President Barrios is very near the end of his term, and he could not
bear to think that in a few months he would go out of office, and lose
all chance of rising to the heights he wished to attain. He therefore
had himself proclaimed dictator of Guatemala, and announced that he
intended to have a law passed which would allow a president to be
elected for a second term.

This meant of course that he intended to be elected again, and that it
would be another six years before there was any hope of forming the
federation.

The people of Guatemala strongly disapproved of Barrios' action in
making himself a dictator instead of a president. A president is guided
by the wishes of the legislature, and though he has the power to veto,
or forbid the passing of, a law made by congress, that body has also
power to overrule his veto, and pass the laws in spite of him. So you
see the power is pretty equally balanced. Then, too, a president can be
impeached, or called to account, if he neglects the duties which he has
agreed to fulfil.

With a dictator it is very different. He has absolute power in the
government of the state. His word is law, and he is not accountable to
the legislature for his actions.

A dictator is sometimes appointed in times of war or great trouble, but
he should always be a man whom the people love and honor, and to whom
they can entrust this great power.

The reason for appointing a dictator is, that not being accountable to
the legislature for his actions, he is able to do as he thinks best,