COLIMA
The old realm of Colima was founded by the Aztecs, who made pilgrimages
to this part of the country thinking to find a place to establish their
empire. Their capital was situated in Cojitlan about twenty miles from
the coast. Under the dominion of Spain it was a much larger territory
than it now comprises. In 1824 it formed part of the State of Jalisco,
in 1836 it was included in the State of Michoacán, but in 1846, it
became a territory of the republic. During these distinct epochs it
was governed first by sub-delegates and later by jefe-politicos,
many of whom were foreigners. Owing to the remoteness from the seat
of government there were many abuses of the people and the lack of
transportation was a great drawback to their progress. Following the
downfall of Santa Anna, General Comonfort occupied the Plaza de Colima
in 1855, after having conquered Zapotlan, now the city of Guzman. In
1856, the popular movement of Ayutla obtained a general benefit to the
country and the War of Reform wrested the entire republic from the
crippling grasp of the church and started the people in a career of
advancement.
The geographical position is good and has been of great value to Colima
in her progress.
[Illustration: STREET SCENE, COLIMA.]
The port of Manzanillo, which is a natural harbor, is an open door to
all foreign trade and lately the establishment of important commercial
intercourse has given the country fine opportunities. Every resource
which nature has so bounteously bestowed is cultivated. With ambition
and the liberal education of the people this State ranks as one of
importance. The sanitary conditions have greatly improved through the
vigilance of the Federal government, and all danger of fever that was
once a drawback to Colima has been wiped out. There is a constant
influx from all parts of the republic and foreign immigration is
steadily increasing. One of the largest colonies is composed of staunch
and representative Germans.
[Illustration: CATHEDRAL, COLIMA.]
Newspapers and other publications have a firm footing, and many
scientific and social societies are composed of the best sons of the
State.
[Illustration: AT THE FOOT OF THE COLIMA VOLCANO.]
The most important rivers are the Armería, Coahuayana, the Sihuatlan,
Maravasco, Chocala, Paticajo, and Mamey are all formed from one
enormous stream and flow in different directions to the Pacific. On the
south and southeast the Coahuayana separates this State from Michoacán
as far as the Puente del Naranjo or the mouth of the Apiza, while the
River Tuxpan separates Jalisco from Colima.
[Illustration: MAGUAY GROWING AT THE FOOT OF THE COLIMA VOLCANO.]
The physical aspect of this coast State presents an admirable
mixture of beautiful scenery. With chains of mountains like a great
amphitheatre, the magnificent volcanoes, covered with snow, or seething
with fire, the splendid vegetation which presents itself in every
locality and the nearness to the Pacific Ocean give it a distinctness
of type that is very interesting. Rivers coursing down the mountains
and placid lakes reflecting the rays of the sun and tropical fruits
growing in greatest abundance add to the joys of the traveller who
finds himself on the way to Guadalajara, while the magnificent view
of the stately Colima with its snow glistening in the light and
the multi-colored clouds that fleck the skies above form a striking
contrast to the deep and dangerous looking barrancas.
From the cold air of the volcanic country to the warm tropical climes,
every vegetation known exists and the richness of the products cannot
be excelled. The Volcano of Colima, which is forty miles from the
capital, is eleven thousand eight hundred and eight feet high. It has
been in eruption since 1869. The beautiful sight of this mountain with
its clouds of fire and smoke, its molten lava running down the sides,
can be witnessed for many miles.
[Illustration: RESIDENCE OF COLONEL EDGAR K. SMOOT,
MANZANILLO.]
The largest lakes are Cuyutlan, which is navigable, San Pedrito, north
of Manzanillo, and the Calabazo and Alcuzahue, in the municipality of
Ixtlahuacán.
At the port of Manzanillo the government has built a splendid
breakwater and the harbor is one of the finest in the world. The coasts
bathed by the great Pacific are ragged and dangerous, but there are
some fine pleasure resorts, notably Cuyutlán, where many families go
during the months of March, April and May. In the forests woods of all
kinds flourish. Among them resinous, medicinal, and dye-woods are found
in great profusion.
The government of this State is noted for its liberal and progressive
attitude. Public benefits supply sufficient funds for hospitals and
all establishments of charity and protection. The national railways of
Mexico unite Manzanillo to the interior and have been of great benefit
to the commercial conditions. The telephone system is well established
between the ports and the capital and many branch lines extend to the
neighboring haciendas.
The last census shows sixty-five thousand one hundred and thirty
inhabitants. In the city of Colima the principal buildings are very
imposing and beautiful. The Government Palace, the Santa Cruz Theatre,
the Market de la Madrid, the Porfirio Diaz High School and the
Cathedral are among these. The new Porfirio Diaz Hospital is being
built on a very approved plan.
[Illustration: COLIMA IN ERUPTION.]
Since the origin of the State there have been twenty-eight governors,
some elected by popular vote and others as substitutes. The present
governor, Señor Licenciado Enrique O. de la Madrid, has been eight
years in office and his splendid administration has regulated the
destiny of the State.
[Illustration: SUMMIT OF COLIMA VOLCANO.]
He was born in the City of Colima on the 22d of March, 1862, and comes
from one of the most distinguished families on the west coast. His high
moral attitude and his splendid executive ability have caused the
people of his State to realize that the reins of government could find
no better hands for guidance than his. Besides numerous public works
and great improvements in cities and ports, one of the greatest events
during his gubernatorial period is the opening of the railroad which
unites the coast to the capital of the nation. On the 12th of December,
1909, General Porfirio Diaz formally opened this railroad, assisted
by the Vice-President, Señor Don Ramón Corral, Señor Don Leandro
Fernandez, Governor de la Madrid and many distinguished people.
[Illustration: PACK TRAIN ON THE ROAD TO COLIMA.]
[Illustration: IRRIGATING CANAL, CULIACAN.]
[Illustration: ENTRANCE TO MAZATLAN.]