Chapter V: The Republic, 1811-1911 84

Local character of revolution—Declaration of a
Constitution—Centralised government—Troubles of the young
republic—The Church and the patriots—Miranda—Dictatorship
and downfall—Drastic measures of Monteverde—Youth and
parentage of Simon Bolivar—The _guerra a muerte_—Dictatorship
of Bolivar—Monteverde murders four prisoners—The
_Mestizos_—Massacre of Spaniards—Murmurings—Retirement of
Bolivar—Royalist victories and reinforcements—Morillo’s
barbarities—Return of Bolivar to Venezuela—Indecisive
campaign—Renewed discontent—Bolivar withdraws to Haiti,
but returns—Mariño’s insubordination—Massacre of
Barcelona—Campaign in the Llanos—Arrival of the British
Legion—Congress of Angostura—The march to Bogotá—The
republic of great Colombia—Change of allegiance of the
_Mestizos_—Armistice of Trujillo—Negotiations with
Spain—Recommencement of hostilities—Battle of Carabobo—End
of Spanish power in Venezuela—Position of Venezuela in
Colombia—Separatist movement—Death of Bolivar—Páez first
President of Venezuela—Vargas—Folly of Mariño—Progress
of the country—Public honours to Bolivar—Recognition of
republic by France and Spain—Commerce and prosperity
of the country—Tyranny of Tadeo Monágas—Abolition of
slavery—Revolution of Julian Castro—Capital temporarily removed
to Valencia—Federalists and Centralists—Falcón—_Convenio de
Coche_—Federal Constitution—Guzman Blanco—Development under
his government—Revolution of Crespo—British Guiana boundary
dispute—Cipriano Castro—The Matos revolution—_Coup d’état_ of
General Gomez—Centenary celebrations—Present prospects.

CHAPTER VI

MODERN VENEZUELA 106

Boundaries—Frontier with Brazil—Colombia—British
Guiana—Internal subdivision—States and territories with
their capitals—Density of population—Constitution—Departments
of the Executive—_Jefes Civiles_—Legislature—Senators
and deputies—Administration of justice—Laws relating
to foreigners—Marriage—Public health—Philanthropic
institutions—Education—Coinage—Multiplicity of
terms—Towns—Typical houses—Furniture—Hospitality—Food—
Clothing—Army and navy—Insignia—_Busto de Bolivar_—The Press.

CHAPTER VII

THE ABORIGINES 119

The Goajiros—Lake dwellings—Appearance—Territory—Villages—
Government—Burial customs—Religion—Medicine-men—The
Caribs—A fine race—Cannibalism—Headless men of the
Caura—The Amazons—Industries—Religion—Marriage customs—The
aborigines of Guayana—Tavera-Acosta on languages—The
Warraus—Appearance—Houses—Food—Clothing—Marriage
customs—Birth—Death—Religion—Treatment of sick—The
Banibas—Appearance—Customs—Religion—Celebration of puberty of
girls—Marriage customs—The Arawaks—Religion—Early missions
amongst Indians—Wanted, a twentieth-century apostle.