Note XXX-41 — Chapter XXX · INTELLECTUAL ADVANCEMENT. 1800-1887.

In 1872 the Capuchin friars of La Antigua, who were natives of Spain, were sent out of the country; all convents of friars were closed, and the property of the several orders was confiscated. In 1873 the consolidation of mortmain property, proceeding from pious endowments, capellanías, and legacies to the church and benevolent establishments, was decreed. In 1874 nunneries were closed, and the confiscation of their estates went on. The government agreed to allow pensions to the nuns and native friars for their support. At the same time all communities of religions of either sex under any form whatever were forbidden forever. The fuero eclesiástico was abolished, and the most unlimited freedom of religion proclaimed. Civil marriage was declared legal, and where the parties desired a religious ceremony the former must precede it. Ecclesiastics were forbidden to appear with frocks or other official insignia in public out of the church. Cemeteries were secularized. Barrios, Mensaje, Sept. 11, 1876; Guat., Recop. Ley. Gob. Democ., i. 159-61, 192-6; ii. 13-14, 23-7, 58, 64-5, 205; El Porvenir de Nic., Apr. 20, 27, 1873; U. S. Gov. Doc., H. Ex. Doc., Cong. 43, Sess. 2, i. 99-101, 106, 147; Pan. Star and Herald, Oct. 23, 1873; Salv., Diario, Dec. 21, 1878; Guat., Mem. Sec. Gobern. y Just., 1880, 2-5; 1882, 11-12.