculation is proved by the certificate thereof, issued
and signed by the Minister of Foreign Relations, to whom only is given
this power.
Art. 25. No authority or public official can recognize as a person of
any determined foreign nationality anyone who does not exhibit his
certificate of matriculation.
Art. 26. The certificate of matriculation shall not entitle its owner
to claim any right or question of right derived from it if the alleged
right or question arose before the date of the matriculation.
Art. 27. The rights of foreigners are:
l*". To invoke treaties and conventions existing between Honduras
and their respective nations;
2°. To appeal to their countries for protection through diplomatic
channels, according to the provisions of the Constitution; and
3". To enjoy the benefits of reciprocity.
Art. 28. The legal status of a matriculated foreigner is changed by
his renouncement of citizenship and by a state of war between Hon-
duras and a foreign nation.
Title IV. — Rights and obligations of foreigners.
Art. 29. The Republig of Honduras is a sacred asylum for every
person fleeing to its territory. (Const.)
Art. 30. Foreigners are required from the time of their arrival in
the Republic to respect the authorities and observe the laws. (Const.)
Art. 31. Foreigners in Honduras enjoy all the civil rights of the
Honduraneans. (.Const. )
Art. 32. They may acquire all kinds of property in the country,
but with respect thereto they are subject to all ordinary and extraor-
dinary charges of a general character to which Honduraneans are sub-
ject. (Const.)
Art. 33. They shall not make reclamations nor exact indemnities of
any kind from the State except in such cases and in sucli form as are
permitted to Honduraneans. (Const.)
Art. 34. Foreigners shall not invoke diplomatic intervention except
on a denial of justice and after having unsuccessfully exhausted the
ordinary recourses established by the laws of the Republic.
Art. 35. — A denial of justice shall be understood to be a refusal of
LAW OF FOREIGNERS. \ 179
the judicial authority to make formal declaration with respect to any
principle, business or any incidental part of a cause of which the
judiciary has cognizance or which is submitted for its cognizance.
Consequently, if the court render judgment in any way whatsoevei*
a denial of justice may not be alleged, even though the allegation be
that the decree was iniquitous or in violation of law.
Art. 36. Delay in the administration of justice, occasioned by a
sufficient reason or physical impediment which it is not in the power
of the court to remove, shall not give right to an appeal to a settle-
ment through diplomatic channels.
Art. 37. If, in opposition to the foregoing provisions, reclamations
shall not be settled amicably, or result in injury to the country, the
claimant shall lose the right to live therein.
Art. 38. Foreigners may, without losing their nationality, reside in
the Republic for all legal purposes. The acquisition, change, or loss
of domicile shall be regulated by the laws of Honduras.
Art. 39. Upon the declaration of the suspension of individual guar-
anties, according to the provisions of the law of the martial state, for-
eigners shall be subject to the restrictions of the law which decree
suspension, except when expressly stipulated by treaties in existence.
Art. 40. Resident foreigners are obliged to pay contributions of a per-
sonal, general, local, ordinary, and extraordinary character, the same
as Honduraneans, if they be not excepted by international agreement.
Art. 41. Transient foreigners are exempt from all personal contribu-
tions, but not from contributions or charges of an ordinary character
on business, property, profession, and industry.
Art. 42. Every foreigner is subject to the judgments and decrees
of the courts, without power to invoke other recourse than that which
these same laws concede to Honduraneans.
Art. 43. Foreigners do not enjoy the political rights which accrue
to Honduraneans; in consequence they may not exercise the suffrage,
nor assume public office, nor engage in the discussion of political issues
of the State, nor take part in them, nor exercise the right of petition
in this class of affairs.
Art. 44. A foreigner who voluntarily makes use of the rights
expressed in the preceding article shall be thereby responsible for his
acts and their consequences, as would a Honduranean, but without
acquiring thereby any naturalization.
Art. 45. Foreignei*s are exempt from military service, but resident
foreigners are subject at all times to municipal imposts, and must
give their services as police when the security of their property and
the public order of the community in which they reside require.
Art. 46. Every foreigner is compelled to observe neutrality toward
the Government in the event of war.
Art. 47. Foreigners shall not take part in any civil dissensions of
the nation, and those who violate this prohibition may be expelled
180 I HONDURAS.
from the territory by the Executive Authority as pernicious foreign-
ei-s, I)e8ide8 subjecting themselves to the laws of the Republic for vio-
lation thereof, notwithstanding that their rights and obligations during
the state of war an^ arranged by international law and treaties.
Art. 48. Crimt^s that continue to be committed in the Republic,
even though the offenders may reside abroad, shall be punishable in
accordance with the laws of th(^ former, whether criminals be natives
or foreigners, provided they are apprehended within Honduranean
territory.
Art. 4:!>. Crimes committed by foreigners against foreigners or
natives within the Repulilic shall be punished in conformity with the
laws of the Republic.
Art. 50. Crimes committ(Hl —
I''. On the high seas, on board of national war or merchant ships;
2". On board a Honduranean war vessel in foreign waters;
3". On board a Honduranean merchant vessel in foreign ports or
waters, when the crime has not been adjudicated by the nation to
which the port or waters belong, shall be considered as committed on
Honduranean soil.
Title V. — Of expulsion.
Art. 51. Foreigners may be denied admission to, or be expelled
from, the territory of the Republic as being pernicious, in the follow-
ing cases :
1. When they are suffering from grave contagious diseases or vio-
late the quarantine regulations.
2. When they have committed felonies abroad which are not sanc-
tioned in Honduras.
3. When they subvert or conspire to the subversion of the public
order.
4. When they conduct themselves viciously or knowingly endanger
the public tranquillity.
Art. 52. Foreign ministers of any denomination may only enter or
remain in the Republic under special conditions which the Govern-
ment shall name with respect to the place and the object of their resi-
dence, in order to guarantee the faithful observance of the provisions
of articles 54 and 58 of the Constitution, and the maintenance of
public peace and harmony which should exist between the State and
the several religious beliefs.
Art. 53. Only in exceptional cases, with respect to the conservation
of the public order, shall a foreigner, married to a Honduranean, and
domiciled at least three years in the country, be expelled.
Art. 54. The order of expulsion shall be made known to the person
affected thereby, and he shall have twenty-four hours, at least, to
comply therewith.
The procedure shall be administrative.
LAW OF FOREIGNERS. 181
Title VI. — Final provisions.
Art. 55. Central Americans who may not have acquired Honduran-
ean nationality in accordance with article 8 of the Constitution shall
be subject to this law.
Art. 56. The requirements of this law shall not change in any man-
ner the immunities and guaranties which international law and the
treaties or conventions which the Government may have celebrated,
give to the diplomatic or consular^ corps, nor the rights which in these
same treaties are particularly conceded to the subjects or citizens of
a nation with whom made.
Art. 57. This law shall become operative from the day of its pub-
lication.
CHAPTER XIV.
PUBLIC INSTBircnON, IiAWS BEIiATINO TO EDITOATIOH, SCHOOL
SYSTEMS.
PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.
Public instriKitioii comprises three divisions — primary, secondary,
and higher.
Primary instruction is free and compulsory and entirely secular,
for children between the ages of 7 and 15 years.
Secondary instruction is carried on by means of high schools in the
several cities and towns of the Republic. These schools are college
annexes and provide normal training for those graduates who intend
to teach.
Higher instruction is furnished at the colleges and institutes in
Tegucigalpa, Santa Rosa, Santa Barbara, Danli, and Choluteca.
Prirhary sclvools. — The following list shows the number of primary
schools for both sexes (including private schools) in each Department
in 1900:
Schools.
Department of Tegucigalpa 90
Department of Copan _ 66
Department of Gracias _ 62
Department of Santa Barbara _ . 53
Department of Comayagua _ 51
Department of La Paz ._ .._ 45
Department of Olancho _ 45
Department of Intibuca _ 37
Department of Colon _ 35
Department of Cortes _. 32
Department of Cholnteca _ 32
Department of El Paraiso _ _ . _ 27
Department of Yoro _ 26
Department of Valle. ___ 16
Department of Bay Islands ' _ 10
Total 627
In the year 1894 there were 449 schools, as compared with 627 in
1900, or an annual increase of about 30.
The entire number of graduates who have received instruction is
over 30,000. Phis number was only 16,072 in 1894.
During the economic year 1901-2 there were established 851 schools,
of which 508 were for boys, 280 for girls, and 63 mixed. The register
of pupils shows 18,771 boys and 11,254 girls on the rolls. The average
attendance was 22,745, i. e., 13,960 boys and 8,785 girls.
The attendance at the secondary and normal schools was 212 pupils.
182
PUBLIC INSTBUOTION. 183
The normal school for teachers, under Government subvention, has
on its rolls 144 students.
The girls' high school in Tegucigalpa has an attendance of 71.
Secondary instruction. — Secondary instruction in 1901-2 was given
in 13 colleges and 1 private institution. The attendance at these
colleges was 646 students, 55 of whom obtained the degree of Bachelor
of Arts and Sciences. These colleges are situated in Comayagua,
Santa Rosa, Juticalpa, Santa Barbara, Dauli, Yuscaran, La Paz,
Marcala, and San Pedro Sula, and are all subventioned by the State.
Higher instruction. — There are 135 students in the Institute of
Jurisprudence and Political Science, in the School of Medicine and
Surgery in Tegucigalpa, and in the School of Law in Comayagua.
The National Library contains 6,854 volumes.
SCHOOL OF ARTS. '
The manual training school is situated in that part of Tegucigalpa
known as Comayaguela. It was established in 1890 through the
efforts of President Bogran. In this establishment are manufac-
tured such articles as can be made there for the Government's use.
Pi'ivate work is performed by apprentices under the direction of a
superintendent and division chiefs. There are mechanical, electric,
shoemaking, carpenter and cabinet, foundry, tannery, smithy, tailor,
saddleiy, and wagon departments. Eighty men and boys are employed
in the school; there are 17 internes, 30 externes with salary and 33
without salary. The manufactured products are sold at retail for
the maintenance of the school.
The value of the work turned out during the past two years is as
follows.
1901-2.
1902-3.
Official work .
Pesos.
29,658.02
6,224.68
Pesos.
15,432.12
Privat*^ work for individuals
1,943.12
Total
34,882.70
17,376.24
EXPENDITURE ON GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS.
In 1000-1901 the expenditure on Government schools was 111,713.41
pesos; in 1901-2, 201,048.51 pesos; in 1902-3, 116,001.11 pesos.
Budgets for public instruction, 1895 to 1904.
Pesos.
1895-06 156,696
1896-97 - , -- 172,000
1897-98 -- 198,200
1898-99 201,176
1899-1900 202,976
1900-1901 285,800
1901-1902 •-.- 247,870
1902-1903 - 247,800
1903-1904 ....^it^.'^S*^
184 HONDUKA8.
The miliiarij Hvhooh — Tliis school, at the Capital, is under the direct
supervision of tlie (Tovi^rnment through the Minister of War. The
studfmts to the number of nearly 100 are given instruction in the
principles and elements of military science. Several youths from
Honduras are at present following the military course of instruction
at tlie military college of Chapultepec by courtesy of the Mexican
Government.
PUBLIC-INSTRUCTION LAW.
The most important articles tending to give a general description
of the methods and rules in force governing the schools are given
below:
PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
Article 1. Primary instruction is obligatx)ry, laic, and gratuitous.
Art. 2. Primary instruction shall have for its aim the attainment
of practical knowledge.
Art. 0. Education shall embrace not only a knowledge of practical
studies, but shall endeavor to stimulate the mind by development of
the deductive faculties.
Art. 7. In the first three grades no other text-book than a reader
shall be employed.
Art. 11. The school term shall begin on the 10th of January and
end on the 10th of November.
Art. 15. Instruction shall be divided into five grades.
Art. 17. Six hours a day shall be devoted to school work, with
fifteen minutes recess in the morning and afternoon for recreation.
Art. 51. At least two elementary schools and two high schools
shall be established in each Department.
Art. 52. Each municipal district shall also establish two schools,
one for each sex.
Art. 58. All persons have the right to establish schools with their
own resources and provide such tuition as they may please, provided
such acts ard not contrary to the public order and good customs.
Art. 67. The General Directorate of Primary Instruction shall
strictly supervise the conduct of private schools, especially in the
matter of hygiene and morale.
Art. 141. Each school child shall have a space equal to 6 cubic
meters, in the matter of hygienic proportion.
Art. 157. It is forbidden, under penalty of a fine, for owners of
factories, plantations, mining works, etc., to employ children less than
15 years old, unless they present a certified declaration that the chil-
dren have received the regular primary course of instruction.
Art. 186. The direction of primary instruction shall be in charge
of the Minister of Public Instruction.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS^ 185
Art. 191. A Director General of Instruction shall have immediate
general supervision of primary instruction.
Art. 200. Each Department shall have a director of instruction.
Art. 209. Local directors and inspectors of primary instruction shall
have charge of the education in their respective districts.
Art. 228. There shall be held quarterly, semiannual, and annual
examinations, which shall take place in the four days succeeding the
end of each quarter or half year and within the first fifteen days of
November annually.
Art. 309. The governors of Departments shall lend assistance in the
matter of public instruction in any manner that may be required.
GRAMMAR SCHOOLS.
Article 1. The grammar-school instruction shall have three grades,
and shall include Spanish grammar, geography, history, chemistry,
physiology, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, constitutional principles,
principles of morality and etiquette.
Art. 34. Attendance at these schools is not obligatory after the age
of 15.
Art. 62. Each grammar school shall hold quarterly and annual
examinations.
Art. 63. Quarterly examinations shall take place in the first days
of April, July, and October, and shall be private.
Art. 67. Annual examinations shall take place in the first fifteen
days of November, and shall be public.
All schools have a library of books of reference, as well as those
required to pursue the couraes of the respective schools.
CHAl^TER XV.
PATENT AND TRADE-MABK I4AWS— THE ABMT— WEIGHTS,
MEASURES, AND VALX7ES.
PATENTS.
Constitutional provision for the granting of patents is made by the
sixteenth section of article 00 of the Constitution.
"Art. 90. Congress shall have the following x)owers: * * *
**.Sec. 16. To decree awards and to concede periodical privileges to
authors and inventors, and to those who may introduce or perfect
new devices of general utility."
Patent law, — The law of patents was enacted March 14, 1898. It is
as follows:
"Article 1 . Ilonduranean inventors shall enjoy patent rights for a
period not to exceed twenty years, upon the payment of an annual
tax of from five to ten pesos silver, according to the importance of
the invention, and upon compliance with the other requisites as estab-
lished in the regulations.
"Art. 2. Foreign in ventoi's who have obtained patents in other coun-
tries may incorporate them in Honduras under the same conditions as
natives, and upon the payment of an inscription fee of from ten to
fifty dollars gold, annually, as the case may be.
"Art. 3. For the development and application of this law, the Exec-
utive authority shall issue the corresponding regulations and shall
open a patent office under the direction of the Minister of Public
Works."
The regulations referred to in article 3 of the patent law have never
been promulgated.
Patent grants, — Patents may be granted in two ways, namely:
(a) On the petition of a native or foreign inventor for a grant of let-
ters patent from Congress on an invention or patent. Congress is
in session annually for about sixty days from January 1. It is there-
fore not possible to obtain letters patent on an original invention at
any other time of the year. (6) On the petition of a native or foreign
inventor or patentee for a grant of letters patent from the ofl&ce of
the Minister of Public Works and Exploitation on a patent duly
obtained in another country.
186
TRADE-MARKS. 187
TRADE-MARKS.
The registration of trade-marks falls, as in the case of patents,
under the supervision of the Minister of Public Works.
The trade-mark law has been enacted recently, and is far more
comprehensive than that of patents. The law explains itself, and is
given herewith in full :
The National Congress, taking into consideration the necessity of
a law regarding trade-marks, decrees the following:
*
LAW OP TRADE-MARKS.
Article 1. Any sign which determines for commerce the specialty
of an industrial product is considered a trade-mark.
Art. 2. The form, color, or designations which of themselves do
not constitute a determining sign of the specialty of the product are
not considered as trade-marks. In no case will an immoral sign be
allowed.
Art. 3. Any proprietor of a trade-mark, be he a native or a for-
eigner residing in the country, can acquire the exclusive right to use
the same in the Republic, subjecting himself to the formalities of the
present law. Natives and foreigners who reside outside of the country *
can register their trade- marks if they have in the country an agency or
industrial or mercantile establishment for the sale of their products.
This applies in regard to foreigners where treaties do not otherwise
provide.
Art. 4. In order to acquire the exclusive right to a trade-mark, the
interested party should present, either in person or by means of a rep-
resentative, to the Secretary of Fomento a statement to the effect that
he applies in accordance with his rights accompanied by the following
documents :
(1) Power of attorney from his principal (if the interested party
does not present himself in person).
(2) Two examples of the mark, or representation of same by means
of a drawing or engraving.
(3) In ease the mark appears in relief or intaglio, or it presents
any other peculiarity, two models which show these details.
(4) The written contract in virtue of which an agency has been
established. This applies to article 3. This document must be duly
legalized.
Art. 5. In the aforesaid presentation there must be expressed the
name of the fabric, the place where it is made, the domTcile of the
proprietor, and the branch of commerce or industry to which the mark
is to be applied.
Art. 6. A trade- mark belonging to a foreigner not resident in Hon-
duras can not be registered unless it has been legally registered in
the country of its origin.
188 HONDURAS.
Art. 7. The first party who has made legal use of the mark is the
only one wlio can legally obtain the same. In case of dispute between
two parties claiming the same mark, it belongs to the first x>ossessor;
and if this can not be prove<i, to him who first solicits registry.
Art. S. The exclusive use of a mark can not be had save by virtue
of a declaration by the Secretary of Fomento that the interested party
has reserved his rights after having complied with all legal requisites.
Art. 9. The declaration mentioned in the foregoing article will be
made without previous examination on the exclusive responsibility of
the petitiolier and without affecting the rights of a third part3^ The
Secretary of Fomento will publish the petition of the interested party,
and, in case of opposition presented within ninety days following pub-
lication, will not register the mark until a judicial decision has been
rendered as to who is entitled to registry.
Art. 10. Trade-marks are not transferable, exe>ept in connection
with the establishment for which they serve, and such transfer is not
subject to any special rules or formalities and is conducted according
to the regulations of common law.
Art. 11. The duration of a trade-mark is indefinite, but it will be
forfeited by failure of production for one year or more.
Art. 12. Facsimiles of trade-marks will be kept by the Secretary of
Fomento, and anyone can obtain, at his own expense, a certified copy
of same.
Art. 13. Any trade-marks not filling the foregoing conditions will,
on request, be declared of no value.
Art. 14. The judge declaring void any trade-mark will send a copy
of his decision to the Secretary of Fomento.
Art. 15. Trade-marks are false —
(1) When a copy of any legally registered trade-mark is used.
(2) When an imitation has some slight difference, but may be easily
mistaken for the original.
Art. 16. Anyone will be considered guilty of the crime of counter-
feiting, no matter where this may be committed, who has imitated a
mark or made use of such imitation in application to articles of the
same industrial or mercantile nature.
Art. 17. The crime of counterfeiting a trade-mark is subject to
penalties, as prescribed by the penal code.
Art. 18. Drawings and industrial models are included in the pro-
visions of this law.
Art. 19. The protection which the present law gives to trade-marks
does not extend to articles covered by them, except those made and
sold in this country.
Art. 20. The present law goes into effect from the date of its pro-
mulgation, and all petitions which at that time are pending will be
decided in accordance therewith.
Given in Tegucigalpa this 7th day of March, 1902.
MILITARY. 189
THE ARMY.
Military service is compulsory for all natives of or over the age of
21 years; they are members of the regular army up to the age of 30,
thereafter becoming members of the reserve force until they have
arrived at the age of 40 years.
The organization of the army is supervised directly by the Minister,
of War under laws enacted by Congress. The personnel of the
militia is as follows: 399 chiefs, 2,395 ofl&cers, 32,520 soldiers of the
first category, 14,591 of tlie second category, making a total of 49,905
enlisted for the national defense.
The regular army is made up as follows: Two major-generals, 6
brigadier-generals, 19 colonels, 18 surgeons, 12 lieutenant-colonels, 11
directors of bands, 12 garrison commandants of the first class, 16 gar-
rison commandants of the second class, 49 captains, 72 lieutenants,
46 second lieutenants, and various other petty ofl&cials, 1,345 soldiers,
giving a total standing force of 2,128 men.
Military drills and parades of all the militia are held every Sunday
in all the towns throughout the Republic. Attendance at these drills
is compulsory, and members living at a distance even of 20 miles are
not excused from presenting themselves at roll call. The number of
men thus obliged to be present each Sunday at drill is, in round
numbers, 14,000.
Oommandantes or military governors are appointed, one for each
Department in the Republic, one for each port of entry, and one each
for the barracks of Ocotepeque and Danli. •
Pensioiis. — The number of persons on the pension roll is 687, at an
annual cost of 192,965.82 pesos.
Equipment. — The equipment of the ordnance is modern, and the
light artillery is transported entirely on muleback, after the fashion
of the well-known *' mountain batteries."
The medical corps is well sustained with a body of capable sur-
geons and assistants. There are field ambulances and supplies for field
hospitals. As yet no provisions have been made for a proper hospital
corps.
Schools. — Several military schools for the instruction of officers,
cadets, and soldiers are situated at the capital. During the year
1901-2 the artillery corps was under the instruction of a French artil-
lery officer and the infantry under a Chilean colonel. The latter
taught the German system of tactics.
Revenue and war vessels, — Honduras has two small vessels which
do duty as revenue cutters and war vessels. One is used oh each
coast for the purpose of patrol duty and the work incidental to the
public service. The Febrero 22 is of 12 tons burden and the Tatuinbla
of 108. Both vessels were constructed in Germany. They carry a
small armament of Hotchkiss guns.
190
Year.
HONDURAS.
Tlw trur hitdgets.
Amount.
Tear.
1HH5-1H98 «42,8fi5.00
l»yB-lHirr 647,181.15 ,
IHirr IHW ' 672,7»9.66 '
IHBH-IHW I 74H,()8K.H0 [
Itm-lW) I 743,412.75
IfMMWl.
1901-1002.
I«12-lflfl8-
19(KM904..
Amount.
Pesos.
814,124.90
953,472.01)
063, 472. eO
941,853.85
Wrights and Mkasurrs.
Relow aro ^iven some of tlie terms of the weights and measares
commonly used in Honduras. Their equivalents in English terms are
approximate :
Pulgada =1 inch.
=1 foot.
=0 inches.
=0.835005 of a meter.
= 1 yard=0.1U44 of a meter.
=1 mile.
=1 league.
= 1.74 acres and 100 varas square.
Pie
Cuarta
Vara
Yarda
Milla
Legua
Manzaiia
Caballoria=111.53 acres=G4^ manzanas.
Libra =1 pound.
Arroba =25 pounds.
Quintal = 1 00 pounds.
Carga =load of from 200 to 250 pounds.
Reciprocal tables,
LINEAR MEASURE.
VarRH.
MoU^rH.
0.84
Yards.
0.918
, Meters.
1
Vartia.
Yards.
Yards.
Meters.
Varas.
