Statesman, born in San Lorenzo, Guatemala, on the 17th of July 1835; died in Chalchuapa on the 2nd of April 1885. He was educated for and practiced at the bar. In 1867 he placed himself at the head of a band of revolutionary volunteers and fought with varying success. In May 1871, he united with others against the government of Cerna. After various encounters, Barrios entered the capital and dissolved the government. General Granados became president, and Barrios continued at the head of the army. This order of things was hardly established before several counter-revolutions took place, one of them instigated by President Medina of Honduras. All these disturbances being quelled, Barrios became president of Guatemala on June 4, 1873. Before that time, as president pro tem., he had decreed freedom of the press and the suppression of religious orders. Peace continued until 1876, when the states of Salvador and Honduras united with the reactionary party of Guatemala. Barrios made a valiant defense, and the national assembly approved of all his acts. In 1879 a liberal constitution was promulgated, and on March 1, 1880, General Barrios was again elected president for the term of six years, and his administration did much for the tranquillity and internal improvement of the state. He traveled through the United States and Europe during part of his term of office, and returned to his own country in 1884. On February 28, 1885, after consultation with the presidents of Salvador and Honduras, he published a proclamation intended to effect the union of all the Central American republics as one state, but cabals on the part of the president of Salvador frustrated this purpose and led to renewed warfare. During an attack made by Barrios on the forces of Salvador, he was fatally wounded, and had a son killed by his side. After his death his widow retired to New York City, and a son entered the United States Military Academy at West Point.
