CHAPTER XV

THE RISE OF CARRERA

THOUGH the years 1835 and 1836 were not marked by any hostile demonstration on the part of the Serviles, they were far from being inactive. They tried in every way to prejudice the lower classes against the party in power by appeals to class hatred and to superstition. Several events conspired to aid them in their efforts. The government, in a progressive spirit, had spent large sums in an endeavor to settle foreigners in the district of Vera Paz-a scheme that was defeated by the climate. In 1832 it had introduced into Central America the famous criminal code, prepared by Edward Livingston for Louisiana, but rejected by that State. The trial by jury, which was unpopular at its introduction into Louisiana, proved still more so in the republic, and was gradually abandoned. The church, moreover, was much displeased because marriage was made a civil contract. Finally, in 1837, an epidemic of cholera broke out. This dread disease, wherever it appeared, caused great havoc, and when the government tried to alleviate the suffering by sending out physicians and medicines to the poor, the Serviles among the clergy stirred up the lower classes by asserting that the water had been poisoned in order to kill the natives and make way for foreigners. This appeal to ignorance and superstition caused an insurrection among the Indians and half-breeds of Guatemala, the leader of which, Rafael Carrera, sprang into prominence and later became the military dictator of the country.

Stephens, the celebrated traveller, who visited Central America in 1839-40, had the good luck to encounter Carrera, and has given us an interesting description of the man. Carrera, he says, was a native of Guatemala, and of the humblest origin. His friends called him a mulatto, but Stephens preferred to call him an Indian, as he "considered that the better blood of the two." He was certainly of mixed blood, and doubtless a bastard. A drummer-boy in 1829, he gave up this occupation after the entrance of Morazan into Guatemala City, and became a pig-driver in a neighboring town. His influence with the Indians and the half-breeds seems to have been enormous. At the height of his power they called him El Hijo de Dios (the Son of God) and Nuestro Señor (our Lord). His temper was violent and subject to terrible outbursts. He was so ignorant that when he rose to power, he had to use a stamp to sign his name until he could learn to handle a pen. As a leader of men, however, he showed himself possessed of great natural ability.

When the Serviles and the priests began to stir up the people of the baser sort, especially the Indians, to revolt, by representing that religion was in danger and foreigners were to take the place of natives, there was intense excitement throughout Guatemala, and the church found a willing tool in Carrera, who doubtless believed all that he was told. Under him as a leader, the Indians adopted as a battle cry: Viva la religion y muerte á los etrangeros. Their first act was to murder the judges appointed under the Livingston code; but as they were proceeding to other unlawful acts, the government forces came upon them and put down the uprising with fire and sword. Unfortunately, however, some reckless soldier committed the last outrage upon Carrera's wife; whereupon the bandit chief swore he would never lay down his arms while one of Morazan's officers remained in the state. He was pursued, but he took refuge in the mountains, and with the assistance of the priests, he issued a proclamation against foreigners and the government for attempting to poison the Indians; demanding the destruction of all

foreigners except Spaniards, the abolition of the Livingston code, the recall of the friars, and the restoration of the privileges of the church. From this mountain retreat he and his band of reckless followers would descend and pillage the towns. By robbery and murder they terrorized the country until all travelling ceased.

An opportunity finally presented itself for Carrera to end this unlawful career and to become a political factor in Guatemala. The liberal party, then in control, quarrelled over the offices, and this division in its ranks proved fatal to its continuance in authority. The inhabitants of Antigua, taking advantage of the dissensions, demanded a general amnesty for all political offenders and redress of other grievances. These demands not being granted, they took up arms against the capital, and wishing to strengthen themselves, they called on Carrera for assistance. That outlaw chief joined them with a disorderly army of about ten thousand men, women, and children, and the combined forces marched to Guatemala City in February, 1838.

His allies of Antigua were now frightened at the temerity of their action, while the Guatemalans were filled with terror. All thoughts of resistance seem to have been banished. The dread of the outlaw's vengeance paralyzed the efforts of the assembly as well as of the federal troops, and all hastened to make submission, hoping thereby to lessen the rigors of the impending spoliation.

Then the vandals came crowding in-such a spectacle as the city had never before witnessed. The officers were robbers, murderers, and other desperate characters. The soldiers were ragged, uncouth barbarians with green bushes in their hats, armed with rusty old muskets, pistols, and fowling-pieces, or bearing long poles to which had been tied knives or machetes. Accompanying this undisciplined host were two or three thousand women, carrying sacks for the plunder that had been promised them. Most of the horde looked with greed and amazement upon the fine buildings of the city, the like of which they had never beheld. With

cries of Viva la religion y muerte á los etrangeros, they all swarmed into the plaza.

Carrera himself, his hat adorned with a green bush and with an old rag on which appeared images of the saints, rode at the head of his mob. When he found that there was no resistance, he was desirous of plundering the city, but he was persuaded to forbear on condition that his terms should be complied with. While negotiations were in progress, some of his followers rushed through the streets like demons, killing the vice-president of the republic, sacking the house of a deputy, and threatening worse crimes. The priests, running through the streets, crucifix in hand, did all they could to protect the terrified inhabitants; but Carrera alone could calm the passions of his wild following.

His demands were quickly granted. He was to receive eleven thousand dollars, ten thousand dollars for his troops and one thousand dollars for himself; one thousand muskets, and a commission as lieutenant-colonel. The money was collected among the citizens and paid over. To the new lieutenant-colonel and his ragged army it seemed an immense treasure. If he had asked for a million, he would probably have gotten it. It was with much greater reluctance that the authorities handed over to him the dangerous gift of a thousand muskets.

Seemingly satisfied with his spoils, Carrera led his army away to the town of Mita, which had been placed under his command. The capital breathed freely once more; but only for a brief season. Soon messages began to arrive from the chief of Mita that he had heard the people of the city spoke ill of him and that he intended to return with an army to punish them. Such messages threw the city into a panic; but no Carrera appeared, and finally he sent word that the city need have no fear of him for the present.

General Morazan, who had remained in San Salvador during these troubles, now marched to the capital with one thousand five hundred men; but as the rebellion was a state affair, he camped outside and waited to be asked to interfere.

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