1
1.19
1.09
1
0.914
1.09
3
1.67
1.84
2
2.38
2.18
2
1.83
2.18
8
2.51
2.76
3
3.54
3.27
3
2.74
3.26
4
3.84
3.67
4
4.76
4.36
4
3.66
4.85
5
4.18
4.60
5
5.95
5.45
5
4.67
5.44
6
6.01
5.60
6
7.14
6.54
6
5.48
6.53
7
6.86
6.43
7
8.33
7.63
7
6.40
7.68
8
0.68
7.34
8
9.52
8.72
8
7.31
8.70
9
7.62
8.26
9
10.71
9.81
9
8.23
9.79
10
8.:tt
9.18
10
1
11. IH)
10.90
10
9.14
10.88
SQUARE MEASURE.
Square
Square
Square
Square
Square
Square
Square
Square
Square
varas.
meters.
0.71
yards. ,
meters.
varas.
yards.
yards.
meters.
varas.
1
0.84
1
1.42
1.19
1
0.84
1.19
2
1.41
1.69
2
2.83
2.88
2
1.68
2.87
3
2.12
2.53
3
4.25
3.57
3
2.52
8.56
4
2.82
8.87
4
5.67
4.76
4
8.86
4.74
5
8.68
4.22
5
7.09
5.95
5
4.20
5.98
6
4.28
5.06
6
8.50
7.14
6
5.04
7.11
t
4.94
5.90
4
9.92
8.33
7
5.88
8.80
8
5.64
6.74
8
11.34
9.52
8
6.72
9.48
9
6.35
7.50
9
12.75
10.71
9
7.56
10.67
10
7.05
8.48
1
10
14.17
11.90
10
8.40
11.86
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.
191
Reciprocal tables— ConUnued.
WEIGHTS.
1
' Hondu-
ran
Xx>and8.
Kilos.
1
English 1
pounds.
Kilos.
Hondu-
ran
X>ounds.
English
X>ounds.
English
X>ounds.
Kflos.
Hondu-
ran
I>ounds.
1
0.49
1.08 1
1
2.04
2.2
1
0.45
0.93
2
.98
2.16 i
2
4.06
4.4
2
.91
1.85
i 3
1.47
3.24
8
6.12
6.6 ,
8
1.36
2.78
4
1.96
4.32 1
4
8.16
8.8 1
4
1.81
8.70
1 5
2.45
5.40 1
5
10.20
U.0 :
5
2.27
4.63
6
2.93
6.48 1
6
12.24
13.28 1
6
2.72
5.55
, t
8.42
7.56
7.
14.28
16.43
7
8.18
6.48
^
8.91
8.64 1
8
16.32
17.64 .
8
8.63
7.40
9
4.40
9.72
9
18.36
19.84 ,
9
4.08
8.33
10
4.90
10.80 '
10
20.40
22.05 '
10
4.54
9.26
SURFACE MEASURE.
Square
leagues.
S ?as-
Square
miles.
Square
miles.
Square
filo-
meters.
Square
leagues.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
17.fi4
35.28
52.92
70.56
88.2
105.84
123.48
141.12
158.76
176.40
6.8
13.6
20.4
27.2
84.0
40.8
47.6
64.4
61.2
68.0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0.056
.112
.168
.224
.280
.338
.392
.448
.504
.560
0.39
.77
1.16
1.54
1.93
2.32
2.70
3.09
8.48
3.86
1
2
3
4
6
6
7
8
9
10
2.59
5.18
7.77
10.36
12.95
15.54
18.18
20.72
23.31
26.90
.14
.28
.42
.56
.70
.84
.96
1.12
1.26
1.40
LIQUID MEASURE.
Hondu-
ran gal-
lons.
Liters.
English
gallons.
Liters.
Hondu-
ran gal-
lons.
English
gallons.
En&rUsh
gallons.
Liters.
Hondu-
ran gal-
lons.
1
3.79
1
1
0.28
0.26
1
8.79
1
2
7.58
2
2
.52
.52
2
7.58
2
3
11.37
3
3
.79
.79
8
1L87
8
4
15.16
4
4
1.06
1.05
4
15.16
4
5
18.95
5
5
1.32
1.32
5
18.96
6
22.74
6
6
1.68
k58
6
22.74
7
26.53
7
7
1.84
L84
7
26.53
8
30.32
8
8
2.11
2.11
8
30.32
9
34.11
9
9
2.37
2.87
9
84.11
10
37.90
10 ,
10
2.64
2.64
10
37.90
10
DRY MEASURE.
Fanegas.
Hecto-
liters.
Quar-
ters.
' Hecto-
, liters.
1
Fanegas.
Quar-
ters.
Quar-
ters.
Hecto-
liters.
Fanegas.
1
0.57
0.196
i 1
1.75
0.34
1
2.91
6.08
2
L14
.39
2
3.49
.69
2
6.81
10.16
8
1.72
.59
3
5.24
1.08
3
8.72
15.24
4
2.29
.79
4
6.99
1.87
4
n.63
20.82
5
2.86
.98
1 5
8.74
1.72
5
14.64
26.41
6
3.43
1.18
6
10.48
2.06
6
17.44
30.48
7
4.01
L38
7
12.23
2.40
7
20.86
36.57
8
4.58
1.57
8
13.96
2.74
8
23.26
40.66
9
5.16
L77
9
15.72
8.09
9
26.16
46.78
10
6.72
1.97
10
17.47
3.43
10
29.07
50.81
192
HONDURAS.
Recipjrocal tables — Ck>ntiimed.
SQUARE MEASURE.
Man-
zanas.
Hec-
tares.
0.70
AcreH.
1.74
Hec-
tares
Man-
zanas.
1.42
2.47
Acres.
Hec-
tares.
1
1
1
0.40
0.57
2
1.41
8.48
2
2.84
4.94
2
.81
1.14
8
2.11
6.22
8
4.26
7.41
3
1.22
1.71
4
2.82
6.96
4
5.68
9.88
4
1.62
2.28 1
6
8.62
8.70
6
7.10
12.36
5
2.03
2.85 !
6
4.22
10.44
6
8.62
14.82
6
2.43
3.42
7
4.W
12.18
7
9.94
17.29
7
2.84
8.99
8
6.68
18.92
8
lLd6
19.76
8
8.24
4.-56
9
6.84
15.66
9
12.78
22.23
9
8.65
5.13
10
7.04
17.40
10
14.20
24.70
10
4.05
5.70
i
80Ln> MEASURE.
TABLE.
4,840 square yards in 1 acre.
8,430 square yards in 1 manzana.
1 manzana = 1.74 acres.
100 hectares = 1 square kilometer.
1 centiare = 1 square meter.
1 square league = 21,075,000 square yards.
1 square mile = 3,097,600 square yards.
1 square league = 6.8 square miles.
7,100 centiares = 1 manzana.
1 square league = 18,500,000 square meters.
1 square league = 2,500 manzanas.
1 square league = 18.5 square kilometers.
1 square mile = 2,589,894.5 square meters.
Cubic
Cubic
Cubic
Cubic
Cubic
Cubic
Cubic
Cubic
Cubic
varas.
meters.
yards.
meters.
varas.
yard .
yards.
meters.
varas.
1
0.69
0.78
1
1.69
1.31
1
0.76
1.29
2
1.18
1.65
2
8.87
2.62
2
1.53
2.58
3
1.78
2.38
3
5.06
3.92
3
2.29
3.87
4
2.37
8.10
4
6.75
6.23
4
8.06
5.16
5
2.96
3.88
5
8.44
6.54
6
3.82
6.45
6
8.55
4.65
6
10.12
7.85
6
4.60
7.74
7
4.14
5.28
4
11.81
9.16
7
6.25
9.08
8
4.74
6.20
8
18.60
10.46
8
6.12
10.32
9
5.83
6.98
9
15.18
11.77
9
6.88
11.61
10
5.92
7.75
10
16.87
18.08
10
7.65
12.90
CHAPTER XVI.
BIBLIOGB.APHY AND CAKTOGBAPHT.
There is extant a voluminous mass of literature and publications
respecting Honduras and the Central American Federations and the
Spanish Captain-Generalcy of which Honduras was at one time a
part. But no effort has been made to collect a bibliography or list
the various publications and maps concerning Honduras.
NEWSPAPERS IN HONDURAS.
There were recently published in Tegucigalpa two daily papers,
viz, the Diario and El Dia. These have both been discontinued by
order of the Government. The periodical at present published, El
Republicano, is semiofl&cial and is issued triweekly. La Gaceta is
the official gazette of the Government, and is issued three times a
week. It contains full reports of all decrees and contracts made by
the Government and its several ministries, as well as all other public
reports and printed matter necessary to be made public.
In La Ceiba, on the north coast, in the Department of Atlantida, is
published a small four-page daily newspaper; two of the pages are
reserved for advertising matter.
El Periodico del Norte is a weekly four-page newspaper published
in San Pedro, in the Department of Cortes.
REFERENCE LIST OF BOOKS, PAMPHLETS. MAGAZINE ARTICLES
AND MAPS ON HONDURAS.
GENERAL REFERENCE.
Almanach de Gotha. (Annnal.)
American encyclopedia. New York. (Commerce and manufactures (statistics,
1902), mineral, woods and agricultural products, railways, etc.)
Encyclopedia Britannica. 10th ed. London and New York. (Honduras, by Mr.
W. W. Rockhill, Director International Bureau of the American Republics.)
International encyclopedia; New York.
Keane, A. H. Honduras.
[In his Central and South America^ v, £, Standford's compendium of
geography and travel, London, 1901,]
Statesman's yearbook. London.
488a— 04 13 193
194 HONDUBA8.
OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS.
Hondnras. Anuario estadistico de la Repnblica de Hondnras. Tegacigalpa.
( Direccion general de estadlfltica. )
Annual reports of the luinisterH of state to the National Congress. (Usually
included in the lueHHage of the President. )
Messages of the President of the Republic to the National Congress.
Presupuesto general de ingresoe y egresos jmra el afio econ6mico de 1903-
1904. Tegucigalpa, 1903.
La Repiiblica de Honduras. Breve reseila para la £zposici6n de San Lois,
Mo. , EE. UU. de America. Pnblicaci6n especial de la ]>irecci6n de Estadf s-
tica. Tegucigalpa, Tipografia nacional, 1903. 60 (2) p. 8°.
United States. Bulletins of the International Bureau of the American Republics.
Washington.
Commercial relations of the United States. (Annual.) Department of
Conmierce and Labor. Washington.
United States consular reports. Dejiartment of Commerce and Labor.
Washington.
Great Britain. Diplomatic and consular reports. Foreign Office, London.
Reports of the corjwration of foreign bondholders. London. (Annual.)
NONOFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS.
Ascensio, Jos6 Mai ia. America precolombiana ( Antig&edades de Centro- America
Central). 11. El Centenario, num. 35.
Asta Buraugua, Francisco Solano. Republicas de Centro- America 6 idea de su
historia i de su estado actual. 4, 116 p. 1 map. 8". Santiago de Chile, 1857.
Baily, John. Central America: describing each of the States of Guatemala,
Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, xii, 164 p. 3 pi. 16".
London, T. Saunders, 1850.
Bancroft, Hubert Howe. History of Central America. 3 v. 8**. San Francisco,
The History Co., 1890.
Belot, Gustave de. La verite sur le Honduras, fitude historique, geographique,
politique etcommercialesurTAmeriqueCentrale. 95 p. 2 maps. 8''. Paris,
aux bureau, du journal des consulats, 1869.
and Lindeman, Charles. Amerique Centrale. La r^publique du Honduras
et son chemin interoceanique. 72 p. 8°. Paris, Morris et cie, 1867.
Bonilla, Policarpo . . . Colecci6n de escritos, recogidos y ordenados por R. E.
Duron. Tegucigalpa, Tip. nacional, 1899. (3 v. 8°.)
Bourgeot, Alexandre. Le Honduras. Son pass^ et son avenir. 46 p. 8**. Paris,
Impr. de TOeuvre de Saint Paul, 1878.
Blaney, Henry B. The golden Caribbean; a winter visit to the republics of Colom-
bia, Costa Rica, Spanish Honduras, Belize, and the Spanish Main . . . vii,
116 p. S\ Boston, Lee & Shepard, 1900.
Bustelli Foscolo, Giovanni di, Duke. La fusion r^publicaine du Honduras et du
Salvador en un seul etat et les fitats-Unis de r Amerique Centrale. 8°. Paris,
1871.
La republica di Honduras. 231 p. 8° Roma, 1886.
Charles, Cecil. Honduras: the land of great depths. 216 p. map. 12" CJhicago
& New York, Rand, McNally & co., 1890.
De Aguirre, Gertrude C. Country life in Honduras.
[Ill the Cosmopolitan, New York, 1891. v. 11., pp, ,^1-346,]
Dur6n, R6mulo C. Honduras literaria. Colecci6n de escritos en prosa y verso
precididos de apuntes biograficos. 2 v., x, 835 p., 752 p. 8^. Teg^cigalx)a,
Tip. nacional, 1896-1899.
BIBLIOGRAPHY. 195
Fritzgaertner, M. J. R. Honduras.
[In the American Naturalist. 1890, v. 2^, pp, 939-946, 1060-1067.]
Garcia Moreno, Alejo. Coleccion de las instituciones pollticas y jnrldicas de los
pueblos modemos dirigida por el Dr. D. Alejo Garcia Moreno. 2nd ser.
Estados Americanos. Honduras y Dominicana. Madrid, 1902. (T. 1. 656,
69 p. 8°.)
Note, — Contains the constitution of Honduras^ the civily commercial, penal,
and civil procedure codes and various laws and decrees.
Hall, Max. Soto: De M6xico a Honduras. (El viaje de Heman Cortes) San Jos6,
Tip. nacional, 1900. 103 p. 8°.
Jalhay, Henry. La republique de Honduras. Notice historique, geographique,
& statistique. 43 p. 4°. An vers, veuve De Backer, 1898.
Ed. of 1901. 53 (1) p. 4^
Lemus, M. and Bourgeois, H. G. Breve noticia sobre Honduras. Datos geo-
graficosestadlsticos 6 informacionespracticas.. 46 p. 8°. 1897.
Lester, Mary. A lady's ride across Spanish Honduras. By Maria Soltera [pseud. ]
4 p. 1., 319 p., 6 pi. 12°. Edinburgh and London, W. Blackwood and Son,
1884.
Membrefio, Alberto. Nombres geogr4ficos indigenas de la reptiblica de Honduras
Tegucigalpa, Tip. nacional, 1901. 118 p. 4°.
Pelletier, Eugene. Honduras et ses ports. Documents officiels sur le chemin-de-
fer interoc^nique. 30 p. » 8°. Paris, librairie Internationale, 1869.
Perry, Edward W. Honduras.
[In American geographical society bulletin, 1893, v, 25, pp, 224-23S.]
The Republic of Honduras.
[In Goldthwaite's geographical magazine, 1892, v, 4, pp, 934-939,]
Peterson, J. J. Coffee culture in Honduras.
[In U, S, consular reports, 1894, v, 45, pp, 402-405,]
Mining companies in Honduras. 2 p.
[In United States, 52d Congress, 1st sess. H. R, mise, doc, v, 39, p, 31,]
Pilcher, William. Spanish Honduras.
[In Scottish geographical magazine. 1890. 8°. v. 6. pp. 633-638,]
Sapper, Karl. Beitrage zur ethnographie von Siidost — Mexiko und British Hon-
duras.
[In Petermann^s Mitteilungen. 1895. v. 41. pp. 177-186. 1 m^p,]
Heise durch die Cockscomb mountains. (Honduras. )
[In Globus, V, 61. pp, 209-212.]
Beitrage zur physischen geographic von Honduras.
[In zeitschrift der gesell. fur erdkunde zu Berlin, 1902, nos, 1-^3.]
Scherzer, Karl. Travels in the free states of Central America, Nicaragua, Hon-
duras, and San Salvador, a v. xvi,320 p. 1 map. xii, 253 p. diagr. 12°.
London, Longmans, 1857.
Squier, Ephraim George. Chemin de fer interoceanique de Honduras. Rapport
de E. G. Squier, ancien ministre des fitats-Unis pres les r^publiques de
TAmerique Centrale. 8°. Paris, Matthias, 1855.
Honduras and British Honduras. 39 p. 18°. New York, Scribner's, 1880.
Honduras: descriptive, historical and statistical, viii, 278 p. 1 map. 12°.
London, Trubner & co., 1870.
Honduras interoceanic railway, xiv, 100 p. 5 maps. 8°. London, for the .
company by Trubner & co., 1857.
Notes sur les 6tats du Honduras et du San Salvador, dans TAmerique Cen-
trale. 36 p. 1 map. 8°. Paris, L. Martinet, 1855.
Note, Extrait du Bulletin de la Soci4te de Oeographie. Oct, et Nov, 1855,
196 HONDURAS.
Sqnier, Ephraim G^eorge. Propoeed Honduras interoceanic railway.
[In Journal of the society of arts, ISSfJ, v. 6, p. 134,]
Report. To the directors of the Honduras interoceanic railway company;
from E. G. Stiuier, general agent. 102 p. 3 maps. fol. 1858.
Ruins of Tenampua, Honduras, Central America. 8 p. 8". New York,
1858.
Suckau, Henri de: Deux interventions en Am^rique, Mezique et Honduras. 148 p.
S\ Paris, Dentu, 1869.
Les grandes voies du progr^s, Suez et Honduras. 2d ed. 2 p. 1., 156 p. 2
maps. 8". Paris, librairie intemationale, 1869.
Une voie nouvelle a travers TAm^riquo Centrale. £tude geographique,
ethnographique et statistique sur le Honduras. 48 p. 1 map. 8\ Paris,
1866.
Wells, William V. Explorations and adventures in Honduras, comprising
sketches of travel in the gold regions of Olancho, and a review of the history
and general resources of Central America. 588 p. incl. front. 1 fold. map.
S\ New York, Harper & Bros., 1857.
Zelaya, Jer6nimo: Discurso pronunciado el 15 de setiembre de 1897 . . . al cele-
brarse el Ixxvi aniversario de la independencia de Centro America. 14 p. 4"*. '
Tegucigalpa, tip. nacional, 1898.
MAPS.
«
1858. Map of Honduras and San Salvador, showing the line of the propoeed Hon-
duras interoceanic railway. Located 1857 & 1858. 12x31.
[In Squier, E, O, The states of Central America, ^°. New York, Harper
& Bros., 1858.]
1885. Map of the Republic of Honduras, Central America. By Abram Cutler
and J. W. Gallup, civil engineers, assisted by dr. R. Fitzgaertner, gov-
ernment geologist of Honduras. 36 x 47. Chicago, Rand, McNally &
CO., 1885.
1886. Mapa de la republica de Honduras. Por A. T. Byrne, ingeniero civil del
gobiemo de Honduras. Escala 1 : 1000000. 21i x 23*. New York, Colton
&C0., 1886.
West coast of Central America. Gulf of Fonseca. San Lorenzo bay
[Honduras]. Surveyed by the officers of the U. S. S. Ranger, 1884.
30i X 25i. Washington, 1886.
[ United States. Navy dept, Hydrographic Office, Chart no, 1072,]
1891. Republiques de Honduras et du Salvador. Par FI Bianconi. Collaborateur
pour le Honduras: Gaubert. 26 p. Imap. 23ix33i. 4°. Paris, Impr.
Chaix, 1891.
[Collection des etudes geographiques, 7 m« sirie, no, 4,]
1894. Map of the republics of Honduras and Salvador. 9i x 17.
[In Bureau of the American Republics, Honduras, Bulletin no, 57,
Revised to March 1, 1894. 8". Washington, 1894.]
1900. Mapa de la republica de Honduras. Por A. T. Byrne, ingeniero civil del
gobiemo de Honduras. Con adiciones y correcciones hasta la fecha
por J. Francis Le Baron. Escala 1:1000000 19i x 32i. New York,
Colton & Co., 1900.
.1901. Hohenschichtenkarte von Honduras mit administrativer Einteilung und den
Verkehrswegen. Nach eigenen Aufnahmen und fremden quellen. ent-
worfen von Dr. Karl Sapper, 1901. Scale 1: 1000000.
[Zeitschrift der Jesell fur Erdkunde zu Berlin, 1-3, 1902,]
1903. Mapa de Honduras dibujado para la Oficina de las Republicas Americanas.
Por E. C. Fiallos.
TREATIES AND CONVENTIONS. 197
OFFICIAL AND NEWS PAPERS PUBLISHED IN HONDURAS.
Boletin Legislative. Tegucigalpa. Daily.
La Gaceta. Tegucigalpa. (Daily during the sessions of the national congress.
Publishes laws and decrees. )
Gaceta Judicial. Tegucigalpa. Semiweekly.
El Pabell6n de Honduras. Tegucigalpa. Weekly.
El Republicano (semiofficial) . Tegucigalpa. Issued three times a week.
TREATIES AND CONVENTIONS BETWEEN HONDURAS AND OTHER COUNTRIES.
Convention respecting extradition, celebrated in Comayagua June 4, 1873,
between the United States and Honduras.
Convention to make effective the Chatfield-Cruz treaty, celebrated between
Honduras and Great Britain February 25, 1878.
Convention for the exchange of official, scientific, and literary publications,
celebrated between Honduras and Mexico May 24, 1881.
Convention to secure copyright of literary and scientific property rights, and
for the exchange of publications, celebrated between Honduras and Colombia
April 12, 1882.
Convention respecting the boundary between Honduras and Nicaragua, cele-
brated October 7, 1894.
Convention for the exchange of publications between Honduras and Nicaragua,
celebrated October 7, 1894.
Convention respecting boundary between Honduras and Salvador, July 2, 1895;
exchanged January 20, 1896.
Convention respecting boundary, celebrated between Honduras and Guatemala
March 1, 1895; exchanged January 20, 1896.
Convention respecting postal money orders, celebrated between the United
States and Honduras; signed July 16, 1896; approved July 25, 1896.
Convention respecting parcels post, celebrated between the United States and
Honduras; signed June 20; ratified August 24, 1896.
Convention respecting ^rcels post, celebrated between Honduras and Great
Britain May 31, 1897, and approved October 18, 1897.
Convention resi)ecting parcels post, celebrated between Honduras and Germany
June 21, 1898; approved September 22, 1898.
Convention respecting paf eels post, celebrated between Honduras and France
September 19, 1903; approved November 19, 1903.
Treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation, celebrated between the United
States and Honduras July 4, 1864; ratified by the President of the United States
March 9, 1865; ratifications exchanged at Tegucigalpa May 5, 1865; proclaimed
by the President of the United States May 30, 1865.
Treaty of extradition, celebrated between Honduras and Great Britain in Guate-
mala January 21, 1887.
Treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation, celebrated in Guatemala between
Honduras and Great Britain January 21, 1887.
Treaty of peace and amity, celebrated between Honduras and Spain November
17, 1894, and exchanged August 28, 1895.
Treaty of peace, amity, etc. , celebrated between Honduras and Nicaragua Octo-
ber 20, 1894, and with an additional article December 29, 1894.
Treaty of peace, amity, commerce, and navigation, celebrated between Hon-
duras and Salvador June 30, 1895; exchanged January 20, 1896.
Treaty of amity, i)eace, etc. , celebrated between Honduras and Costa Rica Sep-
tember 28, 1895; ratified March 4, 1896; exchanged September 3, 1896.
