Chapter XXX: 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.

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.

Newspapers and other publications have a firm footing, and many scientific and social societies are composed of the best sons of the State.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.