Spain proceeded to take possession of the country to the immediate north and south, and kept it until 1821; it stamped its peoples indelibly with its mark and made it more Spanish than Western in customs, religion and morals. Notice the curious fact that a canal across Panama was suggested by Spain in 1551. Follow the history of these centuries until Spain lost its ownership; then speak of the federal republic, and later of the founding of the different republics as they are to-day. This will take several meetings.
II—THE CENTRAL AMERICAN REPUBLICS
From this point study each little republic by itself, beginning with Guatemala, the farthest north, adjoining Mexico, and resembling it in many ways.
Here the feature of prime importance is the natural forests of rare woods; the soil is also unusually fertile and can be made to produce remarkable crops under cultivation. The cities are modern; Guatemala City has tree-planted avenues, a beautiful plaza, electric lights, schools and churches. Manufactures and trades are interesting, especially the wood-carving and embroidery work. Give an idea of the people, native and foreign, the government, education, and relation with other countries.
Nicaragua, territorially the largest of the little republics, is interesting because of its connection with the early plans for the great canal. It was chosen in 1876 in Washington, President Grant determining upon it after many years of investigation. Read in "Panama," by Bunau-Varilla, of this period. Mention also the three interesting towns connected by railway, and the great plantations near them.
Honduras is a remarkable place in many ways; describe its capital, with its law courts, its university and schools of industry; also the wonderful mines, so few of them developed.
British Honduras is by no means so interesting; but its form of government should be noticed. One curious little fact is that it is recorded that one year all the pine trees on crown lands were sold to an American for a cent apiece.
Salvador is a wild, mountainous, picturesque place, situated in a district which volcanoes constantly threaten. Its main city, San Salvador, has many buildings of note.
Costa Rica has a history of absorbing interest. Its great wealth of minerals, trees, pearl fisheries and other resources early made it famous in Spain. Its climate is delightful, its population mostly foreign, education is free, and there is complete religious liberty. Discuss what causes the difference between this republic and some of the others.