Treaty of peace, amity, etc., celebrated between Honduras and Guatemala
March 10, 1895; exchanged January 20, 1896.
APPENDICES
199
Appendix No. 1.
NATIVE RACES OF HONDURAS.
Dr. J. Hampden Porter.
The surface contours of this countrj^ together with its soil, climate,
and natural productions, would, if considered in their entirety, tend
to further any advance which had already mad« some progress, or
facilitate such attempts as savages might be capable of originating in
directions pointing toward improved conditions. It is a land excep-
tionally free from those physiographic disadvantages that paralyze
botli primitive and inchoate peoples, although its provinces are not
equally propitious for human development. Perhaps, also, no other
State on this continent offers more striking illustrations of what
has frequentl}^ been mentioned in preceding chapters concerning
deterrent influences exerted by constitutional or inherited disabilities.
Postponing, however, any discussion of these latter factors until race
characteristics come to be considered, attention may now be turned
upon those benign aspects of nature above stated.
So far as orographic phenomena affect its fitness for human habi-
tation, southern "mountains of recent eruptive rock" (Dr. Carl
Sappar^), or northern Archean ranges— chiefly granite, quartz, and
porphyry formations — diverge in irregular spurs over almost every
region, giving this country an upland character, which, with its gen-
eral elevation over the line where tropical heat and moisture deterio-
rate vitality, insures prevailing atmospheric states that promote
activity, comfort, health. These numerous and erratically disposed
heights run parallel to each other at variable distances, form angles
displaying many degrees of incidence, bend upon their own axes into
greater or lesser curvatures; but they never isolate subjacent areas,
and no part of Honduras is cut off from neighboring territories. Fur-
thermore, the trade wind sweeps through open vallej's and over
depressed crests without hindrance, while alpine streams combine
and recombine into riverine waterways without being effectually
obstructed by intervening barriers. There is no lacustrine system
here; in fine, nothing to keep indigenous populations apart or involve
those disastrous consequences attending separation.
Everything that gives distinctiveness to special environments, acts
with more or less energy upon resident aggregates, and modifies human
« International Geography . N. Y. 1900.
202 HONDURAS.
life, oven if tlie imprcssionH made by mo8t elements are inappreciable.
ThoHe HiirroundingH uote<l, liQwever, with others described by E. G.
Sqiiior/' Htand in a dose and obvious relation to whatever transpired
among communities within their circuits. The hydn^raphic basins
and multitudinous watered vales he speaks of afforded opx)ortnnities
for settlement whether the}*^ were made available or neglected. So, like-
wise, " coast alluvions, generally densel}*^ wooded;" elevated quebradas
opening out into broad, fertile savannas; high temperate plateaus
clothed with open forests of pine and oak; great plains where plants
iKjlonging to different zones grew together; the labyrinth of ravines
lying among hills covered with tree or scrub jungle. Amid scenes
thus diversifie<l, communities ranging through various progressional
phases might fish, hunt, cultivate; develop or stand still; evade
enemies and go forth to conquer; according as circumstances, com-
bined with inherent ability, determined. At all events, nature placed
no insuperable obstacles in the way. But opportunity neither con-
strains nor so much as invites men to amendment; and here, par-
tially anticipating what must be presented with greater detail subse-
quently, it ma}' be remarked that fortunate surroundings gave no
initial impulse to Ilonduran groups which is recognizable. Savages
once inhabiting better districts, and then driven into less auspicious
areas, of course retained the original social inferiority hereditary
unfitness implicated; while comparatively cultured peoples brought
all their more valuable mental possessions with them and are not
known to have gained anything thereafter — changes taking place
ulteriorly being nonessential, or in some instances degenerative. Prob-
ably the most persistent, widely diffused, and potent cause of failure
in this hemisphere has been an insufficient food supply. Preventive
or deteriorative results accompanying innutrition have received con-
siderable attention throughout these chapters upon nktive races
because the subject is vitally and fundamentally important, as also
because anthropologists neglect it to a degree that seems incompre-
hensible while dealing with stasis, disaggregation, dispersal, and
extinction among American aborigines.
No imperfectly organized society can be properly fed; but apart
from deprivations attaching to dietetic deficiencies caused by igno-
rance, carelessness, and poverty, Honduran fared better than most
indigenes, whether leading nomadic or sedentary lives. This country
did not, indeed, harbor feral species that would yield constant and suf-
ficient meat supplies, and its domesticated animals were derived from
foreign sources; yet the absence of gregarious quadrupeds was little
felt by most inhabitants, who possessed resources which measurably
prevented such abnormal results as must necessarily have ensued if
flesh famine here had existed to an extent that prevailed within many
other zoological provinces. The native fauna is rich in species avail-
« States of Central America. N. Y. 1858.
NATIVE RACES. 203
able for economic purposes, and neither artificial means permitted
their rapid destruction, nor was there so great a plethora of consumers
as might have occasioned excessive diminution. Considering the num-
bers requiring food and the means for feeding them, pre-Columbian
Indians here occupied an exceptionally fortunate position among
New World aborigines.
Edible marine or fluviatile creatures of many kinds abounded on
coasts and in innumerable streams permeating this "profusely
watered country." Great flights of migratory birds resorted to its
breeding grounds. Good feathered game in profusion made it a
home. Large amphibians, whose capture counted for much as ali-
mentary contributions, were plentiful. Forest and stream, or widely
expanded plains with contiguous highlands, afforded habitats to
numerous animals that supplied nutritious food. Squirrels, hares,
raccoons, and opossums lived everywhere within portions of the above-
mentioned areas. Monkeys, which indigenous tribes eat without hesi-
tation, as also the iguana, wnree, armadillo, bear, peccary, and deer,"
provided meats that, if not of the first class, were competent to pre-
vent any serious physiological derangement.
Like all Pueblo Indians in America, those centers where consider-
able populations concentrated became markets in which less numerous
and socially advanced communities occupying neighboring sites dis-
posed of game that had been more or less completely extirpated around
large towns and cultivated tracts. Methods for its preservation, how-
ever, did not enable these peoples to keep flesh very successfully, and
the absence of domesticated animals, with an inability for accumulating
such meat supplies as could be obtained, no doubt produced some dis-
proportionality between alimentary substaiTces habitually used, which
was detrimental. Since anthropobiology is a fact, its laws are only
susceptible of limited modifications through slow adjustments, and
men can not become vegetable feeders without detriment. A de Can-
dolle (History of Cultivated Plants) undoubtedly announced a general
truth when he said that mankind scarcely ever availed themselves of all
those dietary resources their country's soils enabled them to procure,
« Since Spanish colonization, horses, hogs, and cattle have reverted to feral
states on a large scale; hut considering how much exploration by naturalists has
taken place here, many mistakes about the Honduran fauna still persist. Cariacus
ranges into Central America, and some not very well known varieties of Cervus
mexicanus inhabit isthmian provinces. Cariacus virginianus, however, never
gets so far south, and its alleged presence is an error. Similarly, the antelopes
and gazelles reported are wholly imaginary. Antilocapra has but one species on
thiff continent — the cabree or pronghom — and that does not extend beyond Mex-
ico. There is no red deer in the New World except Cervus canadensis, whose
range lies far north of these latitudes, and Ovis montana. Rocky Mountain goat,
and fallow deer never existed here. E. A. Alston (Biologia Central!- Americana) ,
P. W. True (A Provisional List of the Mammals of North and Central America) ,
and B. Bamsay Wright, together with other authorities, make those assertions
aboat distribution referred to untenable.
204 HONDURAS.
and our firHi acquaintance with these tribes through early Spanish
chr<)nich»rs su^Kcsts that this was the case here. The information
conlributtMl by missionary priests or militar}'^ adventurers, is always
scanty and often incorrect as respects imjwrtant matters connected
with modes of life which at a time when their observations were made
had undergone no change. Yet despite this it may be fairly claimed
that those societies lived less well than the means within reach ren-
dered possible. Without now going into explanations of causes for
an unnecessarily poor regimen, it suffices to state the unusually desir-
able position Ilonduraeans occupied so far as food growths were con-
cerned. Agricultural peoples gathered two harvests each year from
fields plant/cd with America's best natural staples — manihot, cacao,
beans, maize, and potatoes. It depended solely upon themselves how
much provision could be garnered, and besides those edibles specified
they partiall}'^ cultivated other productions (banana, plantain, etc.),
around which a civilization might have developed, as it did about the
date palm in Northern Africa." Furthermore, this country gave its
inhabitants esculent roots, tubers, seeds, and fruits perhaps too
lavishl}^ for their interests. If they had possessed less, possibly these
indigenes would have done more. Land tenure, social organization,
ritualism, and religious cults are chiefly displayed here in connection
with Indian corn,* but its influence upon human beings who could
gain support from different sources must needs have lost some of that
intense character and varied suggestiveness attaching to single objects
by whose means existence becomes possible.
To speak more exactly concerning regions and their populations,
the area included between Atlantic coasts, Copan and Grita ranges,
with discontinuous or broken spurs branching from a central system
eastwardly, contains less tilled land and larger numbers of savages
than are found elsewhere. This district was not wholly unreclaimed,
however, nor were all its inmates equally primitive. On two sides of
Indian tribes whose origin is unknown lay invading families com-
paratively recently settled, before which dispossessed aborigines had
fled into less promising territories than those they previously inhabited.
Both on the west and north, also, Iluaxtecan or Nahuatlan immigrants
encroached upon these fugitives, probably to some degree modifying
them culturally, as likewise through creolization. There was little in
those seaboard provinces that invited aggression, so that neither
native conquerors, nor Hernando Chavas, Cortez himself, or his parti-
sans and Spanish opponents disturbed, communities from whom noth-
ing was to be gained. Afterwards, deported St. Vincent Caribs,
escaping negro slaves, together with kidnapping European bucca-
neers, carried ruin along ''the pirate coast" or its ofllying islands,
«G. A. Barton. Semitic Origins, Social and Religions. New York, 1902.
& Edward John Payne. History of the New World Called America. Oxford,
NATIVE RACES. 205
and were responsible for a desolation not attributable to naturally
destructive agencies.
Two separate indigenous groups are represented in eastern Hon-
duras and on the Mosquito shore. Neither were of pure strain, though
Toacas, Secos, Payas, etc., avoided negro miscegenation, while so-called
" black Caribs " held a distinctly recognizable position. Apart from
half-breeds with foreign blood, however, the natives — excepting
Caribans — have become so interfused as to defy classification. They
do not even occupy localities apportioned among peoples claiming
consanguinity, but are scattered in small bands through areas most
part of which apparently remain unappropriated. These aborigines
can not be called nomads; they hold a social and economic status
decidedly better than those fragments of broken tribes who wander
by the coast, getting a precarious subsistence any way that does not
demand regular labor or combined effort. Very likely traditional
bonds of relationship more or less closely unite the former aggregates
theoretically; but in practice small permanent associations, having
only a rudimentary tribal organization, live independently, and, for-
tunately for themselves, at peace with each other.
So far as is known, these inconsiderable and isolated village commu-
nities inhabiting forest opens or pleasant savannas, have established
a moving equilibrium. Their flimsy little towns stand so far apart
that contagions would not easily spread, and there are no external
enemies or internal causes of destruction to do them harm. Moreover,
here as everywhere, before firearms come into common use, game does
not diminish, while spontaneous vegetable productions afford so ample
a supply that agriculture remains almost entirely undeveloped. This
approximate balance between maleficent and benign agencies, how-
ever, is obviously contingent upon the continuance of existing condi-
tions, since such shocks might come as these societies could neither
resist nor recover from. Furthermore, there can be no promising
outlook or future expectation. Manifestly only for that *' force from
behind" residing in race traits and family character, nothing else
prevented coalescence on the basis of an artifically inaugurated abun-
dance promoting such increased numbers as evolutionary processes
require for their action. Surroundings here do not then paralyze the
easily thwarted efforts of primitive men; what has been left undone
had its final cause in constitutional unfitness.
Inventions, designs, manufactures, mental and social states, among
groups called collectively Xicaques, Poyas, or Payas, and who are not
to be resolved into component elements, correspond. No doubt every
settlement was an incipient pueblo, but the communal town had not
assumed its distinctive form, nor is knowledge sufficiently precise for
anyone to place exact values upon those indications which exist here.
Village construction follows no plan, and its component paHs fre-
quently exhibit striking incongruities, namely, "long houses," as they
206 HONDURAS.
Iiave Iweii ciill(Ml in North America, or Ca^as Grandes, as Hispano-
AniericaiiH deHigiiate tliom — l)oth tonus signifying common dwelling
places — eombinwl with habitations evidently intended for a single
housi»hold. The former are merely thatched sheds (big jacals) where
numerous liammocks can l)e suspended. Cooking is mainly done out-
side; wliile there seems to l)e little that represents the family hearth,
around which so many j)rimitive traditions and sux)erstitions cling
among iinevolved mankind at large.
Furthermore, those structures generally do not disclose anyreatten-
tAtives toward regular integration. So far as ascertained they differ
essentially from tenements found elsewhere on this continent whose
forms adumbrate a development of society that has definitely emerged
from entirely savage homogeneity. Certain Tupi, Tupi-Guaranian, or
other grass-built and wicker work constructions are manifestly forerun-
ners of the adobe homes belonging to special gens. An enlargement
with change in materials would convert them into those distinctly
communal residences which presuppose tribal organization. Only
clan units — one or more — er^ct such structures. They are rudimen-
tary pueblos, and attest that aggregates have settled permanently,
claimed particular territories, hold them by special tenures, appor-
tion produce accumulated through associated efforts according to a
fixed system, and live under some form of established government.
Precursory signs of institutions like these show themselves (as they
must do) in Indian societies occupying eastern Honduras, but only in
embryonic conditions. Side by side with common Poyer shelters are
isolated residences whose inmates exist as independently as Arau-
carians. In such dwellings there is also a greater quantity of pri-
vate belongings — furniture, arms, clothing, utensils. Likewise they
sometimes have little cultivated patches attached to them, and besides
being better finished than larger edifices, separate houses occasionally
exhibit an attempt at ornamentation that suggests some nascent
aesthetic feeling, and can scarcely be assimilated with those grotesque
personal adornments which overweening savage vanity makes in
some shape or other almost universal. As might be expected, nearly
the sum total of all ideas and intellectual expressions here is rooted
in animism. Everything these aborigines believe concerning human
beings, their fortunes, or the world they inhabit, has been prompted
and molded by this most primitive cult. No higher conception than
the capricious will of manifold spirits, who determine every event,
dawned upon their minds. Nature's benign phenomena were un-
heeded by men whose attention was forcibly arrested only through
impressions of mystery and danger.
From any strange inorganic object, to a man-eating jaguar or the
deadly fer de lance, whatever excited Avonder and fear did so in virtue
of an animating intelligence prone to malicious impulses whose effects
could alone be averted through magic. Hence religious development
proceeded no further than fetish rites. People without systematic
NATIVE RACES. 207
agriculture created no mythology of the seasons or soil. In a country
that had neither great rivers, interminable plains, volcanic peaks,
earthquakes, nor icy inaccessible mountain solitudes, nature gods —
personifications of physical energy — wanted their accustomed seats
and opportunities for manifestation. Honduran or other South
American forests are rife with suggestions differing somewhat from
those which usually translate themselves into fetishistic forms or
prompt conceptions of exalted power; but to persons who have not
seen the earth's waste places any attempt at describing their influ-
ence upon character will probably fail. There are domains, however,
within which generic feelings in both savage and civilized man become
aroused by virtue of their common humanity. Among natural sur-
roundings which engender superstitious beliefs on one side and excite
emotions attendant upon vivid impressions of mystery on the other,
immense tropical woodlands probably exercise most potent influences.
While daylight lasts straggling sun rays, refracted by every waft of
wind through the foliage that scatters them, cheat sight at each
moment, and hearing is mocked by sounds altered beyond recognition.
A savage whose trained senses constantly betray him has no explana-
tion for these illusions except enchantment. During darkness, when
ghosts walk and the forest is astir and echoing, there is an enhanced
apprehension of presences with whom no man may contend, or hold
his own either by charms or individual attributes — idola from those
dim regions where unformed fancies throng. They do not disclose
themselves distinctly, operating indirectly through an intense expect-
ancy of unavoidable peril; by hyperaesthesia of overstrained sense
organs which beget innumerable though ephemeral deceptions, half
seen as vague threatening spectra flitting shadow-like over the field of
consciousness. These circumstances in their sum, acting on recep-
tively organized mental constitutions, produce, so far as such influ-
ences extend, nascent psychic states that more or less predetermine
the point of view from which everything not customary and common-
place is regarded. To a considerable degree they mold those charac-
ters displayed throughout intellectual processes by which mankind
explore the unknown; that is, endeavor to gain knowledge. Apart
from really coercive natural influences — confinement by impassible
barriers, stagnation accompanying drought, excessive rainfall, sterility
of soil, and extreme heat or cold — their habitats control men in minor
degrees, bring about what ]6mile Daireaux and Professor Romanes
call "transformations;" though, as with forest impressions, it is not
possible to do more than indicate the direction in which they operate.
The Caribans who inhabited eastern Honduras were comparatively
few, and as most large tribes of this family have been described in
those chapters upon native races occupying Brazil, Nicaragua, and
Venezuela, further mention may be omitted, except for a peculiarity
these aborigines exhibited that has not heretofore received tlie atten-
tion its importance deserved. During ages and through successive
208 HONDURAS.
gonerAtioiiH witli their multifarious variations, all stocks in America
changed place to a greater or less extent. Caribs alone, however,
among i)eopleK of this continent have, like ancient Pelasgians, been
* * wanderers on the sea. " No doubt they principally made coasting voy-
ages, but large spaces of open ocean were also crossed in both northern
and eastern dire<^tions; and since the weather at all points of those
waters travei*sed is uncertain, nothing less effective than exception-
ally well-built boats and some elementary ideas respecting naviga-
tion enabled them to prosecute such enterprises successfully. There
is a considerable diversity of opinion respecting the various groups
collectively called Cariban — those settled in South and Central Amer-
ica or formerl}' seated in the Antilles — but no conclusive argument
against that ethnological view w^hich sees their first discoverable
home in central Brazil (Ehrenreich, Von den Steinen, Keane, Deni-
ker, etc.) has been brought forward, nor any unanswerable objection
made to an assumed affinity between their tribes, whether distributed
on the mainland or in West India Islands. A previous statement
concerning this family might also be repeated, namely, that none of
its offshoots have ever really assimilated extraneous cultures, or
raised themselves above savager3\ Very many travelers write about
civilized and Christian Indians belonging to this stock, but these
were small local populations, surrounded by foreign or, at any rate,
much superior influences, who imperfectly imitated alien arts and
the externals of an alien religion. In all essentials they remained
unchanged, as most accounts show conclusively.
Among Ilonduran indigenes we are best acquainted with, those on
its western side mostly came there during later pre-Columbian times,
and their more important groups were unquestionably relatively
recent immigrants. The conquerors found this country already occu-
pied by more primitive, as also numerically inferior, peoples, incapa-
ble of developing its natural resources, whom they destroyed, absorbed,
or displaced whenever actual contact took place. In many instances,
however, that could only have occurred to a limited extent over so large
an area, since topographical features rendered evasion easy, while
invading masses had no organization for persistent warfare, and merely
took possession of particular sites without desiring or being able to
interfere with surrounding aggregates. But ethnic'stratification here
was irregular, ana its elements remain obscurely associated, besides
which names, tribal distributions, successions of events are commonly
uncertain, because different authorities have constantly committed
themselves to contradictory opinions based upon untrustworthy data
and so confused this subject hopelessly. For example, vast tracts on
that great slope from the Sierra Sulaco eastwardly — half of Honduras,
in fact — is, as A. H. Keane observed,^ almost entirely populated by
wild or semi-independent Indians, concerning whom we know very
« Stanford's Compendium of Geography and Travel, London, 1001,
NATIVE RACES. 209
little. Explorera have furnished quite a long list of tribal names,
yet these amount to nothing while no one can decide whether they
stand for families, distinct subgroups, or merely designate local popu-
lations. American titles change perpetually; proximity between
masses never conveys any positive assurance of consanguinity; lin-
guistic affinity and blood relationship do not necessarily go together.
In illustration of linguistic misinterpretations, a small vocabulary
collected by Doctor Berendt from the almost extinct language of sup-
posititiously aboriginal Nicaraguan Chorotegas living on Honduras's
west coast from Fonseca Gulf so far aa N^icoya, is said — because of "its
similarity with the Chiapanec" — to establish '^ a connecting link
between Aztec civilization in Anahuac and Indians in the northwest
of South America."^ With regard to these assumed racial or cultural
connections, of which "nothing was known " until a few surviving
words rescued them from oblivion, facts scarcely justify the assertion
that these natives specified took part in spreading progress.
None but a few theorists upon Chinese or Polynesian origins doubt
that our southern continent received its population from the north,
via Mexico, Central America, and Darien. Among emigrants by this
route might have been earlier Chiapanecs; yet no proof of their pres-
ence in Colombia exists. Small moribund remnants still lingering
at Chiapas and southwestern Honduras do not prove the people
referred to crossed Panama or exercised any influence whatever upon
trans-Isthmian societies. Furthermore, this particular family never
was tnown as an advanced one either at home or anywhere else.
Moreover, no one has shown so-called civilization within Andine
states to be exotic. Masses of various and oftto very dissimilar char-
acteristics undoubtedly penetrated into South America; but why select
these aborigines as " a connecting link" solely because their wrecks
are found upon the way along which lie so many others?
Careful study of what has been wiitten upon native races in this
country will most likely convince anyone that information respecting
those subjects which constitute a foundation for anthropological
knowledge is exceedingly scant3\ The facility its records of explora-
tion, or those accounts given by ethnologists concerning indigenous
tribes, afford for multiplying references that would make an essen-
tially worthless review seem as if it amounted to something, is
inversely proportional with the difficulty involved in giving descrip-
tions of communities here that can be accepted as reliable so far as
they go. A general survey of the families occupying this domain
brings into sight those savages on the Atlantic side who have been
already mentioned, and two gi'eat Indian stocks, both of which were
more prominent within Mexico or Yucatan than they ever became
during their residence in Honduras — Higueras, as Spaniards called it
«The Riverside Natural History, Vol. VI., Man. N. Y., 1885, p. 207.
488a— 04 14
210 HONDURAS.
at first, and considered its territory to be a part of "The Old King-
dom of Guatemala."
These groups are Iluaxtecan and Nahuatlan. There is no doubt,
perhaps, with reganl to this general arrangement; nevertheless, imme-
diately upon entering into details respecting either all certainty dis-
api>eai*s. The different classificjations of their respective branches
excite surx)rise from that positiveness shown when there is an obvious
insufficiency in criteria, which may be used to support entirely antag-
onistic opinions. Physical contrasts probably exist between those
families as wholes, but offshoots of both intermingled with each other
and preestablished tribes here, so as to obscure original generic traits;
e. g., that incongruous aggregate called " Chorti " now represents mesa-
ticephalous Mexican intruders and short-headed Mayas (A. H. Keane).
