PARAGUAY is truly denominated the garden of South America. All the tropical flowers and plants grow luxuriantly in this beautiful country. The banana, orange, fig, citron, lemon, peach, and pomegranate are found everywhere in abundance. Picturesque in the extreme, this republic seems to have been especially favored by God, since the artistic hand of the divine Architect seems to have exercised special care to embellish it with all the empyreal adornments possible.
Paraguay has but a short history, very little being known of it before the year 1700. The Jesuits had previously established large colonies throughout the country, until, little by little, nearly the whole territory fell into the hands of this powerful Catholic society. As they grew in power, they became more intolerant, since they held both the governmental and political reins of the kingdom. This state of things existed until 1820, when Don Jose Gaspar de Francia became dictator.
Jealous of power, he soon destroyed the authority of the Jesuits, thus transforming, in one act, himself into the head of the civil and ecclesiastical governments. The Roman Catholic Church watched with discontented eye this proceeding, and immediately began to form plots and conspiracies to deprive President Francia of his self-assumed power. However, with tyrannic hand he was able to keep them in subjection.
Up till the year 1865 the Paraguayan Republic held no diplomatic or commercial relations with the other nations of the earth. For many years previous, the Platine Republics and the empire of Brazil had sought to inaugurate commercial treaties with her, till at last, exasperated beyond restraint, the three countries simultaneously declared war against her. How she fought single-handed, for seven years, against the three combined powers, is already known to all students of history. How the Paraguayan mothers sacrificed their husbands and their children, inspired by a spirit of patriotism, seldom if ever equaled, is shown by the diminished male population of the country. More than 500,000 perished during this war, and the inhabitants of the republic were reduced to only 300,000 souls.
According to a great South American historian, at the termination of the war, only women could be found throughout the territory of the republic. Not a single family was there that did not have to mourn the loss of fathers, brothers, etc., etc. Paraguay was in truth converted into a vale of tears. Still the war produced good results, for from 1870 dates the initiation of foreign commercial relations. Just laws were legislated, such as were unknown before. The rights of foreigners were respected, and all religions were placed upon equal terms.
Marvelous changes have taken place during the short space of thirty years, and it is recognized to-day by all intelligent people that Paraguay is now traveling the royal road that leads to national prosperity. The products of the country are principally fruits and yerba, or Paraguayan tea. Ships loaded with these products are to be seen navigating the river Plata every day in the week. One of our illustrations shows an orange merchant loading his bullock cart with oranges, which he sells to the steamboats or sailing ships at the rate of a gold dollar the thousand.
The Paraguayans are, in the majority of cases, extremely poor, knowing little of the luxuries or comforts of life. Our second picture will give you an idea of how 90 per cent. of the real Paraguayans live. They reside in small ranchos, often so low that one has to stoop considerably to enter the doors, to prevent knocking his head.
Of recent years different Protestant missions have inaugurated their work in Asuncion, the capital, and other cities. So far they have met with good success, and several churches have been raised up in different parts.
Now is the time to enter this important field, since the liberals, or anti-clerical party, are in authority. The government is encouraging immigration by every means in its power, offering special inducements to all who go thither. Should we permit the present occasion to pass by, and disregard the calls from Paraguay now, the day will come when we shall regret having delayed entering so favorable a territory.
The official language of Paraguay is the same as in all the other South American countries, excepting Brazil, viz., the Spanish, altho the vast majority of the uneducated speak only the Guarani. This language is spoken throughout the whole of Paraguay, and in the Argentine province of Corrientes, and also in the Misiones.
The New Testament is already translated into the Guarani, and already thousands of copies have been sold and distributed through the length and breadth of the land.
Shall the 600,000 inhabitants of Paraguay call in vain for those who can explain the prophecies of the Bible? Shall we, who call ourselves Gospel light-bearers, refuse to carry the lamp of truth to those poor people who are sitting in darkness? Shall that naturally heroic and courageous people be left to perish upon the rocks and reefs of sin? Or shall we, with hearts overflowing with the love of Jesus, go forth to gather the golden grain into the heavenly garner?
The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few.
JUAN MCCARTHY.
Argentine Republic.
