The publication Guía del Guardia Civil, which began its journey on October 1, 1850, played a crucial informative role for the Guardia Civil. It disseminated regulations, recognitions, internal movements, and various institutional matters, serving as a reference for members of the corps, including those stationed in Algeciras.
The editorial offices of Guía del Guardia Civil had several locations in Madrid, starting at Leganitos Street number 6. Subsequently, they moved to Plazuela de Oriente number 10, then to Plazuela de Santo Domingo number 26, and finally to Cuesta de Santo Domingo number 13, where they remained until their last issue, number 173, published on July 20, 1855.
The printing of Guía del Guardia Civil also underwent changes, initially handled by Imprenta de Anselmo Santa Coloma y Compañía. Later, it passed through the hands of Messrs. Coloma y Peña, the printing house of J. Martín Alegría, Imprenta de Villetti, and finally, Imprenta de Andrés Peña, where it remained until the publication ceased.
“"The Benemérita, with eleven years of existence, lacked its own official publication, which made these private initiatives a true necessity for internal dissemination and corps cohesion."
Its successor, El Mentor de la Guardia Civil, also privately owned in its early days, was established at Tudescos Street number 5 in Madrid. Unlike its predecessor, which was published three times a month, El Mentor increased its frequency to four monthly issues, on the 1st, 8th, 16th, and 24th, reflecting the growing need for communication within the Guardia Civil.
This new newspaper continued the tradition of being dedicated to the corps, maintaining the motto that “honor is its emblem,” in line with Article 1 of the Cartilla del Guardia Civil. Its first edition included three “Warnings” that clarified its independence from the Corps Inspectorate and requested the collaboration of commanders for the subscription of its members, highlighting among the first subscribers relevant figures such as the Duke of Ahumada.