Naturally, throughout this hemisphere, where every cause tending
toward variations which ultimately form ethnic groups (Mantagazza,
De Quatrafagas) has operated, there can be only occasional somatic
characters clearly designating a survival of the " PalsB- American sub-
race" type (Soran Hausan, Luttan, Hyades, Denikes) or their proto-
Mongol successors. It is not at all plain how Tzendal, Catschiquel,
Quilcha, and Maya Indians in and around Honduras are catalogued
as Huaxtecans by some ethnological systematists, while no zootechni-
cal or psychic tests have been applied to these creolized masses that
would justify separation between any special community among them
from descendants of Nahuatlan immigrants likewise inhabiting those
regions. The current theory is that during an immemorial i)eriod
most of Central Mexico was held by tribes of one stock, who are said
to have been civilized. They had developed a highly organized social
system and possessed an actual script, one that " can be read," as A.
von Humboldt remarked, while besides literary works these x>eoples
constructed immense and enduring architectural or engineering works,
practiced many arts; in short, placed themselves on a plane far higher
than that reached by any other North American group which either
came before or followed them. At a comparatively late date in our
own era their territories were invaded from the north. These com-
munities broke up, passed into subjection to barbarous conquerors,
or else fled toward Bogota, Chiapas, Yucatan, Honduras, Guatemala,
etc., bringing with them the culture evolved elsewhere, and introduc-
ing it within those countries where they took refuge. So say Mexican
records that Spaniards afterwards burned, though, fortunately, not
entirely, like they did Moorish manuscripts in Spain, and the literary
remains of Central America.
To this traditional account of an Aztec exodus from Wisconsin,
where mythical Atzan is sometimes placed, there has been added in
one way or another various supplementary items. Those expelled
communities who went south were for a long time regarded as Toltecs,
and not until it became evidently impossible to show that such an
aggregate ever existed, did ethnologists associate these emigrants
NATIVE BAGES. 211
with Maya or Maya-Quiche tribes, who extended from Anahuac into
Panama. Likewise the Toltec occupation spoken of has long been
regarded as having occurred at too late a period for the monuments
that are scattered over so wide an area in Central America, and which
attest the protracted presence of cultured tribes with considerably
evolved social systems, to have been constructed within those time
limits assigned by Aztec records for a settlement from Mexico. Many
circumstances seemingly indicate the presence of organized pueblo
communities during remote prehistoric ages. Naturally this theory
is principally based upon archaeological evidence; but taken with
critical restrictions, the monumental creations, whether religious,
artistic, military, or immediately subservient to social requirements,
have a significance that can not be. questioned and are indeed self-
evident. They prove grades of sociological evolution in those direc-
tions just specified, since Honduran or other natives did not build
massive truncated pyramids surmounted with sacrificial altars and
shrines, without having gods, rituals, priesthoods that rose above any
Xicaque or Poya institutions for the performance of crude animistic
ceremonies. So also, according to their several designs, amphitheaters
evidently destined for use through ages, cyclopean, low-browed, pro-
fusely ornamented and inscribed public structures, standing on ter-
raced or plain artificial platforms, together with fortifications whose
positions disclose sound strategic ideas; while the materials used and
the immense extent to which they were employed, show at once how
great an amount of combined as well as persistent labor was expended
upon them. Such works are only possible among integrated masses
who have secured themselves against constantly recurring want
through some well-established basis for support, and coincidently
developed the complex interrelationships attaching to regularly
organized, if immature, societies.
Continuing the subject of native races inhabiting this State,
there is little doubt about Chorotegans in Nicaragua being identical
with Honduran Cholutecans (Reclus), and tribes belonging to that
first-named family — Nagradans, Dirians, Oratifiians, Mangues — hav-
ing been scattered over both countries. The family is a theoretical
one, however, and those supposititious connections with Chiapenecs,
Mayas, or Olmecs, coming from Anahuac, are uncertain. As a mat-
ter of fact, assumed kinship between subgroups assigned academically
to Central American stocks — Opatlan, Nahuatlan, Iluaxtecan, Miz-
tecan, Lapotecan, Otomitlan, Talamancan — is quite problematical, and
for the most part they have either become extinct or are hybridized
so completely that any reliable identification has become impossible.
With regard to those famous but evasive Toltecs, who during a long
period were generally considered as tlie sole civilizing i>eople in all
parts of Central America, they were pro])ably an outgrowth from that
Maya stem of whose origin nothing is known. Pofwibly these indig-
enes possessed special ethnic traits; perhaps the builders of Tula
212 HONDURAS.
may have l)eioii **f()Uii(ler8 or precursors either of Nahuan or Maya
eiiltiire" (Keaiie). Alternatively, their name might merely represent
a local title transferred to an imaginary aggregate richly endowed
mentally, yet, with our knowledge respecting its particular physical
features, not separable from another recognizable family living in
the same province. On cautionary grounds alone, seeing that it is
useless to discuss this subject, doctrinaire conclusions should be
stated, and then the questions involved dismissed as unsolvable by
any scientific methods now available. According to these supposi-
titious views, however, a highly develoi)ed social mass, presumably
somewhat effete at this time, since they gave way and fled before
tribes less consolidated or well equipped, forthwith entered into vast
new domains, conquered them, kept their organization unimpaired
while passing through such an unpropitious series of events to com-
munities which at best must have been relatively inchoate, and finally
established the Toltec power in undiminished vigor over areas
immensely greater than those from which they had been expelled.
No explanation of the means employed to overcome difficulties neces-
saril}'^ arising under the circumstances is forthcoming. This is a bare
outline of what hypothetical tribes accomplished in distant lands after
' ruin came upon them at home.
This theory ignores every other aboriginal group throughout the
middle continental belt as originators of improvement, and certainly
does not commend itself to our acceptance either by proof or proba-
bility. Indubitably the course of culture history was from north to
south in so far as divisions of a truly American race — one section most
prominently resembling Mongoloid ancestors, while another preserved
more conspicuousl}^ those somatic peculiarities characterizing proto-
European progenitors — took this course in that direction. Among
these classes only a few variations from the average savage of
America ever appeared. When they did, there was more faculty and
adaptableness; successive settlements combined to avail themselves
of surrounding advantages, or modify environments that would yield
valuable returns for industry, skill, invention, and combined effort.
The direct action of natural selection was sensibly averted. In a
word, such associations evolved — became so capable that certain
peoples founded historical towns at places where their distant ances-
tors must have stood still or degenerated. Whether Maya, Nahua,
and similarly developed communities brought the arts of an aban-
doned home with them into Honduras, or through inherited capacil^y
erected rudimentary culture into those more complete forms which
existed there, we do not know, though enough has been said in pre-
ceding chapters upon conditions prevailing within American families,
to show that either mode of origin was equally possible. Without
further genealogical references or inconclusive attempts at determin-
ing race distributions here, the aboriginal groups of natives may now
be considered from a sociological standpoint.
NATIVE RACES. 213
Early Spanish annals describe this country as recently invaded by
two small and mutually hostile bands of foreign soldiers in the pres-
ence of courageous and well-armed Indian adversaries, who greatly
outnumbered them. One of Cortes's best and bravest captains — Bernal
Diaz del Castillo — indignant at those false reports published by F. L.
de Gomara, with other chroniclers, in reference to native weaknesses
as shown by their incapacity for resistance, says: "The fact was wq
had enough to do to protect ourselves; for I vow to God, and say amen
thereto, that we were every day saying our prayers and supplicating
to be delivered from the perils which surrounded us."* All contem-
porary notices concerning those tribes encountered during Cortes's
desperate march from Truxillo against Olid's insurgent forces, reveal
village communities — cooperating for defense if estimates of numbers
are even approximately correct — ^but no pueblo populations properly
so called, and few nomadic or altogether unsettled aborigines such as
inhabited districts on the Atlantic slopes. Of course, that armed
mob thronging around Hernando de Chavas did not, as was asserted,
contain more men than all Gracias does now (E. G. Squier*); but
the Guastecas or Noguatecas who defended Pamico represented regu-
larly constituted tribal organizations, temporarily at least united by
a common patriotism, who fought fiercely though ineffectually to
preserve their independence. This fervor shortly declined, however;
they listened, says Diaz, to "the holy exhortations of our reverend
fathers," became vassals, and were undone without attempting any
subsequent revolt like Indians of Chiapas, similarly developed so-
cially, but with more constant minds. " Desperate wretches," Antonio
de Herrera and Juan de Mazagueros call them, who "cast themselves
with their wives and children headlong from precipices," perished
almost en masse rather than fall into the Spaniards' hands.
Numerical superiority seldom decided battles of itself. "A clump
of spears" or an onset by disciplined infantry, if only in handfuls,
could break any native array, and with disorder came panic; the mul-
titude had no cohesion. Mere crowds may be individually valiant,
but as wholes they have very little pluck. Several personal observers
describe their arms — long, heavy lances, with broad stone blades; like-
wise javelins and effective bows, whose arrows were point-ed.by flint,
shell, bone, or other substances that gave them penetrating power;
wooden swords, also, having straight double edges set like saw blades
with similar materials to those just mentioned. Some Spanish writers
consider these last-named weapons to have been made from poisonous
wood, yet most probably the serious wounds they inflicted misled them.
Successful strokes inflicted severe lacerations, a class of injuries which
always heal slowly, and are often complicated by fatal pathological
conditions, particularly in cases where the patients, as they were here,
had lost strength through malarial influences, great heat, overexertion.
«The True History of the Conquest of Mexico. London, 1800. Pref.
«>The States of Central America. N. Y., 1858.
214 HOHDUBAB.
underfeeding, and protracte<l mental anxiety, not to speak of germ
inoculation. This was most probably why Cortes, Sandoval, or Chavas,
saw the names of so many dead soldiers upon their lists. Besides
offensive implements for war, these tribesmen attempted to defend
themselves with large pliable shields and quilted tunics. Neither,
however, could have given effectual protection against arquebus balls
or well-tempered steel, and whenever the opposing forces closed the
Indians necessarily gave way.
Those narratives followed bring into clear relief one of the many
anomalous incongruities of native American character which have
been frequently commented upon while reviewing racial traits as dis-
plaj'ed in different regions. Although none are absoluly destitute of
metals, Honduras has more ores than any Central American state. Its
indigenes made several metals into ornaments — gold, silver, copx)er,
and, more rarely, iron — but they had every opportunity for observing
the latter'suse by their enemies, yet at no time turned it to account in
war. Andean peoples were similarly provided and equally obtuse;
but Abipons or Araucanians, who had scarcely any social organization,
possessed none of that solidarity a considerably developed communal
life confers, and never elaborated military systems any way compa-
rable with those in operation among Huaxtecan or Nahutlan tribes,
appreciated the value of this material at once. They took captured
weapons for models and forged meteoric iron, hitherto unused, into
rude though effective arms.
The contrasts shown between eastern and western Hondurans mainly
depended upon unequal developmental grades. Members of Maya and
Nahua families represented different degrees of progress. Higueras
Indians did not build. Their comparatively dispersed state cut them
off from a share in the progress which is only possible when evolution-
ary processes can operate within integrated masses. Villagers wanted
that skill, attainment, and motive, which led to such constructions as
men further advanced carried on in virtue of economical demands,
common devotional feelings, or associative modes. Settlements along
the Atlantic belt were passing through formative stages more or less
advanced, but always very incomplete. Communities with like physi-
cal features to townsmen proper and inheriting generic resemblances
in mental constitution, often remained unevolved. They could not
do as much, nor anything so well — organize societies, provide a per-
manent support, realize artistic conceptions, defend their possessions,
or systematize religious ideas. The greater subjection to external
circumstances under which they lived restricted them in range.
Forests stayed uncleared, swamps that might have been easily drained
poisoned neighboring residents, early Spanish observers say, with
malarial exhalations, and to people so much, yet so little advanced,
the vast open plains of Choluteca, Comayagua, Yoro, offered no more
security and not greater economical advantage than South American
pampas or the-Chaco wastes. These eastern tribes settled where a
NATIVE RACES. 215
struggle for existence was least arduous; but while such localities did
not change materially, traces of ancient occupation were long ago
obliterated. Frail structures suitable for those simple needs prevail-
ing among imperfectly organized aggregates succeeded one another
indefinitely; though sites may have been old, if so, this was the only
antiquity comparatively primitive settlements could claim.
So far as building materials alone are concerned, villages tenanted
by undeveloped Huaxtecan or Nahuatlan inhabitants probably resem-
bled very closely most dwelling places gathered about old stone
ruins that now stand as if they had always maintained their solitary
stateliness. With this likeness, however, a parallel between them
ceases. It is impossible to imagine CalamuUa, Jamalteca, Maniani,
Guasistagua, Chapuluca, or similar monumental remains, as anything
else than capitals of populous districts — civil and religious centers
encircled with settlements whose prior foundation was essential to
the existence of public structures, such as these so-called cities con-
tain. Those who erected them did not occupy edifices manifestly
unadapted for residence and whose capacity is unequal to an accom-
modation of many inmates. Apart from amphitheaters or plazas, no
places where multitudes could assemble or abide are discoverable;
yet archaeologists expend time and labor upon architectural orders
and accessory embellishments, without considering that sociological
significance which constructions of this kind possess. It is, never-
theless, impracticable to regard the remains in question otherwise
than as administrative foci of complete tribal communes. Usually
situated near an embouchure of some fertile, well-watered valley,
their complementary towns stretched away — like they did along Lake
Nicaragua — to considerable distances, seeing that a large force of
laborers was implied in every instance. Not being built with sun-
dried bricks, whose decomposition through weathering would leave
mounds wherever hamlets stood, places occupied by aflSliated sections
might resemble Indian villages farther east, or those which Chorti
populations now occupy; but they could not have been the same.
Without doubt these scattered points of concentration represented
expanded adobe pueblos whose gens lived separately. In this arrange-
ment, resulting from the different materials employed in either
instance, special wards, so to speak, spread laterally; were not con-
densed or raised story upon story, as is the case among Zuni and
Moqui stractures. Each establishment, however, was intrinsically
analogous to distinct quarters contained within more consolidated
municipalities. On a smaller scale it had all those things appurte-
nant to the composition of a regularly organized gens — must have
possessed them, indeed, under conditions where general social integ-
rity rested on uniformly constituted consanguine subdivisions. Sub-
sidiary shrines, council houses, magazines, etc., crumbled quickly
when disused, while their massive archetypes in stone endured.
Honduran Nahuas of this day preserve the dolichocephalism they
21ft HONDURAS.
broii^lit with (hrin oiil of Anahiuic, and MaiyiiH are yet distinguish-
abh» by that short -skulh'd typo whirli <;]iara<rterized their i)re-Colum-
biaii ancestors; but thos(^ Chorti nomleseripts, who descended from
l)oth stocks and would probably have lived in simihir communes and
inliabited settleuuMiis corr<\spondin^ to antique models, were affected
by circumstances tliat. sensibly nHKlified social constitution, manners,
customs, and religious observances, together with many appliances
and modes of life. TIkj Spanisli con<iuest, among other misfortunes
it brought upon these natives — disastei*s so great and irreparable that
even when descrilK»d by Spaniards themselves they seem grossly exag-
gerated — must have broken up geographical groupings and entailed
a perilous necessity for readjustment to new surroundings upon
aggregates who paid the penalties inevitably attending implasticity
amidst altered vital conditions. This brief general statement covera
most of those destructive happenings that were not due to actual
violence — degeneration or death following physiological shock, disag-
gregation when reconstructive power was wanting, destitution among
peoples but poorly supplied at any time, and nearly helpless when
accustomed means for support were taken away. Foreign colonization
added its own quota of fatalities to agencies already indicated as
operating toward dissolution. The slave system established through-
out Spanish America was exterminative; and if servitude did not kill
directly, it occasioned a despair that caused more loss of life than
remorseless wars. Witli diminution in numbers and closer contact
an Indian underwent some radical changes, but more which were
superficial. It goes without saying that he could not have been the
same man emotionally or morally while free or under bondage. His
arts were lost; his institutions suppressed; his faith proscribed..
Those who controlled aboriginal people looked on natives as per-
petual minors. This was true to a large degree; yet they constantly
treated these grown-up children as if they had arrived at their own
mature state; failed utterly to see that such men could by no possi-
bility be imbued with qualities only developed during ages of social
discipline; furthermore, despised and punished them for acts wholly
free from criminality. Those missionaries who followed Estevan
Verdelete and Juan Monteagudo into Honduras show no sign in their
writings that they knew what regeneration meant or how it takes
place. Undoubtedly, however, these laborers worked hard and con-
tributed toward the alterations among indigenous societies which
have been examined. Finally, Alejandro Marure suggests that civil
conflicts succeeding Central America's revolt against Spain had much
to do with changing modern Indians and effacing the features which
once distinguished them.'*
A. H. Keane* assigns Aztecs and Pipil elements to the Nahuatlan
ft Bosquajo Historico de las Revolutiones de Centre- America. Guatemala, 1877.
'^Man Past and Present. Cambridge, 1899.
NATIVE RACES. 217
group seated anywhere in this middle continental region. Mayas,
Quiche, and Pocoman tribes form the Huaxtecan family, while vari-
ous ethnologists unite Miztecan, Zapotecan, Charotegan, Otomitlan,
and Talamancan communities with either of these stocks, or place
them separately, accordingly as selected classificatory data decide.
Geographically, however, and genealogically also, there is much
uncertainty about their systematic arrangement. Zootechnical deduc-
tions are drawn from collections of crania neither sufficiently large
nor widely enough distributed to make taxanomic schemes conclusive.
In Honduran natural history the human species is l6ss accurately
described than any other. No detailed pre-Columbian craniology
exists. Fossil man has not been found within the limits of Central
America. Head deformation, accidental or designed (Otis T. Mason ),^
intermixture, premature ossification of the coronal suture (Rokitanski,
Owen, Burton, Topinard), post-mortem trephining, perforation by
scraping as practiced surgically (Virchow, Bastian, Ashmead), com-
bined with natural "variation from an average" (Darwin), and that
more special tendency toward irregular configuration within like aggre-
gates, attaching to types undergoing alterations like those whicli pro-
duced the *'Amican Man " (I)'Orbigny), complicate this craniometrical
question (J. Lenhossak, E. T. Haney, J. Delisle).* Nevertheless, so
far as we know, these races pointed out had differently shaped skulls,
and where such a contrast is really general its discriminative impor-
tance can not be discredited (Owen).
Mayas were the first cultivated people here; probably before others
in time, but certainly ahead of them so far as progress is concerned,
and after enduring all those vicissitudes which have been enumerated,
they still evince qualities that made them eminent and successful
during ancient times. ''The existing Indian element in Honduras,"
remarks E. G. Squier, *'left to itself, promises little or nothing for
this country's development;"^ or otherwise expressed, no native races
have attained civilization, and none hold out any hope of ever tran-
scending barbarism. A. de Quatrefages, conformably with scientific
authorities at large, says Maya prominence is only unquestionable
where other aborigines are concerned; yet I'eports from various
quarters convey an impression that the recuperative powers of those
« Cradles of the American Aborigines. Washington, 1889.
ft William r. Flower regards headdresses a cause for distortion; but there is a
wide diversity between writers like Oviedo, Qomara, Las Casas, De Leon, etc.,
who took every slight departure from ordinary contour for an indication of impi-
ous practices with infants, and Juan de Armas's opposite contention (Les Cranes
dit Deformes) that there was no artificial malformation on this continent or in the
West Indies. Topinard, Nadaillac, VonTschudi, and Rivera failed to findmarks of
compression among Peruvian mummy heads; yet there is no doubt concerning
this custom of deformation throughout America.
c The States of Central America. New York, 1858.
^ Histoire Qenerale des Races Humaines. Paris, 1889.
218 HONDURAS.
indigoiies liavo 8urvive<l tlioir general supersession by aliens; that
when asHociations of imro-hloodcKl Ilnaxtecans live beside semi-
independent trib(»s belonging to other stocks, or enter into peaceful
rivalries with creolizod neighl)ors, among whom there are few if any
foreigners, the}' display the same tendency toward domination as
Caribs, on Ilonduras's eastern coast, exhibited 'under less arduous cir-
cumstances. If this be true, it strengthens Maya claims to preemi-
nence amidst Nort.h American peoples, since such a fact implies an
inherent fitness which does not exist elsewhere in the same degree, or
at least was never made manifest.
Desire Charnay's photographs « bring before us men having round
heads, reddish-brown skins, small ears, noses that were commonly
arched, although sometimes this feature had a retrouss6 form, and
faces without protruding jaws. The chin was rounded, mouth small,
with thin, well-cut lips, and good but rather square teeth. No pro-
nounced obliquity of the eyes appears, and altogether this whole
countenance discloses a marked softening in those physiognomical
traits which Nahuatlans exhibited. Similar differences between these
families are said to have distinguished average disposition; the fornler
being less morose, resolute, or aggressive, though more intellectual.
Whether the first cultured immigrants be called Toltecs or Mayas is
immaterial from an ethnical standpoint, since those men themselves
were of one race and only nominally distinct. Moreover, admitting
that the former title was borne by an authentic group, our information
is neither explicit enough to warrant such statements as have been
made respecting its priority in having attained an approximately
civilized state, nor to establish the assumption that Toltecs introduced
this into Central America.
It is within compass of probability that Nahua tribes, who brought
their arts from Anahuac, occupied Honduras before Huaxtecan foun-
dations were laid. There are no reliable accounts of folk wandering,
no trustworthy dates for migratorj' movements, and still less any
records that reveal how these populations lived in respect to every-
thing promoting health, comfort, prosperity, and happiness. The
divers extravagancies of Antonio del Rio and early Spanish writers
generally, with those subsequently promulgated concerning these
matters by Dr. Cabrera, Robertson, Brasseur de Bourbourg, etc., show
their quasi historical conclusions to have been merely fanciful asser-
tions. Del Rio, for example, after assigning these monumental
remains to Egyptians or Romans; as Herrera and other priests confi-
dently assert to Phoenicians; but most probably to the Lost Tribes
of Israel, assures us that their builders "enjoyed more real and
substantial felicity than all the concentrated luxury and refinement
of polished cities at this day can produce."^ Desire Charuay, how-
« Ancient Cities of the New World. London, 1887.
^ Dr. Paul Felix Cabrera: Description of the ruins of an ancient city discov-
ered near Palenqne. London, 1822.
NATIVE EA0E8. 219
ever, while appreciating the preposterousness of idyllic barbarians
rearing temples to anthropophagous deities for human sacrifice and
cannibalistic rites, could come to no other conclusion than that these
works proved how suffering multitudes must have toiled under an
unrelenting despotism.
A review of the culture implied by such constructions will be
reserved until native races in Yucatan are described. Several unac-
credited doctrines which do harm to knowledge when received as posi-
tive truths have already been indicated; but this last-named country
was apparently the original Central American culture seat, and those
peoples who formed the first Xibalba confederacy seem directly con-
nected with those builders to whom Tula's and Cholula's pyramids are
usually attributed.^ They were the inventors, says Dr. Cyrus Thomas,
of a script that more nearly approached the phonetic form than any
other this continent has produced. They also measured time better
than contemporary Europeans [Prescott]; while relics of all kinds
attest their persistent industry, engineering knowledge, and archi-
tectural skill. Padre Collogudo [Historia de Yucatan] reports that
Mayas here had a rich and varied folklore, which no doubt formed
the basis for certain purely literary productions. These, however,
only included one portion of those writings once extant. Bishop
Landa [Las Cosas de Yucatan] says they made good paper from wood
pulp, and " wrote books about everything." Spanish invaders found
y great numbers of such works" in Honduras; but, as the enlightened
Landa remarks, those manuscripts being "filled with superstitions
and falsehoods of the devil, we burned them all."
