Salvador of the Twentieth Century

by Percy F. Martin

General Fernando Figueroa, President of the Republic from 1907 to 1911, was born in San Vicente. Even when a small boy his disposition led him to a military career, and while still in his teens he enlisted in the ranks of the Salvadorean Army, during the memorable struggle with Guatemala of 1863. Under the command of General Bracamonte, he became a Lieutenant, and speedily distinguished himself in the field. He was on this occasion very severely wounded, and also was specially mentioned in despatches. After the death of General Gerardo Barrios, and the election of Dr. Dueñas as President, young Fernando Figueroa was given his captaincy. He was mainly instrumental in organizing the militia, and in 1871 he put its capabilities to the test when the war in Honduras broke out. Upon the overthrow of the Government of Dr. Dueñas, and the selection of Marshal Santiago González as Provisional President, peace was proclaimed with Honduras, General Medina being recognized as legitimate President, and young Figueroa's services were temporarily unneeded. In 1872, however, Captain Figueroa was again fighting in territory belonging to Honduras, namely at Sábana Grande and Santa Bárbara, his gallant services at the first-named place gaining for him his lieutenant-colonelcy. In the following year, 1873, Colonel Figueroa distinguished himself in a third expedition against Honduras, at which time the President of the Republic was Señor Celio Arias, but who, by Salvador's aid, was dispossessed of the Chief Magistracy in favour of General Ponciano Leiva. Colonel Figueroa's bravery at the Battle of Amapala, and his gallant support of General Juan José Samayoa, have become important facts in Salvadorean history.

This same year he was appointed Governor of his native Department, San Vicente. In 1876, after fresh exploits in the field, the rising young soldier became a General, and with this military advancement he assisted the same year at the Battle of Pasaquina, in which he was once again seriously wounded. The events of 1876 led to further civil war, which continued with but few important intervals of peace until 1885, and during which period Marshal Santiago González fell from power, and Dr. Rafael Zaldívar replaced him as President. At this time, also, General J. Rufino Barrios died on the battle-field of Chalchuapa, and General Figueroa was given the supreme command of the Government troops against the Revolutionists, who were headed by General Francisco Menéndez. The latter having succeeded in attaining position as head of the State, General Figueroa retired temporarily; but he returned with the inauguration of the administration of General Carlos Ezeta, and was again appointed to his former post of Governor of San Vicente. Later on he was nominated Minister of War, which position he resigned upon becoming candidate for the Presidency. He was duly and constitutionally elected in November of 1906, took office on March 1, 1907, and retired automatically with the fresh elections of 1910, to give place to Dr. Manuel Enrique Araujo, the present Chief Magistrate.

During his long and honourable career, General Figueroa has been distinguished as much for his brilliant soldier-like qualities as for his personal work and high sense of probity. He has had—as have all great men—his enemies and his detractors; but none among them can bring—nor ever have brought—any charge against his personal honour or integrity.

It was his keen patriotism and shrewd diplomacy which arrested the three-cornered armed conflict in which Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, were concerned in 1907, and but for General Figueroa's tact and good sense, coupled with his masterly grasp of the situation, these three sister States would have exhausted themselves over a dispute which was practically worthless, and would have proved just as fruitless.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs is Dr. don Francisco Dueñas, a barrister, and a very distinguished member of the profession. Born in San Salvador, and forty-three years of age, Dr. Dueñas has occupied several important positions in the legal profession, and he is looked upon as one of the soundest authorities on commercial and general law. The Minister is regarded as an extremely able man, who is bound to rise to the highest position which the State can confer upon him.

The Minister of Finance is Señor don Rafael Guirola, D., a thoroughly sound, practical business man, with a wide knowledge of finance and commerce in all its branches and a member of one of the leading families. He may be depended upon to adopt a comprehensive and intelligent view of all subjects pertaining to his Department, and it may be accepted as certain that he will give wide encouragement to such foreign enterprise as can be regarded as of benefit to the State. Señor Rafael Guirola, D., is forty-five years of age.

The Minister of the Interior, Industry ("Fomento"), Public Instruction and Agriculture, Dr. don Teodosio Corranza, is also one of the most prominent lawyers in the Republic. He was born in San Salvador, and is about fifty-two years of age. He has occupied some of the most important and responsible posts in the country, and is considered by all alike as lending both distinction and prominence to his high office.

Dr. don Manuel Castro, R., Sub-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, is a barrister by profession, and a distinguished member of the Salvador Academy. Although only twenty-seven years of age, Dr. Castro has already filled with great distinction several important positions in the legal profession, and he is regarded as a rising "star" in the political firmament.

The portfolio for Home Affairs has been entrusted to the capable hands of Dr. Cecilio Bustamente, who is also a distinguished lawyer, as well as the writer of several books of more than ordinary merit. On several occasions Dr. Bustamente has occupied a position on the Bench, his judgments and rulings always having commanded deep respect, and invariably being the outcome of calm consideration and much forensic learning. Dr. Bustamente is about thirty-eight years of age.

Public Instruction is under the direction of Dr. Gustavo Barón, who is three years younger than Dr. Bustamente. By profession he is a physician and surgeon, having taken high degrees at the Paris University. Before entering the present Cabinet, Dr. Barón served as teacher of, and lecturer upon, several subjects in the National University of Salvador; and there is probably no man in the Republic who enjoys a wider respect or a deeper regard, especially among his colleagues, than the present Sub-Secretary of Instruction and Promotion.