Whenever they got there or by whatever route, men belonging to
this stock dominated Honduras and established their own industrial,
social, or cultural systems. The communal organization set up amidst
subject tribes that preceded them and who were similarly consti-
tuted, but not so much developed, was incompatible with civilization
properly so called; yet it lent itself to a very considerable degree of
barbaric progress, and this explains various anomalous circumstances
which can not be overlooked. Military democracies such as Huax-
tecans formed here — tribal societies with a gens as the compositional
unit,' and without either landed property held in severalty or, indeed,
any individual citizenship, although they are not states and have
neither definite classes, hereditary rulers, nor civilized institutions —
may very well tyrannize in their corporate capacity over feebler com-
munities. Inca Indians did so in Peru, Iroquoians in North America,
Aztecs in Mexico, Lenguas in Paraguay. ' Superior resources, disci-
pline, courage, enterprise, and organization, would always make rela-
tively small numbers preponderate over larger, but disaggregated and
less well-equipped or trained majorities. Family ties also have played
no part throughout America in uniting its inhabitants after the limits
« A. H. Keane: Man Past and Present. Cambridge, 1899.
220 HONDURAS.
of sulKlivisioiis hml 1>eeii overpassed. Conquerors established as a
chuss, <li<l what they ploasoil witliout reganl for relatiouship, and both
in resiH'Ct of kindred or alien peoples. Commonly these formed self-
governed associations, whose conduct toward their inferiors fully
justified Lord Coke's saying that '*a corporation has no heart."
Slavery in tliis country, as elsewhere among aboriginal societies,
existe<l as a regular institution, the serfs being prisoners of war, out-
casts through processes prescribed by customary law, or indwelling
natives whom invadera had not displaced. We can only see indica-
tions hei'e and there that absolute servitude was modified by mitigat-
ing regulations. Tribute represented the fact of subjection, and an
imi)ost assumed various forms — a tax paid in food stuffs or manufac-
tures, titlies liquidated according to specified labors performed by
working parties requisitioned from subject aggregates, who served
temporarily, and victims selected for sacrifice. Considering that the
ruling class were undoubtedly barbarians at best, it goes without say-
ing their administration of a government like this must have been
tilled with iniquities or disastrous mistakes, and under its shadow
there was little show for general prosperity or happiness.
So far, Honduras' physiographical features, productions, those
groups who inhabited it, with their structure and distribution have been
reviewed. That which remains to be considered is everyday life, as far
as accessible information will make us acquainted with its particulars.
There can be no lines of demarcation drawn among Central American
States where Iluaxtecan tribes stood first. Territories they occupied
certainly differed in natural advantages, and likewise with respect to
the proportions between these tribes and subdivisions Of other stocks.
Taking, however, the higher populations during pre-Columbian
periods, we find them composed of natives who must have been
measurably immune from conditions tending toward degeneration.
They inhabited a region exceptionally secured as a whole against dis-
ease or drought. An elaborated agricultural system afforded the
means to avert those widespread and destructive famines prevalent
among less well-prepared aggregates. Their previously mentioned
alimentary supplies could not maintain that true physiological bal-
ance which enables men to use whatever powers are available; but,
comparatively speaking, this Maya or Nahua combination was capable
of thinking without being crippled through inanition. It gave such
opportunities for progress as few New World peoples have shared
equally, and, combined with race traits that made the original con-
querors of Central America a group which had no peer; therefore, what
these Indians did in this region — their recrudescence after expulsion
from Mexico — becomes to some extent at least comprehensible,
although none can pronounce decisively upon the relative complete-
ness of this culture before displacement or subsequently to migration.
No distinct view of those throngs who periodically gathered around
NATIVE RACES. 221
ancient capitols in Honduras is now possible; yet their life history —
the transitional stages they must have passed through while achieving,
so far as we know, unaided, that general development to whose high
grade many vestiges still bear witness — reveals its outlines without
much uncertainty.
Briefly, evolution and involution take place among mankind by
virtue of biological processes which the essential identity of human
organisms make fundamentally unchangeable in their respective oper-
ations. Any ethnological province discloses at the beginning either
an advance along lines that take a like direction everywhere, or stasis
and impending extinction among peoples, as consequences of their
psycho-physical unfitness for successfully encountering difficulties
with which all environments are beset. Primitive men balk at seem-
ingly slight obstacles. Always, definite improvement is gained by
plastic and assimilative stocks, through slow steps taken even under
favorable circumstances; therefore, ascertained facts bearing upon
the question of Maya development gainsay an opinion that Iluax-
tecans belonging to this branch began and finished their cultural
career at any historical site in Mexico. They came to Anahuac par-
tially freed from the direct action of natural selection, concentrated,
socially organized, physically and mentally capable of progress. So
also throughout Central America where offshoots from this family
settled. We see them in their highest form only as communities
equipped with appliances and in possession of attainments befitting
semibarbaric life. Originally homogeneous masses had differentiated,
recombined, and prosecuted industrial enterprises. There was also
room in these societies for those who worked toward other ends than
an increase of material prosperity. None but aggregates who have
become rich and are regularly organized can produce a purely intel-
lectual order. From such an instructed class came the engineers,
artists, writers, astronomers, and those priests ^who, while they served
sanguinary deities, arrived through successive abstractions at one
supreme God so remote from humanity, as to suggest the idea of a
Messianic intermediary between Himself and mankind.
Naturally, average natives had no scientific acquirements, literary
ability, or esoteric religious conceptions; but the dominant tribes,
although kept in ignorance through a lack of means for diffusing
•knowledge, and yet more so, perhaps, by that tendency to conceal it
from common people which cultivated barbarians display everywhere,
nevertheless lived without experiencing any discoverable hardships.
Reading between the lines of early Spanish annals, these Ilonduran
societies appear to have become decadent before their foreign
conquerors arrived; yet most persons were suitably lodged; they
dressed decently in cotton cloths, frequently embroidered or dyed;
wore ornaments such as a race apparently devoid of true {esthetic feel-
ing instinctively selected, and so far as arms, utensils, and implements
222 HONDURAS.
went, then^ was neither an inadequate supply nor perceptible lack of
efficiency. Skill, accuracy, an<l invention, mark the work bestowed
ui)on manufactures. Besides provisions enough to prevent visible
deterioration from insufficient feeding, they showed an empirical
ac<iuaintance with methods by which the physiological effects of a some-
what inferior diet could be enhanced in its nutritive value. Antonio
de Ilerrera descril)es man}' made dishes whose combined flavors
shari>ened appetite, thus necessarily promoting digestive and assimi-
lative functions. Condiments having the same effects were habit-
ually used, while a variety of fruits or seeds furnished materials
for ferments drinks containing only a small proportion of alcohol,
and conse<iuently little dangerous to health. On the contrarj^ their
chicas, or beers, though sometimes taken in excess, were no doubt
generally beneficial to men not altogether well nourished. They
checked waste and made organic conditions betteV than these would
have l)een otherwise. After distilled spirits, which pre-Columbian
Indians knew nothing about, became abundant, natives here are
not charged with the same excesses that went far toward destroying
aborigines in many other regions whom conquest and servitude had
spared. Everj'^where on earth races or families have manifested diff-
erent temperaments and proclivities in regard to liquors; this group
of aborigines did not drench themselves to death. From what we can
learn, festivals chiefly gave occasion for intemperance, and then (as
Aristotle explains Greek orgies) "it was a duty to the gods to be
drunk." Anyway, exuberant feeling must needs have gone beyond
bounds, since front brain ''centers of inhibition" (Ferrier) had not
been fully developed.
Spaniards did the conquered peoples so much harm that they
denounced them naturally; yet A. H. Kean's description (Man, Past
and Present) of race character in America scarcely fits Mayas with
exactness. These indigenes demonstrated their exceptional tempera-
ment endowments. Taciturn, moody, reserved men would not have
habitually mingled together, performed dramatic dances whose motive
or action was founded upon other themes than warlike exploits, sung
those folk songs which spring from a people's heart in varied expres-
sions of joy and love and longing. Surviving literary remains suggest
what has been said, as it seems most probable that amidst many enor-
mities, both wittingly and unconsciously perpetrated, Huaxtecans, at
the zenith of prosperit}^ possessed a buoyancy lifting them above mul-
tiform causes for depression and which was in itself an inspiration.
As has been previously stated, the special forms of Maya institu-
tions and cultural developments, their establishment, culmination,
and decline at a secondary Central American focus, will be reviewed
in connection with another country belonging to this region.
Appendix No. 2.
TBEATT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE
BEPITBLIC OF HONDURAS.
Concluded at Comayagua, July 4, 1864; ratified by the President
of the United States, March 9, 1865; ratifications exchanged at Teguci-
galpa, May 5, 1865; proclaimed by the President of the United States,
May 30, 1865.
By the President of the United States of America.
A PROCLAMATION.
Whereas a Treaty of Friendship, Commerce, and Navigation
between the United States of America and the Republic of Honduras,
was concluded and signed by their respective Plenipotentiaries, at
Comayagua, on the fourth day of July, one thousand eight hundred
and sixty-four, which treaty, being in the English and Spanish lan-
guages, is, word for word, as follows:
Treaty of friendship, commerce
and navigation, between the
United States of America and
the Republic of Honduras,
Commercial intercourse having
been for some time established
between the United States and the
Republic of Honduras, it seems
good for the securitj^ as well as the
encouragement of such commer-
cial intercourse and for the main-
tenance of good understanding
between the United States and the
said Republic, that the relations
now subsisting between them
should be regularly acknowledged
and confirmed by the signature of
a treaty of amity, commerce, and
navigation.
Tratado de Amistad, Comercio y
Navegacion, entre la Bepublica
de Honduras y los Estados
Unidos de America,
Habiendo trafico comercial es-
tablecido hace algun tiempo, entre
la Republica de Honduras y los
Estados Unidos, ha parecido con-
veniente, para la seguridad, como
tambien para el fomento de sus
mtituos intereses, y para la con-
servacion de la buena inteligencia
entre la mencionada Republica y
los Estados Unidos, que las rela-
ciones que ahora existen entre
ambas partes, scan reconocidas y
confirmadas formalmente, por
medio de un tratado de amistad,
comercio, y navegacion.
224
HONDURAS.
For this purjiow* thoy Imve
iiaineil their respective pleiiiiK)-
teiitinries, that is to say:
The Pn»si(leiit of the United
States, Thomas H. Clay, Minister
Resident of the United States to
the Uepnblic of Honduras;
And his Excellency, the Presi-
dent of tlie Republic of Honduras,
Seilor Licenciado Don Manuel Co-
lindres. Minister of Foreign Rela-
tions of that Republic;
Who, after having communi-
cated to each other their full
pow(»rs, found to Iw in due and
proper form, have agreed upon
and concluded the following Arti-
cles:
ARTICLE I.
There shall be perpetual amitj^
between the United States and
their citizens on the one part, and
the government of the Republic of
Honduras and its citizens on the
other.
ARTICLE II.
There shall be, between all the
territories of the United States
and the territories of the Republic
of Honduras, a reciprocal freedom
of commerce. The subjects and
citizens of the two countries, re-
spectively, shall have liberty,
freely and securely, to come with
their ships and cargoes to all
places, ports, and rivers in the
territories aforesaid, to which
other foreigners are or may be
permitted to come; to enter into
the same, and to remain and re-
side in any part thereof, respec-
tively; also to hire and occupy
houses and warehouses for the
purposes of their commerce; and.
Con esto objeto, ban side nom-
brados los respectivos plenipoten-
<*iarios, a saber:
Por su Exceleneia el Presidente
de la Republica de Honduras, el
Seiior Licenciado Don Manuel Co-
lindres, Ministro de Relaciones
Exteriores de dicha Republica;
Y por el Presidente de los
Estados Unidos, Thomas H. Clay,
Ministro Residente de los Estados
Unidos ea la Republica de Hon-
duras;
Quienes, despues de haberse
comunicado mtituamente sus ple-
nos poderes y halladolos en debida
y regular forma, han acordado y
concluido.los Artfculos siguientes:
ARTICULO I.
Ilabra una perpetua amistad
entre el gobiemo de la Republica
de Honduras y sus ciudadanos por
una parte, y los Estados Unidos y
sus ciudadanos por otra parte.
ARTICULO II.
Habra entre los territorios de la
Republica de Honduras y todos
los territorios de los Estados Uni-
dos una reciproca libertad de com-
ercio. Los ciudadanos y subdltos
de los dos paises, respectivamente,
tendran libertad para ir, libre y
seguramente, con sus buques y
cargamentos, a todos parages,
puertos, y rios en los territorios
antedichos, a los cuales se permite
6 se permitiere ir k otros extran-
geros, entrar en los mismos, y per-
manecer y residir en eualquiera
parte de ellos, respectivamente;
tambien para alquilar y ocupar
casas y almacenes para los objetos
de su comercio; y generalmente
TREATY WITH UNITED STATES.
225
generally, the merchants and
traders of each nation, respec-
tively, shall enjoy the most com-
plete protection and security for
their commerce; subject, always,
to the laws and statutes of the
two countries respectively.
. In like manner, the respective
ships-of-war and post office pack-
ets of the two countries shall have
liberty, freely and securely, to
come to all harbors, rivers, and
places to which other foreign
ships-of-war and packets are, or
may be permitted to come, to en-
ter into the same, to anchor and
to remain there and refit; subject
always, to the laws and statutes of
the two countries respectively.
By the right of entering the
places, ports, and rivers mentioned
in this article, the privilege of car-
rying on the coasting trade is not
understood; in* which trade, na-
tional vessels only of the country
where the trade is carried on are
permitted to engage.
ARTICLE III.
It being the intention of the two
high contracting parties to bind
themselves by the preceding arti-
cles, to treat each other on the foot-
ing of the most favored nation, it
is hereby agreed between them,
that any favor, privilege, or im-
munity whatever, in matters of
commerce and navigation, which
either contracting party has actu-
ally granted, or may hereafter
grant to the subjects or citizens
of any other State, shall be ex-
tended to the subjects or citizens of
the other high contracting party
losK5omerciantes y traficantes de
cada naci6n, respectivamente, go-
zaran la mas completa protecci6n
y seguridad para su comercio;
estando siempresujetos & las leyes
y estatutos de los dos pafses, re-
spectivamente.
Del mismo modo, los respectivos
buques de guerra y paquetes de
correo de los dos pafses, tendrdn
libertad para Uegar franca y se-
guramente & todos los puertos, rios
y lugares, & que se pern\ite 6 se
permitiere Uegar buques de guerra
y paquetes de correo de otras na-
ciones, entrar en los mismos, an-
clar y permanecer en ellos, y re-
pararse, su jetos siempre & las leyes
y estatutos de los dos pafses, re-
spectivamente.
Por el derecho de entrar en pa-
rages, puertos, y rios de que se
hace relacion, en este articulo, no
esta comprendido el privilegio del
comercio de escala y cabotage, que
unicamente sera permitido & bu-
ques nacionales del pafs donde se
hiciere semejante comercio.
ARTICULO ni.
Siendo la intenci6n de las dos
altas partes contratantes, el obli-
garse por los artf culos precedentes
a tratarse la una & la otra en los
mismos terminos que k la naci6n
mas favorecida, por el presente,
convienen miituamente en que
cualquier favor, privilegio, 6 in-
munidad, de cualquiera especie
que fuere, que en materias de
comercio y navegacion haya con-
cedido actualmente 6 pueda en
adelante conceder, alguna de las
partes contratantes a los subditos
6 ciudadanos de otra naci6n cual-
483a— 04-
-15
226
HONDURAS.
gratuitously, if the concession in
favor of that other nation Hhall
have been gratuitous; or in return
for a compensation as nearly as
possible of proportionate value
and effect, to be adjusted by mu-
tual agreement, if the concession
shall have been conditional.
ABTICLB rv.
No higher nor other duties shall
be imposed on the importation
into the territories of the United
States of any article being of the
growth, produce, or manufacture
of the Republic of Honduras, and
no higher nor other duties shall
be imposed on the importation
into the territories of the Republic
of Honduras of any articles being
the growth, produce, or manufac-
ture of the territories of the United
States, than are or shall be pay-
able on the like articles, being the
growth, produce, or manufacture
of any other foreign country; nor
shall any other or higher duties
or charges be imposed in the ter-
ritories of either of the high con-
tracting parties, on the exporta-
tion of any articles to the territo-
ries of the other, than such as are
or may be payable on the exporta-
tion of the like articles to any
other foreign country; nor shall
any prohibition be imposed upon
the exportation or importation of
any articles the growth, produce,
or manufacture' of the territories
of the United States, or of the
Republic of Honduras, to or from
the said territories of the United
States, or to or from the Republic
quiera, se har& extensivo & los
siibditos 6 ciudadanos de la otra
alta parte oontratante gratuita-
mente; siempre que la concesion
en favor de la otra nacion hubiere
sido gratuita; pues siendo condi-
cional, en tal caso por miituo con-
venio, se acordar& una compensa-.
ci6n equivalente, cuanto sea posi-
ble, y proporcionada,asi en el valor
como en los reanltados.
ARTICUIiO IV.
No se impondr&n otros 6 m&s
altos derechos & la importaci6n en
los territories de la Republica de
Honduras, de cualesquiera articu-
los del producto natural, produc-
ciones, 6 manufacturas de los
territorios de los Estados Unidos,
ni se impondr&n otros 6 inks altos
derechos k la importaci6n en los
territorios de los Estados Unidos
de cualesquiera artfculos del pro-
ducto natural, producciones, 6
manufacturas de la Republica de
Honduras, que los que se pagan 6
pagaren por semejantes articulos,
cuando scan producto natural,
producciones, 6 manufacturas de
cualquiera otro pais extrangero;
ni se impondr&n otros 6 mas altos
derechos 6 impuestos en los terri-
tories de cualquiera de las altas
partes contratantes k la exporta-
ci6n de cualesquiera artfculos para
los territories de la otra, que los
que se pagan 6 pagaren por la ex-
portacion de iguales artfculos para
cualquiera otro pafs extrangero;
ni se impondr&prohibicionalguna
a la exportaci6n 6 importacion de
cualesquiera articulos del produc-
to natural, producciones 6 manu-
facturas de los territories de la
Republica de Honduras, 6 de los
TREATY WITH UNITED STATES.
227
of Honduras, which shall not ex-
tend equally to s^l other nations.
ARTICLE V.
No higher nor other duties or
payments on account of tonnage, of
light, or harbor dues, of pilotage,
of salvage, in case either of dam-
age or shipwreck, or on account of
any other local charges, shall be
imposed in any of the ports of the
Republic of Honduras, on vessels
of the United States, than those
payable in the same ports by ves-
sels of Honduras; nor in any of
the ports of the United States, on
vessels of Honduras, than shall be
payable in the same ports on ves-
sels of the United States.
ARTICLE VI.
The same duties shall be paid on
the importation into the territo-
ries of the Republic of Honduras
of any article being of the growth,
produce, or manufacture of the
territories of the United States,
whether such importation shall be
made in vessels of Honduras or of
the United States; and the same
duties shall be paid on the impor-
tation into the territories of thQ
United States of any article being
of the growth, produce, or manu-
facture of the Republic of Hondu-
ras, whether such importation
shall be made in United States or
in Honduras vessels.
territorios de los Estados Unidos
para los dichos, 6 de los dichos
territorios de la Republica de Hon-
duras; 6 para los dichos, 6 de los
dichos territorios de los Estados
Unidos, que no se extiendan igual-
mente & todas las otras naciones.
ARTICULO V.
No se impondran otros ni mas
altos derechos ni pagos por razon
de toneladas, fanal, emolumentos
de puerto, practico, derecho de
salvamento, en caso de perdida 6
nauf ragio, ni por razon de algunas
otras cargas locales en ninguno de
los puertos de los Estados Unidos,
& los buques de Honduras, sino los
que unicamente pagan en los mis-
mos, los buques de los Estados
Unidos; ni en los puertos de la
Republica de Honduras se impon-
dr4n & los buques de los Estados
Unidos, otras cargas que las que,
en los mismos puertos, pagan los
buques de Honduras.
ARTICULO VI.
Se pagaran los mismos derechos
de importacion en los territorios
de los Estados Unidos por los ar-
ticulos de productos naturales,
producciones y manufacturas de
la Reptiblica de Honduras, bien
scan importados en buques de los
Estados Unidos 6 en los de Hon-
duras; y los mismos derechos se
pagardn por la importacion en los
territorios de la Republica de Hon-
duras, de las manufacturas, efec-
tos y producciones de los territo-
rios de los Estados Unidos, aun-
que su importaci6n sea en buques
de Honduras 6 en los de los Es-
tados Unidos.
228
HONDCJBA8.
The Hame dues shall be paid,
and the same bounties and draw-
backs allowed, on the exportMion
to the Republic of Honduras, of
any articles being the growth,
produce, or manufacture of the
territories of the United States,
whether such exportations shall
be made in vessels of Honduras
or of the United States; and the
same duties shall be paid, and the
same bounties and drawbacks al-
lowed on the exportation of any
articles being the growth, produce,
or manufacture of the Republic
of Honduras to the territories of
the United States, whether such
exportations shall be made in
United States or in Honduras
vessels.
ARTICLE vn.
All merchants, commanders of
ships, and others, citizens of the
United States shall have full lib-
erty, in all the territories of the
Republic of Honduras, to manage
their own affairs themselves, or to
commit them to the management
of whomsoever they please, as
broker, factor, agent, or inter-
preter; nor shall they be obliged
to employ any other persons in
those capacities than those em-
ployed by citizens of Honduras,
nor to pay them any other salary
or remuneration than such as is
paid in like cases by citizens of
Honduras, and absolute freedom —
in all cases shall be allowed to the
buyer and seller to bargain and
fix the price of any goods, wares,
or merchandise imported into or
exported from the Republic of
Los mismos derechos pagar&n
y gozaran las mismas franqnicias
y descuentos concedidos 4 la ex-
portacion para los territories de
los Estadoa Unidos, cualesquiera
articulos de los productos natu-
rales, producciones, 6 manufac-
turas de la Reptiblica de Hondu-
ras, ya sea que la exportacion se
haga en buques de los Estados
Unidos 6 en los de Honduras;
y pagaran los mismas derechos,
y se concederdn las mismas fran-
qnicias y descuentos 4 la exporta-
ci6n para la Republica de Hondu-
ras, de cualesquiera articulos de
los productos naturales, produc-
ciones, 6 manufacturas de los ter-
ritorios de los Estados Unidos, sea
que esta exportacion se haga en
buques de Honduras 6 en los de
los Estados Unidos.
ARTICULO VII.
Todo comerciante comandante
de buque y otros ciudadanos de la
Republica de Honduras gozaran
de libertad completa en todos los
territories de los Estados Unidos,
para manejar por si sus propios
negocios, 6 para encargar su
manejo a quien mejor les parezca,
sea corredor, factor, agente, 6 in-
terprete; y no se les obligard a
emplear para estos objetos & nin-
guna otra persona m4s que las
que se emplean por los ciudadanos
de los Estados Unidos, ni estaran
obligados & pagarles m&s salario
6 remuneraci6n, que la que, en
semejantes oasos, se paga por ciu-
dadanos de los Estados Unidos;
y se concedera libertad absoluta
en todos cases al comprador y ven-
dedor, para ajustar y fijar el pre-
cio de cualesquiera efectos, mer-
TKEATY WITH UNITED STATES.
229
Honduras, as they shall see good,
observing the laws and established
customs of the country.
The same privileges shall be
enjoyed in the territories of the
United States by the citizens of
the Republic of Honduras under
the same conditions.
The citizens of the high contract-
ing parties shall reciprocally re-
ceive and enjoy full and perfect
protection for their persons and
property, and shall have free and
open access to the courts of jus-
tice in the said countries respec-
tively, for the prosecution and de-
fense of their just rights : and they
shall be at liberty to employ, in all
cases, the advocates, attorneys, or
agents of whatever description,
whom they may think proper, and
they shall enjoy in this respect the
same rights and privileges- therein
as native citizens.
In whatever relates to the police
of the ports, the lading and un-
lading of ships, the safety of the
merchandise, goods, and effects,
the succession to personal estates
by will or otherwise, and the dis-
posal of personal property of every
sort and denomination, by sale, do-
nation, exchange, testament, or in
any other manner whatsoever, as
also the administration of justice ;
the citizens of the two high con-
tracting parties shall reciprocally
enjoy the same privileges, liber-
ties, and rights as native citizens,
and they shall not be charged in
any of these respects with any
higher imposts or duties than those
which are paid or may be paid by
caderias, y g^neros importados 6
exportados de la Reptiblica de
Honduras como crean conveni-
ente, conf ormandose con las leyes
y costumbres establecidas en el
pais. Los mismos privilegios dis-
frutar4n en los territorios de la
Republica de Honduras los ciuda-
danos de los Estados Unidos y su-
jestos 4 las mismas condiciones.
Los ciudadanos de las altas par-
tes contratantes recibiran y goza-
ran reciprocamente de completa y
perfecta proteccion en sus per-
sonas y propiedades, y tendran
libre y facil acceso & los tribu-
nales de justicia en los referidos
paises respectivamente para la
prosecucion y defensa de sus jus-
tos derechos; y estar4n en libertad
de emplear en todos casos los abo-
gados, procuradores, 6 agentes de
cualquier clase, que juzguen con-
veniente; y gozar4n en este re-
specto, los mismos derechos y
privilegios que alli disfrutaren
los ciudadanos natives.
Por lo que toca k la policia de
los puertos, 4 la carga y descarga
de buques, la seguridad de las
mercancias, bienes y efectos, la
sucesion de las propiedades per-
sonales por teslamento, 6 de otro
modo, y al derecho de disponer de
la propiedad personal, de cual-
quiera clase 6 denominacion, por
venta, donacion, permuta, testa-
mento, 6 de otro modo cualquiera,
asi como tambien 4 la administra-
ci6n de justicia; los ciudadanos
de las dos altas partes contratan-
tes gozaran, reciprocamente los
mismos privilegios, libertades, y
derechos, que si fueran ciudada-
nos natives, y no se les cargar4
en ninguno de estos puntos 6 casos,
280
HONDUBA8.
native citizens; submitting of
course to the local laws and regu-
lations of each country respec-
tively.
If any citizen of either of the
two high contracting parties shall
die without will or testament in
any of the territories of the other,
the consul-general or consul of the
nation to which the deceased be-
longed, or the representative of
such consul-general or consul in
his absence, shall have the right to
nominate curators to take charge
of the property of the deceased,
so far as the laws of the country
will permit, for the benefit of the
lawful heirs and creditors of the
deceased, giving proper notice of
such nomination to the authori-
ties of the country.
ARTICLE rx.
The citizens of the United States
residing in the Republic of Hon-
duras, and the citizens of the Re-
public of Honduras residing in
the United States, shall be ex-
empted from all compulsory mili-
tary service whatsoever, either by
sea or by land, and from all forced
loans or military exactions or
requisitions, and they shall not be
compelled, under any pretext
whatsoever, to pay other ordinary
charges, requisitions, or taxes
greater than those that are paid
by native citizens of the contract-
ing parties respectively.
ARTICLE X.
It shall be free for each of the
two high contracting parties to
mayores impuestos 6 derechos que
los que pagan, 6 en adelante pa-
garan los ciudadanos nativos, su-
jetos por supuesto k las leyes y
estatutos locales de cada pais re-
spectivamente.
En caso que muriere algan ciu-
dadano de cualqaiera de las dos al-
tas partes contratantes, sin haber
hecho su tiltima disposici6n 6 tes-
tamento, en cualquiera de los ter-
ritorios de la otra, el c6nsul-gen-
eral 6 el c6nsul de la naci6n k que
pertenecia el difunto, 6 en su au-
censia, el que representare 4 dicho
c6nsul-general 6 c6nsul tendr4 el
derecho de nombrar curadores,
que se ancarguen de la propriedad
del difunto, en cuanto las leyes
del pals lo permitieren, k beneficio
de los legltimos herederos y acree-
dores del difunto; dando naticia
conveniente k las autoridades del
pals.
ARTICULO IX.
Los ciudadanos de los Estados
Unidos residentes en la Repub-
lica de Honduras, y los ciudadanos
de la Reptiblica de Honduras resi-
dentes en los Estados Unidos,
estardn exentos de todo servicio
militar forzado de cualquier es-
pecie, de mar 6 de tierra y de todo
pr^stamo forzoso, 6 exacciones
militares, 6 requisiciones ; ni ser4n
compelidos k pagar, bajo nihgun
pretexto, cualesquiera cargos or-
dinaries, requisiciones, 6 impues-
tos mayores, que los que paguen
los ciudadanos nativos de las
partes contratantes respectiva-
mente.
ARTICULO X
Cada una de las dos aluas partes
contratantes, podrA nombrar o6n-
TREATY WITH UNITED STATES.
281
appoint consuls for the protection
of trade, to reside in any of the
territories of the other party; but
before any consul shall act as such,
he shall, in the usual form, be ap-
proved and admitted by the gov-
ernment to which he is sent; and
either of the high contracting
parties may except from the resi-
dence of consuls such particular
places as they judge fit to be ex-
cepted. The diplomatic agents
and consuls of Honduras shall en-
joy in the territories of the United
States whatever privileges, ex-
emptions, and immunities are or
shall be granted to agents of the
same rank belonging to the most
favored nation; and in like man-
ner the diplomatic agents and con-
suls of the United States in the
territories of Honduras shall en-
joy according to the strictest reci-
procity whatever privileges, (ex-
emptions, and immunities are or
may be granted in the Republic
of Honduras to the diplomatic
agents and consuls of the most
favored nation.
sules, para la protecci6n el dco-
mercio, que residan en qualquiera
de los territorios de la otra parte;
pero antes que ningun consul f un-
done como tal, debera ser apro-
bado y admitido en la forma acos-
tumbrada, por el gobierno, a quien
se dirige ; y cualquiera de las altas
partes contratantes puede excep-
tuar de la residencia de c6nsules
aquellos puntos particulares, en
que no tengan por conveniente
admitirlos. Los agentes diplo-
maticosylosconsulesde la Repub-
lica de Honduras gozaran en los
territorios de los Estados Unidos
detodos losprivilegios, exenciones
e inmunidades concedidas, 6 que
se concedieren, k los agentes de
igual range de la nacion mas
favorecida; y del mismo modo,
los agentes diplomaticos y consules
de los Estados Unidos, en los ter-
ritorios de la Republica de Hon-
duras gozaran, conforme & la mas
exacta reciprocidad, todos los
privilegios, exenciones e inmuni-
dades que se conceden, 6 en adel-
ante se concedieren, & los agentes
diplomdticos y c6nsules de la na-
ci6n m4s favorecida, en la Repub-
lica de Honduras.
ARTICLE XI.
For the better security of com-
merce between the citizens of the
United States and the citizens of
the Republic of Honduras, it is
agreed, that if at any time any in-
terruption of friendly intercourse,
or any rupture should unfortu-
nately take place between the two
high contracting parties, the citi-
zens of either of the two high con-
tracting parties who may be within
any of the territories of the other,
shall, if residing upon the coast,
ARTICULO XI.
Para mayor seguridad del co-
mercio entre los ciudadanos de los
Estados Unidos y los ciudadanos
de la Republica de Honduras, se
estipula que si en algun tiempo
ocurriere desgraciadamente una
interrupci6n, en las relaciones am-
istosas, y se efectuare un rompi-
miento entre las dos altas partes
contratantes, se conceder&n & los
ciudadanos, de cualquiera de las
dos altas partes contratantes, que
est^n dentro de los territorios da
282
HONDURAS.
be allowed six months, and, if in
the interior, a whole year, to wind
up their accounts and dispose of
their property ; and a safe conduct
shall be given them to embark at
the port which they themselves
shall select; and even in the event
of a rupture, all such citizens of
either of the two high contracting
parties who are established in any
of the territories of other, in the
exercise of any trade or special
employment, shall have the priv-
ilege of remaining and of continu-
ing such trade and employment
therein without any manner of in-
terruption, in the full enjoyment
of their liberty and property as
long as they behave peaceably, and
commit no offence against the
laws; and their goods and effects
of whatever description they may
be, whether in their own custody
or intrusted to individuals or to
the State, shall not be liable to
seizure or sequestration, nor to
any other charges or demands
than those which may be made
upon the like effects or property
belonging to the native citizens of
the country in which such citizens
may reside. In the same case
debts between individuals, prop-
erty in public funds, and shares
of companies, shall never be confis-
cated, sequ( ered, nor detained.
ARTICLE xn.
The citizens of the United States
and the citizens of the Republic
of Honduras, respectively, resid-
ing in any of the territories of the
other party, shall enjoy in their
houses, persons, and properties.
la otra, si residen en las costas,
seis nieses, y un aiio entero, 4 los
que residen en el interior, para ar-
reglar sus negocios, y disponer de
sus propiedades; y se les dar4 un
salvo conducto, para que se em-
barquen en el puertoque ellos eli-
gieren; y aun en caso de un rom-
pimiento, todos aquellos ciudad-
anos decualquierade las dos altas
partes contratantes que est^n es-
tablecidos en cualquiera de los
territories de la otra, en el ejer-
cicio de algun trafico 6 ocupacion
especial, tendr4n el privilegio de
permanecer y continuar dicho tr4-
fico y ocupaci6n, en el referido
pais, sin que se les interrumpa en
manera alguna en el goze absoluto
de su libertad y de sus bienes,
mientras se conduzcan, pacifica-
mente, y no cometan ofensa al-
guna contra las leyes ; y sus bienes
y ef ectos de cualquiera clase que
scan, bien que esten bajo su pro-
pria custodia 6 confiados k indi-
vfduos 6 al Estado, no estardn
sujetos k embargo 6 secuestro, ni
& ninguna carga 6 imposici6n que
la que se haga con respecto a los
ef ectos 6 bienes pertenecientes a
los ciudadanos del pais en que
dichos ciudadanos residan. De
igual modo 6 en el mismo caso, ni
las deudas eutre particulares, ni
los fondos ptiblicos nilas acciones
de companlas ser&n jamas confis-
cadas, secuestradas, 6 detenidas.
ARTicuLO xn.
Los ciudadanos de la Reptiblica
de Honduras y los ciudadanos de
los Estados Unidos, que residan
en cualquiera de los territories de
la otra parte gozar&n reciproca-
mente en sus casas, personas, y
TREATY WITH UNITED STATES.
288
the protection of the government,
and shall continue in possession
of the guarantees which they now
enjoy. They shall not be dis-
turbed, molested, or annoyed in
any manner on account of their
religious belief, nor in the proper
exercise of their religion, either
within their own private houses or
in the places of worship destined
for that purpose, agreeably to the
system of tolerance established in
the territories of the two high con-
tracting parties ; provided they re-
spect the religion of the nation in
which they reside, as well as the
constitution, laws, and customs of
the country. Liberty shall also
be granted to bury the citizens of
either of the two high contracting
parties who may die in the terri-
tories aforesaid, in burial places
of their own, which in the same
manner may be freely established
and maintained; nor shall the fu-
nerals or sepulchres of the dead
be disturbed in any way, or upon
any account.
ARTICLE xin.
In order that the two high con-
tracting parties may have the op-
portunity of hereafter treating
and agreeing upon such other ar-
rangements as may tend still fur-
ther to the improvement of their
mutual intercourse, and to the
advancement of the interests of
their respective citizens, it is
agreed that, at any time after the
expiration of seven years from
the date of exchange of the rati-
fications of the present treaty,
either of the high contracting par
ties shall have the right of giving
to the other party notice of its in-
bienes, de la protecci6n del Go-
bierno, y continuar4n en posesi6n
de las garantias que actualmente
tienen. No ser4n * inquietados,
molestados, ni perturbadps en
manera alguna, en raz6n de su
creencia religiosa, ni en los ejer-
cicios propios de su religion, ya
dentro de sus casas particulares,
6 en los lugares del culto destina-
dos para aquel objeto, conforme
al sistema de tolerancia estable-
cido en los territorios de las dos
altas partes contratantes; con tal
que respeten la religion de la na-
ci6n en que residan, asi como la
constitucion, leyes, y costumbres
establecidas. Tendran tambi^n
libertad de enterrar & los ciuda-
danos de cualquiera de las dos
altas partes contratantes, que mu-
rieren en los referidos territorios,
en sus propios cementerios, que
podr&n del mismo modo libre-
mente establecer y mantener; y no
se molestar&n los f unerales ni los
sepulcros de los muertos, de nin-
gun modo ni por motivo alguno.
ARTicuLO xni.
Para que las dos altas partes
contratantes tengan, en lo f uturo,
oportunidad de tratar y ajustar
cualesquiera otros arreglos que
tiendan aun mas eficazmente &
estrechar las relaciones existen-
tes, y al adelanto de los intereses
de los respectivos ciiidadanos, se
ha convenido, que en cualquier
tiempo, pasados siete afios, desde
la f echa en que se cangeen las rat-
ificaciones del presente tratado,
cualquiera de las dos altas partes
contratantes podra poner en co-
nocimiento de la otra parte sus
intenciones de terminar los Artf-
284
HONDURAS.
tention to terminate Articles IV,
V, and VI of the present treaty;
and that at the expiration of
twelve months after such notice
shall have been received by either
party from the other, the said ar-
ticles, and all the stipulations
contained therein, shall cease to
be binding on the two high con-
tracting? parties. n
ARTiCLB xrv.
Inasmuch as a contract was en-
tered into by the government of
Honduras and a company entitled
the * 'Honduras Inter-oceanic Rail-
way Company" for the construc-
tion of a railway from the Atlantic
to the Pacific oceans, through the
territories of Honduras, which
contract was ratified by the con-
stitutional powers of the State,
and proclaimed as a law on the
28th day of April, 1854; and inas-
much as, by the terms of article
5, section 6, of said contract, the
government of Honduras, with
"the view to secure the route
herein contemplated from all in-
terruption and disturbance from
any cause, or under any circum-
stances, engages to open negotia-
tions with the various govern-
ments with which it may have
relations for their separate recog-
nition of the perpetual neutrality,
and for the protection of the
aforesaid route;" therefore, to
carry out the obligations thus
incurred:
1. The government of Honduras
agrees that the right of way or
transit over such route or road, or
any other that may be constructed
within its territories, from sea to
sea, shall be at all times open and
culos IV, V, y VI del presente tra-
tado; y que al espirar on a&o
desde que una de las partes haya
recibido de la otra dicha noticia,
los espresados articulos, y todo su
contenido, dejar&n de ser obliga-
torios a las dos altas partes con-
tratantes.
ARTicuLO xrv.
En atenci6n 4 que ha side con-
cluido un contrato entre el go-
bierno de Honduras y una com-
pafila intitulada " Compafila del
Camino de Hierro Inter-oce4nico
de Honduras," para construir un
f erro-carril entre el Atldntico y el
Pacffico, por el territorio de Hon-
duras, cuyo contrato fu4 ratificado
por los poderes supremos del Es-
tado el 28 de Abril de 1854; y en
atenci6n k que, segun el artfculo
5, secci6n 6, de dicho contrato,
*'el gobiemo de Honduras, con
objeto de asegurar la ruta de toda
interrupci6n 6 disturbio, por cual-
quiera causa 6 circunstancia, se
obliga & abrir negociaciones con
los gobiemos con quienes tenga
relaciones, acerca del reconoci-
miento y perpetua neutraUdad y
protecci6n de la ruta referida: " —
para llenar esta obligaci6n:
1**. El gobiemo de Honduras
conviene en que el derecho de
tr&nsito por dicha ruta, 6 cual-
quiera otra que se construya por
su territorio, de mar & mar, ser4
en todo tiempo abierta y libre
TBEATY WITH UNITED STATES.
285
free to the government and citi-
zens of the United States for all
lawful purposes whatever. No
tolls, duties, or charges of any
kind shall be imposed by the gov-
ernment of Honduras on the tran-
sit of property belonging to the
government of the United States,
or on the public mails sent under
authority of the same, nor on the
citizens of the United States. , And
all lawful produce, manuf acturjBs,
merchandise, or other property be-
longing to citizens of the United
States, passing from one ocean
to the other, in either direction,
shall be subject to no import or
export duties whatever, nor to any
discriminating tolls or charges for
conveyance or transit, on any such
route or road as aforesaid, and
shall be secure and protected from
all interruption or detention on
the part of the State. The Re-
public of Honduras further agrees
that any other privilege or advan-
tage, commercial or other, which
is or may be granted to the sub-
jects or citizens of any other coun-
try, in regard to such route or
road as aforesaid, shall also, and
at the same time, be extended to
citizens of the United States; and
finally, as an evidence of its dis-
X>osition to accord to the travel
and commerce of the world all the
advantages resulting from its po-
sition in respect to the two great
oceans, Honduras, of her own good
will, engages to establish the ports
at the extremities of the contem-
plated road, as free ports, for all
the purposes of commerce and
trade.
2. In consideration of these con-
cessions, in order to secure the con-
para el gobierno y ciudadanos de
los Estados Unidos, para todo ob-
jeto legal. Ningun impuesto, de-
recho6 carga de cualquier especie,
86 impondrd por el gobierno de
Honduras, en el tr&nsito, 4 toda
propiedad que pertenezca al gobi-
erno de los Estados Unidos, & las
malas ptiblicas enviadas bajo su
autoridad, ni sobre los ciudadanos
de la misma naci6n. Y todo pro-
ducto legal, manufacturas, mer-
canctas 6 propiedades de los ciu-
dadanos Norte-Americanos, que
pasen en aquella direcci6n, no
serdn sujetas & ningun derecho de
importaci6n 6 exporta<a6n, ni &
arbitrarios impuestos 6 cargas de
trdnsito, y ser&n aseguradas y
protegidas de toda interrupcion 6
detencion de parte del estado.
Tambien se obliga el gobierno de
la Republica de Honduras, a que
todo privilegio 6 ventaja comercial
6 de cualquiera especie, que se
conceda 4 subditos 6 ciudadanos
de otra naci6n, sera igualmente
extensible & los ciudadanos de los
Estados Unidos; y i)or tiltimo,
como una prueba de su disposi-
ci6n & conceder al tr&nsito y co-
mercio del mundo todas las ven-
tajas que presenta su posici6n
respeto k los dos oc6anos, Hondu-
ras se obliga & establecer puertos
francos, los dos de las extremi-
dades de la linea, para todo ob-
jeto de comercio legal.
2°. En consideraci6n Vestas con-
cesiones, para asegurar la con-
286
HONDUBAB.
stmction and x>ermaneiice of the
route or road herein contemplated,
and also to secure, for the benefit
of mankind, the uninterrupted
advantages of such communica-
tion from sea to sea, the United
States recognizes the rights of sov-
ereignty and property of Hondu-
ras in and over the line of said
road, and for the same reason
guaranties positively and effica-
ciously the entire neutrality of the
same, so long as the United States
shall enjoy the privileges conceded
to it in the preceding section of
this article. And when the pro-
posed road shall have been com-
pleted, the United States equally
engages, in conjunction with Hon-
duras, to protect the same from
interruption, seizure, or unjust
confiscation, from whatsoever
quarter the attempt may proceed.
3. Nevertheless, the United
States, in according its protection
to the said route or road, and guar-
anteeing its neutrality and secur-
ity when completed, always un-
derstand that this protection and
guarantee are granted condition-
ally, and may be withdrawn if the
United Stat-es should deem that
the persons or company undertak-
ing or managing the same adopt
or establish such regulations con-
cerning the traffic thereupon as are
contrary to the spirit and intention
of this article, either by making
unfair discriminations in favor of
the commerce of any nation or na-
tions over the commerce of any
other nation or nations, or by im-
posing oppressive exactions or un-
reasonable tolls upon passengers,
vessels, goods, wares, merchan-
dise, or other articles. The af ore-
strucci6n y permanenciade la ruta
ref erida, asi cpmo las ventajas que
su no interrupci6nof rece al g6nero
humano, el gobiemo de los Estados
Unidos reconoce los derechos de
soberanfa y propiedad de Hondu-
ras sobre la If nea de la ruta ; y por
la misma razon garantiza positiva
y eficazmente su entera neutrali-
dad, en tanto que el gobierno de
los Estados Unidos gooe de los
privilegios concedidos en el artfc-
ulo anterior. Y cuando el camino
proyectado sea concluido, el go-
bierno de los Estados Unidos
igualmente se compromete & pro-
tejerlo, en union con el de Hondu-
ras, de toda ]nterrux>ci6n, ataque
6 injusta confiscaci6n de cnalqui-
era parte que proceda.
3°. No obstante, debeentenderse
que al conceder el gobierno de los
Estados Unidos su protecci6n y
garantla sobre la neutralidad de la
ruta, es con la condici6n de que la
retirar4 si las personas que com-
ponen la compailfa adoptan 6 es-
tablecen i*egulaciones concernien-
tes al tr&fico, contrarias al esplritu
6 intenci6n de este articulo, ya sea
haciendo distinciones en favor de
alguna naci6n 6 naciones, 6 sobre
el comercio de alguna de ellas,
imponiendo exacciones opresivas
sobre los passageros, buques, ef ec-
tos, mercancfas 6 articulos. Pero
el gobiemo de los Estados Unidos,
no retirard dicha protecci6n y gar-
antia, sin dar aviso al de Honduras
seis meses Antes.
TBEATY WITH UNITED STATES.
287
said protection and guarantee shall
not, however, be withdrawn by the
United States without first giving
six months' notice to the republic
of Honduras.
ARTICLE XV.
The present treaty shall be rati-
fied, and the ratifications shall be
* exchanged at Comayagua within
the space of one year, or sooner if
I)Ossible.
In witness whereof the respec-
tive plenipotentiaries have signed
the same, and have affixed thereto
their respective seals.
Done at Comayagua this fourth
day of July, in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred
and sixty-four.
Thos. H. Clay. [l. s.]
M. COLINDRES. [L. S.]
ARTICULO XV.
El presente tratado ser& ratifi-
cado, y las ratificaciones cambi-
adas en Comayagua en el t^rmino
de un afio, 6 4ntes si posible
fuese.
En f 6 de lo cual, los respectivos
plenipotenciarios han firmadb el
presente, sell&ndolo con sus sellos
respectivos.
Hecho en la ciudad de Comaya-
gua, el dia cuatro de Julio, del ailo
de nuestro Sefior mil ochocientos
sesenta y cuatro.
M. COLINDRES. [L. 8.]
Thos. H. Clay. [l. s.]
And whereas the said treatj'^ has been duly ratified on both parts,
and the respective ratifications of the same were exchanged at Tegu-
cigalpa on the fifth day of May last :
Now, therefore, be it known that I, Andrew Johnson, President
of the United States of America, have caused the said treaty to be
made public, to the end that the same, and every clause and article
thereof, may be observed and fulfilled with good faith by the United
States and the citizens thereof.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this thirtieth day of May, in the
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five,
and of the Independence of the United States of America
the eighty-ninth.
Andrew Johnson.
By the President:
W. Hunter,
Acting Secretary of State.
[seal.]
Appendix No. 3.
HONDTJRAS TABIFF ULW.
[April 7, 1900.]
Artiole.
Duty
I kil»^ i|
Aridcle.
Burlap ,
Ck>rdage
Paper
Aocoroions
Acetic acid
Acids
Bsteario
Hydrochloric
Nitric
Sulphuric
AdominentB :
Head
Metal
Adcee
Aerometers
Areometers
Agricultural implements.
Alabaster
Albums ,
Alcohol
Alcoholmeters
Alfalfa
Almanacs
Almonds
Alpaca
Alum
Aluminum articles
Amber
Amianthus.
Ammonia
Ammunitionf hunters
Anchors
Anise seed
Anisette
Aniline
Animals:
Dissected
Stuffed
Live, unclassified
Quadrupeds, each
Aprons:
Artisan
According to kind
Waterproof
Arsril-...
Art materials
Ashes:
Animal
Vegetable
Asparagus
Asphalt
Atlases
Axes
Axles, iron or steel
B.
Bacon
Bags:
Leather .
Twine . . .
Paper —
Monev . . .
Hunting .
.60
.08
.10
.oe
,10
.Oft
.01
.10
.50
.05
1.00
.90
Silrvr. I
.oe
.10 1
,80
.60
.15
.16
.lA
.nn
1.00
.06
.^
.m
S,00
.;*
.01
.o«
.06
1.00
.10
LOO
.fio
.05
.40
.10
.oe
.15
.»5
.10
.10
.10
l.OO
5^,00
.10
Duty
per half
kilo.
Balconies, iron
Balls:
Celluloid
Playing
Bandannas
Bands:
Cotton
Leather
Wool
Silk
Barley ,
Barometers
Barrels
Gun
Baskets:
Wire
Wicker
Bath tube:
Metal
Rubber
Wood
Batiste:
Cotton
Linen
Bayrum
Beads:
Ordinary
Gold
Silver
Beans:
Dry
Canned
Bedspreads:
Cotton
Woolen
snk
Bedsteads:
Iron
Wood
Folding
Been
Barrels
Bottles
Bellows
Bells:
Gold
Silver
Table
German silver .
Ordinary
Belts:
Cotton
Leather
Woolen
Silk
Bibs
Bicycles
Billiard accessories
Billiard balls
Binnacles
Biscuits:
Ordinary
Tinned
Silver.
10.06
1.00
.25
.86
.36
.50
.50
8.00
.08
.50
.08
LOO
.10
.10
.05
.25
.06
.40
L25
.80
.86
5.00
3.00
.(n
.10
.80
.40
aoo
.05
.10
.10
.10
.07
.06
6.00
aoo
.as
LOO
.10
.86
.60
.50
8.00
LOO
.80
.80
5.00
.oe
.06
TABIHF LAWS.
289
Honduras tariff law — Oontinned.
Article.
Duty
per half
kilo.
Article.
Duty
^rhalf
kilo.
Bits:
fron ................... - ...
SUver.
$0.10
XOO
5.00
1.00
.86
.10
.50
.20
:%
.60
2.00
2.00
8.00
.05
.10
.02
.02
.08
.10
.10
2.00
.10
.02
.20
.60
.50
.10
.26
.25
.02
.02
.02
.05
1.00
.02
.02
.01
.01
.10
1.00
.50
.80
1.00
1.00
5.00
4.00
4.00
.50
.10
.10
.10
.80
.10
.05
.06
.30
.10
.10
.35
.20
.25
.15
.25
.05
.05
.05
Buckles:
Iron
SUver.
$0.10
.10
Gilt
Brass
Gtold or silver
Pants
.20
G-fflTxn An silver
"RnckskiTi , , . ,
26
Bitters
Buggies
.02
Blank lx>oks
Bugles
.02
Blankets:
Woolen
Building material, iron or wood
Buoys, iron
.01
.02
Cotton
Burlap. _
.16
Horse
.98
An^mi^i ,.
Butter
.10
Blonses:
Cacao
.50
Ootton
Bnttonff . .
.80
woolen -
Celluloid
.80
Linen
Pearl
.60
Silk
Bone -
.80
Metal
.80
Blnemff
Gold :... .
6.00
BoBt hooks
Silver
4.00
Boilers and accessories
snk
1.00
Bolts:
Buttonhooks
.85.
Iron
C.
Cable:
Wire
Bronze
Bone, articles
BoPTi'ets, fancy - .
.02
ManilR
.02
Cony
Cages, bird
.25
PiKted
Calendft"! , . , ,
.02
Bootjacks
Calfskin
.20
Boofi:
CftlipAr« , . .
.10
Leather
Cambric:
Cotton
Bnbber
.40
Bottleholders
Linen
1.25
Bottles:
Silk
8.00
For soda water
Cameras
.85
For lianor
Camera mftt«ri"-l8 ....
.85
Glass. ::::::::.::::
Candle snuffers. See Chandeliers.
Candles:
Stearine i
Wax
•
Crystal
Bran
» .06
Brass:
.10
Sheets
Tallow
.08
Leaf ' . r
Candlesticks
.05
Braziers
Gilded
.60
Bread
Iron
.06
Bricks:
Tin
.06
Terracotta
Gold
5.00
day
Silver
2.00
Bridles:
Germn-n MlvAr .
1.00
Iron
Canes
.36
German silver . . .
Sword . . . -
2.00
Bridles.....!;.. .::::::::::::::::::::
Ivory halidl^
2.00
Bruliantine
Gol<^handlA
5.00
Britannia war^
Silver han<11e
2.00
Brocades
Can openers .
.10
Gold : :.:..::.::..:.::.
Canvas:
Cotton
Silver
.26
Silk :...::::
Hemp
.26
Brocatel
Caoutchouc:
Raw
Bronze:
.10
UnwTonght .
Manufactured . . . . .
.50
Statuary
Caners
.10
Sheets..
Capes:
Cotton
Powder
.85
Ifonnfactared
Bain
.50
Brooms.
Cloth
2.00
Brashes:
Silk
5.00
Horse
Caps:
Gun
Shaving
1.00
Whitewash
Boys*
2.00
Paint
Woolen .- .. .. ..
.60
Pine
Skin
.50
Clothes
Silk
8.00
Tooth
Cotton
.50
Ordinary
IRHilTniiifint . - .^- -.
1.00
Buckets: '
Cansnles.botUe
.10
Bnbber
SrbSiee :::.::::.::....
1.00
Iron
Cards:
Playing -r-r,,-r ^^ x -
Wood
.26
Paper
Visiting
.60
240
HONDURAS.
Honduras tariff law — Continaed.
Article.
Duty
perhalf
kilo.
Article.
Duty
perhalf
kilo.
Of^noino
saver.
10.10
.25
.25
.50
.08
.08
.08
1.00
.10
.50
.01
1.00
.25
.50
5.00
.50
.50
1.00
1.00
.10
.02
.02
.10
.20
.02
.10
.05
5.00
4.00
1.00
.10
.10
.20
.06
.06
.05
.06
.10
.35
.05
.05
.10
5.00
3.00
.02
.10
.35
.05
.50
1.00
.02
.05
.05
.10
2.00
.50
.02
.02
.04
.50
2.00
8.00
.02
.50
.15
2.00
Cloth— Continued.
Woolen . .
saver.
$1.00
.40
OurpetK
Cotton
Percales
Coarse frieze
1.00
BmflMlii
T^ipAn bf^tiift«
.25
Woolen
; Clothing:
1 Cotton, men^s
OurlAge:
Aoceasoriee
.25
Woolen, men^s . . . ..
2.00
TUbury
Linen,men^s
.50
Ordinary
Silk,men*s ....
8.00
C^rtridgm
Cotton, women^s
.25
Oftrtrid^ffift, Ainniiiniti'^n for
Woolen, yromen^s ....
2.00
Cartridges, boxes for
Linen, women^s
.50
Carts
8ilk,women^s
3.00
Oases:
Cotton, children's
.25
Arms
Woolen , children V
2.00
Linen, children's
.00
Clotnes
' Silk, children's
8.00
Jewel /
Baptismal
2.00
Toilet
Skin or fur
.00
Travel
Coach accessories
.02
Osssimere:
Woolen
Coal:
Hard .
Free.
MItmI
.02
Casters
.40
Ceilings, metal
' Codfish:
InoU
CementI
.16
NAt^^llff* ,
Dry or smoked
.05
Paste
CoflPee".
.06
Chains:
Pots,tin
.06
Ship
Coffin accessories
1.00
Urnngft OT COpper .
Collars:
Animal
Iron
.40
Gold
Ladies\ (Sc€ Jewelry.)
Cotton
Silver
.00
Plated
Lace . . . ...
2.00
Chairs r
Woolen
.60
ODei*atinff
Paper .
15
ChalSf^^*
Colors. (See Paints.)
Combs:
Side
School
2.00
Tailor
Ivory, pearl
2.00
Chambers:
Tortoiseshell
2.00
Iron -
Horn or celluloid
.50
China ,
Commodes ,,. -..
.10
Compasses . . . . .
.25
Champagne ,
Condiments .,..,.., . .
.10
ChanfTellers:
Confectionery
10
Bronze
Cookies
.10
aiiv«
Crude
Metal
.06
Gold
Sheets
.05
Silver
Manufactured
.10
Chartff , 8riept.ifln
Cordage
02
Cheese
Cord:
Cotton . . ....
Chessmen ^ ,x,-.. .
.20
Chestnuts
Twine
.20
Cheviot:
Cotton
Cork
Rubber
.15
.20
Woolen
Corkscrews
15
Chimneys:
Iron
Com:
Green, canned .
10
Lamp
Flour ."
.06
Chisels
Comets
.20
Chocolate
Corsets
1.00
Church ornaments
Ribs
1.00
Cinches
Cosmetics
.25
Cisterns:
Iron
Cotton:
Medicinal
.40
Wood
Batting
.06
Clftv. ninldi«i?
Goods-
Ordinary .
^^UiUmjf
.20
Cotton
White...
.20
Woolen
Bleached
15
Silk
Waste
.02
Clocks:
Tower . .
Covers:
Cotton
.50
Hanging
Woolen
1.50
aoth:
Silk
3.00
Cotton..
Unclassifled
.50
Silk
Drill
.20
TARIFF LAWS.
241
Honduras tariff Za^<^— Ck)iitintied.
Article.
Dnty
per half
kilo.
Article.
Dnty
per half
kilo.
Cranes
saver.
$0.02
.25
2.00
5.00
1.00
1.50
2.00
.10
.20!
.35;
1
.25
5.00
8.00
1.00
.50
.05
.50
.20
.15
2.00
.60
.10
.10
.50
.50
1.50
LOO
8.00
.10
.10
5.00
.25
LOO
.50
3.00
.10
.02
.25
.10
5.00
.02
.10
.50
.10
.25
.35
.10
.08
.05
.05
.30
.00
.00
.50
3.00
.50
.20
.35
.50
.25
.10
.10
B.
Silver,
10.10
.05
^^'^Einen
EhoDy
Ela.Hu\ for shoes _
.25
Silk
Elwtric materiab
.06
Cravats:
Cotton
EU^pJutnt tusks. ..^. .,„
2.00
EmBi^idery :
CtJttoti _
.50
Silk
Woolen
.00
Crayons ..,...,- -
Linen _
Qol<i
.00
Creas:
5.00
Silver
4.00
Kilk._,_
4.00
Cmets:
Table
Emeralds .... . .
5.00
Emery „
.05
nnM
EimiDel _
.10
EiigravingB
.60
Q«t-nri?iTP nil'Pf'i*
Envelopes. (See Paper).
Epanlet^
Ootton
Cruet Htands. (5<r Cruets. )
Cruppers
LOO
Crystal:
Unclassifled
Gold.,,,,.^„^
Silver
Silk_
5.00
4.00
Watch
4.00
rSiAQ M111n.rd
Gilt or silvered _._
.50
Cuffs:
Paper -
Lace
EflSL'tioes, mtnUcinal
.50
Expltjsivt^s^ mining
.10
Eitra<:t of—
B*»ef
Linen
.15
.25
.60
Curb chains
Medicinal. _.:.;:ii"_y.i.'r.'".:.":::":
Curtains:
Cotton
Eyti3. artificial
5.00
Ey*?elaBeeB
LOO
T.A/>A
Gold
5.00
Woolen
Silver
8.00
.10
Linen
mik- ^"-"---
P.
Fftns..., ,.^
Co rta id lioumr^jft. (See Curtains. )
CDrtains. theater
1.00
Curtain rings _„ _
Ivory
L50
D.
I^T)er
.20
Feather
1.50
rtalrr^Mi'^A .„ , . , ., „
Faucets:
Metal
JHumask:
.10
Cotton.
Wood
.05
Woolen
Feathers, decorative ... ..
5 00
Dima^k:
Feather beds
.20
Linen
Feather dusters - .
.80
Stlk- -
Pelt
.00
Decoratinua
PftrtiliKer
02
Demijohiiii„_,
Fibers
.05
Denttftiuo .. ..
FiAid irlaflflAff
1 00
T)f«^ tr^f^Tipllfl
Figures:
Wax
Diainondfl^ . .
1.85
DinriBft
Clay
.05
Dishes, meat
"Rronz-e , , ,
.10
DiAiiifectant9 ^ -
Files,metal
.10
Divans . . , . .
Filters
.05
Dolls
Fish:
Dried
Dominoes ... ......
.06
Door locks:
Smoked
.06
Br^nzjA
Tinned
.15
Iron
Fishhooks _
.25
Doors:
Flint
.05
Iron
FUntand flteel
.15
Wood
Cottoa
Drawers:
.25
Cotton
Woolen...
.50
Lisle thread
Silk
3.00
Wool.
Flannel
.50
Linen
C<»tton
.50
Silk
Wf>oleTi
1.00
Dt^* T^qn1*»i1'*w . T ,
FtABks.^lnea
.05
Drills:
Flatimufl
.06
Cotton-
Flour _
.02
Linon... . .
Flotir of aulphuT
.15
lyrngf^, t^m^lnj^Anrl ,
Flow"rs,artTfleiaL
2.00
I>ruiiift+ tiiy ^
FIowiT iiots:
Glam
Dniuin1(SB tjtilar^a
.10
Xjynwmite ---
Iron
.06
483a— 04 16
242
HONDURAS.
Honduras tariff law — Contmned.
Article.
I Duty I
per half
kilo. I
Arttele.
Duty
per half
kilo.
Flutes
Fodder
Foils
Forges, iron
Forks:
Horn handles
Iron handles
iTory handles
Forks:
Gold handles
SilTer handles
Qerman silver handles .
Forelock plates
Forms, for hats
Frames:
Picture, wood
Picture, pasteboard
Picture, guilded
Embroidery
Fringe:
Silk
Cotton
Woolen
Frock coats
Fruit:
Extracts
Preserved
Brandied
Crystallized
Fresh
Dried
Fumigators
Funnels:
Metal
Glass
Furnaces, small, iron
Furniture:
Rattan
Bamboo
Wood
Upholstered cotton
Upholstered wool
Upholstered silk
Personal
G.
Gaiters
Galloons:
Cotton
Woolen
Linen
Silver or gold
Silver or gold thread .
Silk
Games, chess, etc
Garters
Gasoline
Gelatin
Germanic
G ^rman silver articles
Oi I
Ginger
Ginger ale
Glass cutters
Glass:
Window
Showcases
Plate
Concave covers
Unclassified
Globes:
Lamp
Paper
Terrestrial
Crystal
Gloves:
Cotton
Woolen
Silk ,...
.20 1
1.00
5.00
8.00
1.00
.06
.10
.06
.05
.10
.10
3.00
.50
.00
2.00
.10
.10
.15
.10
.01
.05
.10
.10
.06
.06
.10
.10
.10
.10
.25
.50
.01
.80
.60
.60
.60
5.00
1.00
4.00
.85
1.00
.05
.10
.25
1.00
.35
.05
.05
1.00
.05
.05
.05
.05
.10
.10
.15
.02
.10
.85
1.00
5.00
Glue:
Ordinary
Fish
Gold:
In bars
Jewelry
Leaf, for decorating .
Goods, cotton
Gowns:
Baptismal
Bapuso
Priest.
Granite.
Graphite
Graphophonee
Grates, iron
Grating, wire or iron.
Grease, axle
Grite
Guano
Guitars
Gum:
Arabic
Prepared
Elastic
Medicinal
Lac
Guns
Air.
Hunting...
Gutta-percha .
Hatchets
Hair:
False
Human
Hairpins
Hair ropes
Halters
Ham:
Salted
Tinned
Hammocks:
Cotton
Fiber
Handkerchiefs:
Cotton
Linen
Silk
Handles:
Silver or ivory
Walking stick
Sword
Gold
Handles, tools
Harmonicas, mouth
Harness, wagon or carriage .
Harpoons
Hats:
Straw
Cork
Cotton
Rush
Woolen
Silk
Hawsers
Hay
Hectographs
Heels, for shoes
Henequen
Herrings:
In oil
Smoked
Salted
Hides
Trimmed
.10
.15
Frea
5.00
1.00
2.00
2.00
.01
.05
.25
.06
.05
.05
.06
.01
.25
.20
.20
.25
.50
.10
LOO
1.00
LOO
.10
3.00
.25
.05
.06
.15
.25
.20
.25
LOO
3.00
2.00
.35
LOO
5.00
.10
.20
.10
.25
.60
.50
.50
2.00
.50
2.00
.02
.01
.10
.10
.02
.15
.05
.06
.26
.26
TABIFF LAWS.
Honduras tariff law — Continued.
248
Article.
Duty
per half
kilo.
Article.
Duty
per half
kilo.
Hinges:
Brass
Silver.
$0.10
.06
.10
.06
.05
.25
.25
.25
.16
.25
.02
.05
.16
.50
.10
.06
.02
1.00
.05
.20
.02
.06
.05
.01
.05
.10
.06
.10
.10
.25
.20
.05
.10
.06
. .01
.02
2.00
2.00
.25
.25
.02
.02
.05
.02
.02
.20
.10
.20
.50
.60
.60
.50
.50
.50
5.00
1.00
.50
.05
.05
.10
1.00
.01
.50
.06
.10
^•"lis^^:
saver.
|o.eo
.30
Iron
Canvas
Tin
Knives ..........
.06
Hoes
Shftn^-prtint-ftd X .
.80
Hoiiey - -- -r --
Shoemaker .. .
.15
Hooks:
Table
,80
Clothing
Iron handle . ......
,20
Curtain
Ivory handle
1.00
For books - .
Gold handle
5.00
For i)ai)ers
Silver handle
8.00
Hooks and eves ..
German silver handle
1.00
Hoops ...
L.
Labels . . .
Hops . .-
Horsehair
Horse cloth
.60
Horse panier
T<ace:
Iron
Horsesnoes
.05
Hose, water
Steel
.05
Cotton
.40
I.
ImaffeB
Laces:
Woolen -
1.50
IimpTAinATitH, RgHni^ltnrAl
Linen
L50
Incense ...".
Silk
8.00
ncubators
Lacings:
Woolen
IndifTO.......
.60
Ink:
Silk
8.00
"Writing
Shoe
.60
Printing _
Marking . ,.„
Lamps:
Gold
5.00
Analine*
Silver
2.00
Drawing . ....
German silver
1.00
Insect Dowoer
Ordinary ,
.10
Instmments:
Lampblackr
.05
Art
Lanterns
.50
Scientific
Glaw , „ .
.88
Musical
Paper
.16
Iron:
Lard
.10
Bars
Launches
Free.
Curling.
Lavender.
.10
Parts..
Lead:
Crude
Roofing . ....
.06
G-alvamzed
Ammunition
.10
Ivory:
Crude
Tubes
.06
Leather:
Sole
Manufactured ...
.10
Vegetable
Chamois
.26
M0T«Ct*O _ _ - ,
.25
J.
Leather. Dreoaration for .. .......
.06
Japan varnish ........
Leeches
Free.
Jars:
Lenses
LOO
Slop. .
Letters, for signs .
.10
Clay
Levels. ."
.10
Iron or tin .. . . .
Levers ...
.02
Empty
Lightning rods _
.01
Jasper
Limbs, artificial
.10
Jeans
Lime:
Common
Jelly
.02
Jet:
Slack
.02
Crude
Linens - .
.50
Manufactured
For embroidery
.26
Jewelry:
Steel
Painters'
.26
White cotton
.40
Amber
Raw
.10
Tortoise
Liniment, horse
.05
Celluloid
Liquidambar ............ ...............
.20
Coral
Liquors:
Orozuz
Gold or silver .... .
.25
Plated
Anisado
.06
TnraitAtion
Strong, bottled
.85
Jugs:
Iron .... . . ... .. .
St ronflf. other vessels ..... ..
.60
Liquor measures ..............
.85
China . ,
Loadstones -
.86
Porcelain
Lye
.02
(German silver
M.
M*M*aroni .....r.ir.
Jute»ftck« ,.
K.
.10
KepiSffor officers -
Machetes;
Agricultural
Kerosene - .- ... ..
.06
Keyrings
Sheathed
.86
244
HOKDURAS.
Honduras tariff /atr — Gontinaed.
Article.
Duty
per half
kilo.
MachinoK
Icecream ,
Sewing
Afirricultaral
Scientific
Steam
Unclaasifled
Malachite
Malt
Manila. {See Hammocks.)
Mantilla:
Cotton
Crape
Lace
Woolen
Silk
Marble:
Crude
Statues
Marjoram, wild
Marroquin
Masks
Matches:
Wax
Ordinary
Materials:
Printing
Art
Scientific
Photographic
Electnc
Watch
Mats:
Rush
Hemp
Rubber
Table
Chinese
Mattress:
Wire
Horsehair
Straw
FiUingfor
Measures:
Liquids
Artesan
Meats:
Salt
Smoked
Canned
Medicines
Patent
Chests
Medals:
Gold or silver
Crosses, metal
Medallions. (See Jewelry.)
Meerschaum
Merino
Metronomes
Microscopes
Milk, condensed ,
Mills:
Coffee
Wind
Mirrors
Missal stands
Monocles. (See Eyeglasses.)
Mosquito bars
Mother-of-pearl
Motors:
Water
Electric
Animal power
Steam
Molds:
Sugar
Hat
Shoemaker
Moldings, gilded
Silver.
10.10
.06
.01
.05
.01
.05
.05
.08
.25
8.00
.60
1.00
8.00
.01
.01
.16
.26
.20
.16
.15
.01
.10
.25
.35
.06
1.00
.05
.05
.15
.06
.05
.10
.10
.02
.06
.10
.10
.06
.06
.15
.50
.50
.60
6.00
.35
.50
1.00
.25
1.00
.10
.06
.01
.15
.10
1.00
.50
,01
.01
.01
.10
.05
.10
.10
.10
Article.
Duty
per half
kilo.
Mousetraps.
Mucilage
Music:
Boxes
Sheet....
Musk
MusUn:
Cotton...
Woolen..
Linen
Silk
N.
Nails:
Steel
Copper
Iron
Fancy headed
Napkins:
Cotton
Linen ,
Paper
Naphtha.
Needles:
Sewing
Sailor*s
Net:
Wire
Fiber
Thread or twine .,
Nickel, crude
Nightshirts:
Cotton
Woolen
Linen
Silk
Nursing bottles
Oars,
Oatmeal
Ocher, paint...
Oils
Essential ..
Machine...
Perfumed .
OUcloth:
Table
Wrapping .
Flooring...
Olives
Omnibuses
Onions:
Raw
Pickled....
Onyx
Opals
Organs
Oysters
Padlocks:
Bronze
Iron
Paint:
Mixed
Tar
Artist's
Oil
Gold or silver .
Prepared
Powder
Palls
Panorama
Pans, bake
Pants:
Cotton
Woolen
Linen
saver.
10.10
.05
.40
1.26
2.00
5.00
.06
.10
.06
.SO
.25
.60
.06
.05
.25
.25
.10
.06
.10
.06
.40
1.00
.50
aoo
.06
.06
.60
.04
.25
.60
.10
.20
.10
.01
.02
.10
.10
6.00
.10
.15
.10
.06
.06
.10
.10
.06
.10
.05
.06
5.00
.15
.05
.85
2.00
.60
TABIFF LAWS.
245
Honduras tariff law — Continued.
Artiole.
Duty
perhiir
Vilo
Article.
Duty
per half
kilo.
Paper:
Wall
Silver.
X1.M
.10
.10
.50
-10
AO
.10
.10
-10
.15
.06
.10
.15
-IB
.!&
.50
Plaster of pariB;
Crude ....,.,.
Silver.
KLOfi
Card -
Dentists* ____
.S
Pot flowers
Figure
.10
Gold or ftilver
Platinum , ,
5.00
Brown. .
Pl0WB_
.oe
Cigarette,, , ..,,
Pocketbooka,
.00
Writing
Pouiartis .„.,..^,
.BO
Drawing ,„,, ,,
DraftiDE" ^-
Impermoible __^„
Prating
Pomades
Porcelain-
^ PortcuUlsea
:S
Sand
Iron, llgbt
Pm-phTnant
.01
Music. --
Clay
.05
Carpet support
rflRfta
.Ofi
For wcATiue^ _ ^,
Potatoes, sweet ^,.
.00
Blotting
Pottery ,.._. . .„,-,.,,,„
iffi
Paper tuttfra
Jo
.10
.10
.0&
5.00
.10
.(ft
B.00
.10
.10
.30
AO
5.00
.10
.40
.05
.10
.20
.fiO
.16
.35
.10
.15
.15
.a»
.eo
.10
.15
,50
.15
.50
.50
.10
.05
.50
.50
S.00
.fiS
.W
1.00
.06
.06
.01
.10
Powder:
Horns
Paper wf ishta ^^^^^
.3e
PAatel»oard:
Puffs
.£fi
Art:lat*B __
Prepftratiou!*, medioitial
.60
For boxes
Presaes:
Printing.
Peas^chlck
.01
Peanuts ^,. „.
Arts, to l±5 pounds ....„-^
.06
Pearlft
Art^t over^ pounds
iffl
Pencils
Letter *,.«*_..
.05
Slate _
Priinted matter ,
Pr«?
Pencil casefl:
Gold , .. ,
Prints, calico,.,
\Sa
Printing materials. __.., _-.,„ .-„„,....
.01
Ordinary
Pulleys
.06
Penholdera . _ ' .' " "!_"_"""""""_" " 11 "
Penknivea
Pumlte and lu.'oosflorleg
Quatlruptids, live, each
.«e
Pens, writing:
Steel. „„
Gold . ....
5.00
Pepper
QuicksilT-er
.06
Percales""! .. Ill "/ 1, "III" III"
RaanetB.... ...,,
Petrokum
Pewter „ ,
.86
Phaetons _,
Bans
.S
Phonographs ,
Ramie, crude ,. ^
.OS
Phoaphorus;
Crude
ftawi^ilk:
Sbawlfl
BLOO
AUotlj*^r
PiOi^es
b;oo
Photograpbfl _,..,. .,
Razors ,_, s-^,,,,...
.BO
PhoU^KrnpUic mato rials ,
Red lead
.10
Plaooa andacceaaoHea
Rpflflftnra, la.Tirip -,m^^ j ..
,B8
Pictures * . ._.
Re f rigeratora ll\ .I^L llll 11 ! 1
RentiH'ts
.10
Ofi
PaBtTy___
Pillows „
Resin - . .
.06
FoBtbeT
Rev ol TOTS
1.00
Blbbou:
Cotton _
Woolen „
Mixed silk >
Pins _
,20
.40
£.00
Uticksaified. *«>,*„^.*.*,,«
Pipe, water, iron.—
Pipe stems:
Pure silk -Iiril-"""""!"""™.!
s.oo
Amber ,
Rice
.Ofi
Celluloid
Rlu^:
Iron ,.*.. .^ 4.^ ..
MeeTst-'haum
.10
Wood _._
Tin
.10
Pipes, Huioking:
Amber -..—„-,«■,-,,««,-
■RiYota:
Bteel
.OS
Celluloid :
BTAftS
.10
UeeriKhaum .
Iron ....
.05
Wood.,, ,
Rollers, pavements
.OH
Pipf*. liquids lor ,. ,,,,,,....
Roof tiles
.01
Pique:
Linen „*>,„^- **„„„„.,.,
Etoaaries ^
LOO
Rostn
.85
Cotton „
Silk
RulBeK
Cotton ...._..........*.,.,
.40
Cotton, tailors'.
Woolen .,,,........-
1»60
Platol baoa. or holBtera.....
Linen «^ .__
.50
Pistols.. :.::.:::::::
Silk -
&00
Pittt
Rugs ^
Bilk
.50
8.00
Plftute, growing ,
Woolen
1.50
Cotton
.fiU
246
HOKDUBA8.
Handurcu tariff law — Contixined.
Article.
perhj&f
kilo.
Rulers:
Arttoftn.
Deek....
Rye, grain. .
S.
Sachet powders.
Sacks, coffee
Saddletrees
Safes, iron
Salt:
Table
Epeom
Gianber's
Saltcellars:
SilTer
Gold
CrysUl
UenfiAD silviir ,..
SHltpt^ter
fiampIcK
Loto to ER pmrnili*
Lota more thaii 2A pounds..
Uaablv, oooordin^ to class.
Tftllors^
^ndab^cottan....^^,
KApoU^J
Sarcopbaf^^*.,,, I- —
fiardiiwa.
Sassafras
Satin:
Silk
Woolen
Ordinary
Cotton
Saucepans
Gold
SllTPT
German silver
Rnu(!e dishes ,.,.
SaUHatpes
Tinned
Scabbards ^
ScaptiUrlea .,...
Scapti
Bronze
Tin
Fine
Iron
Cotton.- ,
Linen
Silk___
SciLrf*....:
Scientiflfl materials, ......
SciBftors .....
Screen . ,
For lamps .._., .
Seal in^f wp-X
Seeds, for sowing ._..
Seed (jow^jr*,
Set-KP:
wot:^leD
Silk
Sewinif txuu7bin<?d
SbawlK
Cotton
Cotton lace
Woolen
Silk
Sheets:
Cotton
Linen
Shells:
Tortoise
Pearl, crude
Pearl, manufactured .
Shelvea
SUver.
10.10
.10
.»
.01
.10
.05
.06
.20
.00
.05
.05
8.00
6.00
.05
1.00
.05
Free.
.01
.10
.35
.10
.01
.10
.flO
8.00
1.00
8.00
.80
.05
5.00
3.00
LOO
.25
.10
.16
.50
.50
.10
.10
.15
.10
.50
.60
8.00
L25
.25
.35
.10
.35
.10
.01
.02
LOO
3.00
.05
.25
.60
LOO
3.00
.15
.35
.50
.60
LOO
.10
Article.
Duty
per half
kilo.
Shingles
Shir&:
Cottt>n
Cotton, mantiffu:tured
CottftDn linen front
Woolen
Lln*n
rtilk
FroaiB _
Shoes, ,*,,.„_»_,
RubWr
Furnii^hlngs.
ShoehomB
Shoe pnlltO*
f< hovels. *,.,»......
HhdmpH,tian«d
SIdra.a wtna,.-....
SiereK
Flour -.,.»,-^.
Mining
ttlftmt.for fitores.each
Silver urtjclo*.
I'uwrought
Silk:
Twist
In skeins
Manufactured, unclassified .
Siphons, bottles ,
Simp
Of cane
Skates
Skeins:
Cotton
Woolen
Linen
Silk
Skeletons, anatomical
Skins:
Otter
Ermine
With hair ,
Skirts:
Cotton
Woolen
Linen
Silk
Skyrockets
Slate:
Roofing
Houses
Slates, school
Slippers
Snuff
Soap:
Ordinary
Perfumed
Medicinal
Socks:
Cotton
Lisle
Woolen
Silk
Soup^ tunned ,„
Sofftfl _
Sonudors
Maritime..
Gold or fiUver
Ordinary,.
Spatterdashors :
Canra* ,
Rubber
Leather.,,,,
RpatQlftfl..,..
SiJe^'tH4i'l*?a, (^S*?t^ Eyeglasses.)
Sperm, erndo^_,„ .,.
yponp«9 ,.
Tablft
Iron ,*..._,....
saver.
$0.01
.40
.40
.46
LOO
.60
aoo
.60
.60
.60
.26
.20
.15
.06
.16
.05
.20
.05
LOO
aoo
Free.
3.00
8.00
8.00
.25
.10
.06
.86
.40
.60
L26
aoo
M
LOO
.25
.40
LOO
LOO
aoo
.85
.02
.06
.05
.00
LOO
.10
.80
.00
.00
8.00
.10
.10
.25
.01
5.00
LOO
.80
.60
.00
.80
.10
LOO
.50
TARIFF LAWS.
247
Honduras tariff law — Continned.
Article.
Duty
per half
kilo.
Article.
Dnty
perhilf
kilo.
Spoons— Contiu ued.
Gold
Silver.
|5.0(i
3.00
1.00
.10
.10
6,00
y.oo
].<«
.IB
.16
.Ge
:fa
.lA
.oe
.10
.10
.10
.01
,10
.05
■ OSJ
.01
:lg
.OS
.10
.30
.10
.10
.30'
.iiO
.00
.00
;).oo
.01
.0&
.05
5.00
.BO
.05
.eo
.oe
.05
,60
.05
.05
1.00
,05
.10
.10
.50
1,00
1.00
1.00
1.00
.30
.90
,30
.50
.06
.06
.10
TafTota;
Silk__
Silver.
13.00
Silver ,, - ,
Pot" wounds . ..^
Tallow^ crude...... ,
,10
SpHnklin^r (^1^- -
TankK
Iron .
Spurs:
.06
Iron
Wood
.00
Gold
Tapioca .
.06
Silver .-,
Tar
.06
German silver
Targets
[lO
SqUA)!^!^ , ,
Tarpanlin ... . .^* . .. .
.SO
MeuBiirea for ^^ ^^. -^^^^ ^, ^
Tassels:
Cotton _
Stage uoaebfts
LOO
Stamps:
Twine
1.00
Rubber
Woolen .. .„
LOO
troQ . ,,„» .,_., ^
Silver.-
Guld
iiOO
Plain
«,ao
Staples:
F*UCB _ -
Ta«8elsr
fiarasH _
1.00
Window .
Silk_
4,00
Starch
Tea _ _
.25
Btatuea:
Bronxe or capper ,^^ ^,
Teeth:
Artiflcial _
5.00
, Marble ...„„!T.^ !____:
Artifldal Ct?llul<;iid
s,{in
Gypsum^ ^^ „, ^^^^
Teleprapha and lu'coasories.
.05
Terra cotta . *^*
Telciphotjt^ anil iLcceseories ...........
.05
Staves ^.^.^.^
Telescopes aud a<>c^BoHes ,__ J
.60
Strain endues
Tepte, ^oat , ,
,30
Stearin:
Crudo ..^.^
Textiles:
Wire _ _.__
Cotton...,....,.,.. ^^
.80
.S5
Steel:
White thread _,
.60
Bars —
Woolen
Linen -,»«,„*„.„
Silk __._
_fl0
Undnssified
.W
Stoelyarda _,.,„„, , ^
3.00
StereoBcopos .^. ^.^. ^
Thermometers „. .*«
.60
fitJc-Jcpiufl, (.S*?t Jewelry.)
Stills.. ...
Clinjcal__
.35
Thimble:
Iron or copper
,85
Stockinjia^:
Cotton
Gold ......^..:::::::::::::::::::
Silver
5.0[)
3.00
Rubber ^.^*^.^ .-.,.,^..^..,,, ,,,.^...
German silver ......^.,._,.,,,^,.....
1.00
Ltble
Threatb
Oott^m ... .
Woolen . ,, .* *
.30
Silk
C^>tton crochet . . .. ,
.25
Stones:
Cotton knitting:
.15
Monumetita. ...,_
Woolen..... ....^.....,^^ .,,_,
.40
LitbogTapb . ... ,^*.^_^ *_«_
Goldor silver,.,,^, _,,,,,„,„,„ .^»^.
.SO
Pamloe ,_
B.OO
Precious.... ..^ .. ..,_._. „„
Silk
3,00
Preciotis> imitations _ ,_
Wrapping, ., ,,,, ^ ,,
.20
^^?F«^
S^lvRF nr gnld mitfnd
1.00
Tin , . **,_*
.10
Rubber ^^„ .. . ,.
Manufactured ^,
Painted
.10
Stovea_
.10
StraiPers. ..,„.,,,„... ,.. „*,,,..
Tires, iron , ,,.,..
.01
Straps^ leather
Tobaoco:
All classes
Rt.l-ikW^ fnr rna^.tTWHAAa
1.00
Streamtii'4 ,
Bojc. (fold
Box, silvtjr _
5,nn
Stringy foT iniiiiLnal infltnivnAntA
3JI)
Snear ^.
Bo I. German silver. „ ,..,,._„>,„
Bote, plain .,,,.
1.00
SuIphflLte of Iron or copper . ..
.60
Sulphur., _ WV...'.
Toilets
Requiftitea, -
fturt-inelos __
SaAi>enderB
.60
Preparatione ,
.S5
Swjrds...... *
Tootbiiioks
.ao
Small
TortoiBO shell .,,,. ^
.GO
AccessorieB .. k„,^ .,^^^„,^..
Tow:
Calking- « ^
Wiekfl
Bilts
.01
^ Metal
.10
Towels:
Bath
Plain —
Rubber. .„-,,_ *.. —
.25
Glasfl
.35
Lipen , -
.25
T.
Cotton . ..
.£5
Table onverfl. iSt^e Covers.)
Toy^j «
Travel requisitea ,.,. .,,
.35
I^blets, medicinal
TravB _. .,..„_..,,
.H)
Tacks-
Oennati silver ...
1.00
Iron
Trieyclea_
THuketfl. (.S« Jewelry, 1 .
Trousers, flflhermen's
.»)
Shotimaker*^ ,.,^.^., ...... ^.
Brasa
1.00
248
HOKDUBAS.
Handiircu tariff law — Contmned.
Article.
Duty _
per half
Towels
Tmnks:
Leather.
Iron ,
Wood...
Togs, steam
Tmnbl
biers, t
Turpentine.
Twinec
Crude
Rope, i-inch
Leas than i-inch. .
U.
Umbrellas:
Ck>tton
Woolen
Silk
Undershirts:
Ck>tton
Lisle
Woolen ,
8Uk
Uniforms, military . .
Utensils:
Kitchen
Domestic
Painters
ToUet
Valises:
Leather
Leather imitation
Canvas
Vanilla
Vaporizers ,
Varnish:
Furniture
Painters'
Vaseline ,
Vegetables:
Fresh
Pickled
Velocipedes and accessories.
Velvet
Cotton
Silk
Woolen
Verandas
Vermicelli
Vinegar ,
Violins and accessories
W.
Wafers ,
Waists:
Cotton
Woolen
Silk
Wardrobe, wood.
Washstands
Watches:
Gold
Silver
Nickel
Watch materials.
Article.
Silver.
10.05
.20
.06
.10
.86
Free.
.06
.06
.08
.05
.10
.35
.50
.30
.00
.00
8.00
2.00
.05
.05
.25
.25
.20
.10
.10
.10
.10
.05
Free.
.10
.20
.50
8.00
1.00
.05
.10
.10
.20
.10
.40
1.50
2.00
.10
.10
5.00
8.00
1.00
1.00
Waters:
Perfumed
Mineral
Wax:
Shoemaker's
Molding
Vegetable
For flowers
Matches
For candles
Wedffes
Whalebone
Wheat
Wheelbarrows
Wheels:
Carriage
Wagon
Whetstones
Fine
Whips
Whistles
White lead
Wicks:
For tinder
Lamp
Mine
Candles
Tow
Wigs
Windows
Window:
Blinds
Frames
Wine:
Bottles
Other vessels
Medicinal
Wire:
Steel
Copper
Iron
Tin
Fence
Telegraph ,
Wood, for construction per M
Wool:
Raw
For embroidery
For flags
Wreaths:
Funeral ,
Nuptial
Y.
Yarn, woolen ,
Yeast ,
Z.
Zinc, crude and sheet ,
Zithers ,
EXPORT TARIFF.
Rubber per quintal
Mahogany per M
Cedar do..,
Ebony do...
Sarsaparilla per quintal
Duty
per half
kilo.
saver.
$0.15
.04
.06
.35
.10
2.00
.15
.15
.10
1.00
.01
.02
.02
.01
.(tt
.20
.85
.25
.05
.05
.25
.10
3.00
.10
.10
.01
.05
.10
.10
.25
.05
.25
.02
.05
5.00
.10
1.00
3.00
.40
.10
.06
.20
5.O0
5.00
5.00
5.00
2.00
INDEX.
Pag*.
Aceituno, port of 48
Agrarian law 69
Agricnltnral exports 61
Agricultural law 63
Agriculture 56
Area under cultivation __ 58
Crop estimates for 1902 ^ 58
Farm, cost of an average J.. 58
Amapala, port of 159
Area 16
Army 189
Atlantida, Department of 58
Banks and banking 154
Barbareta, island of 65
Bay Islands, Department of 55
Bibliography 193
Bonaca, islimdof 55
Budget 14^
Cattle:
Exports..-. - 129
Industry and stock raising 88
Law governing exportation of 88
Cartography _ 196
Cedros, population of 17
Choluteca, Department of 49
Town of 17-49
Cities, altitude, longitude, etc., of 16
Population of _ 17
Citizenship, law of 27
Rights and guaranties of 29
Civil and commercial laws 31
Climatology 12
Coal 96
Colon, Department of 52
Colonization 172-175
Comayagua, Department of 42
City of 17-42
Commerce 126
Commercial travelers 184
Communication, means of 158
Constitution, present 23
249
250 INDEX.
Copan, Department of 45
Copper deposits 85
Cortes, Department of 43
CozinHole, dty of 55
Crop estimates for 1902 58
Customs duties 139
Dairying 88
Danli,cityof 17-50
Debt , public and external - 144
Departments of the Republic:
Area of 17
Description of 40
Population of 17
Education 182
Public instruction law 184
Elena, island of 55
ElParaiso, Department of 50
Erandiqne, city of 17-46
Executive branch of Government 24
Exports (see Commerce).
Exposici6n, island of 49
Fauna _ _ 19
Financial organization 142
Flora 18
Fonseca, gulf of 1«0
Foreigners, law of 175
Forest products 82
Exports of cabinet woods 138
G^logical formaticm _ 10
Geographical x)osition 7
Gold 40-46-49-60-95
Gk>vemment of the Republic 28-30
Under Spanish rule 23
Ghracias, Departm^it of 46
City of 17-46
Hydrography 14
Immigration 172
Imports (see Commerce).
Independence, declaration of 23
Insurance companies- 141
Internal revenue 142
Intibuca, Department of_ 46
atyof 17-46
Iron--- - _ _ 96
Islands 49-55
Justice, administration 26
Juticalpa, city of 17-61
Labor, wages of 63
La Brea, port of 48
La Ceiba, town of 17-64
La Esperenza, town of 46
Lakes andlagoons^ Ifk
La Paz, Departmentof 47
atyof 17-47
INDEX. 251
Fage.
laws:
Agrarian 69
AgrictQtnral 68
Citizenship 27
Civil and commerciaL 31
Colonization _ _ _ 172
Exportation of cattle _._ 88
License _ 141
Martial 30
Mining _ 88
Of foreigners _ 175
Patent _ 186
Public instruction _ _.. 184
Stamx>ed paper and revenue stamps _ 140
Trade-mark _ 187
Legislative branch of Gk)vemment _ 24
License law 141
Manufacturing industries 122
Marble 96
Martial law 30
Measures and weights _ 190
Meteorology 12
Mineralogy 92
Minerals exported 97
Mining:
Code 98
Concessions _ 97
Data 92
Mosquitia, territory of 54
Municipal imposts 41
Nacaome , town of 1 7-48
Native races 20-201
Newspapers 193
Nianguera, island of 49
Ocotopeque, population of 17
Olancho, Department of 51
Opals - 96
Patents _ 96
Pespire , population of 17
Physical geography 11
Platina 96
Political divisions 36
Population _ 17
Port charges : 137-160
Ports , 159
Postal organization _ 169
Public lands, method of acquiring 59
Puerto Cortez _ 159
Railway, the Honduras _ 160
Religion 34
Revenues 142
Rivers 14
252 INDEX.
Pace.
Boatan, island of 55
Sftbana Grande, popnlation of 17
flan Lorenzo, port of 48
flan Pedro Sola, town of 17-43
Santa Roea, city of 17-45
Santa Barbara, Departmentof 44
City of 17-44
Schools 182
saver 40-45-49
Stamps, revenne, and stamx>ed paper, law of _ 140
Steamship lines 158
Stock raising and cattle industry _._. 84
Stock exports 87
Tariff 12ft-137-18»-238
Tegucigalpa, Departmentof 40
City of 17-^
Telegraphs 167
Tigre, island of 49
Tonnage 139-159
Topography 8
Trade-marks 187
Trade with United States.... 134
Treaties and conventions with other countries 197
Treaty with the United States, text of 223
Trujillo, town of 17-52
Valle, Departmentof 48
Weights and measures 190
Yuscaran, x>opulation of 17
Yoro, Departmentof 17-53
Town of ._ 53
Zacate Grande, island of 49
■iiiiif
fliiiiiiilff;
3 2044 050 768 367
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