McCook weekly tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 188?-1886, 1885-04-23
ARSON. pILIAGE AND ROBBERY.

Particulars of the burning of Colon or Is
pi,,caH--A Scene Of Riot and Bfoodshed.
Adyices by mail from Panama give the story
OF the burning of Colon or Aspnwall as fol-
lows:
A lawyer named Preston seized the opportu-
nifty of the absence of the project of Colon
with all the troops who had gone for the pur-
pose of meeting General Zipburn, who had at
tackled Panama, to seize the city Of Colon. He
levied forced loans and collected mixed
force, which caused much apprehension among
the merchants and citizens. On March % tie
the Pacific NAL steamer Colon arrived with
arms and ammunition. Preston demanded
these munitions, and upon the refusal OF the
demand by the Pacific Mail officers, he impris-
oned them. He sent word 10 the commander
OF the Galena that these prisoners would be
released if the munitions were delivered To
him and they would be shot If the marines
were landed. Commander Kane then took
charge Of Colon in the name OF the
United States. Preston subsequently had an
engagement outside the city with the troops
from Panama and was defeated, the Pacific
Mail officers escaping during the tight. About
noon on the goth men from Panama number
ing some 100 advanced upon the town and
heavy fire ensued. The scene in the town beg
gars description. Bullets were flying in all di-
rectIons, and the terrified populacr, abandon
ing their homes and fortunes, were seeking
safely in flight. The town was entirelS CON
structed of wood, and the bullets passed
through the houses as If they had been card
board. When defeat became certain to Pres
ton the fires commenced. Many declare that
Preston personally fired the governmt mt house,
where the first fire originated. Preston is now
together with companion close vrisoner on
board the Galena. Directly one fire started u
N directions A
strong wind was blowing, and T.. .demonium
of fire, robbery shooting and misery ensued.
All who, could, fed on board the ships. Few
saved anything, and thousands Hooked to the
company ON the ground they have
formed at the entrance to the ca
nal while others took refuge in few houses
which remained standing on the beach. The
machine shop and round house of the latter
company were saved but an immens quantity
of rolling stock was destroyed, together with
local merchandise and transit cargoeS. The
United States marines and sailors are report
ell to have acted admirably. Troops from the
English gunboat Lilly were also landed and
assisted in keeping guard, but were with
drawn after the canal company had formed
guard for the protection of their houses and
property which had remained intact. This
guard caught many plunderers, as did also
the men of the Gaena. All caught red-hand-
ed were immediately tried and on the follow
udI SuOJ pCiSOHoi diich7
whom it is believed were several innocent per-
sons, were thus summarily dispatched. Dur
ing the fight between the troops which went
hence and Prestons people some twenty or
thirty were killed, while many more were
wounded. All these were burned during the
fire, and the charred remains of all yet encun-
Der the streets. Flames flashed through
houses, in hundreds of which pow der, alcohol,
liquors and general merchandise were stored
in immense quantities, and the frequent explo-
sOns from which added terror to the scene.
The panic stricken popuace were almost with
out provisions or water for two days. The
Panama Railroad Company's superintendent
Mr.. G. A. Burt, and the director general of the
Canal Company, Mr.. Jules Dingler, have done
everything in their power to alleviate the mis-
cry and stress, and vessels in the bay Of all
nationalities were freely opened TO the re-
fueees. Whilst the troops recklessly sent from
here by General Comma to fight in the streets
of Colon were thus leading to the destruction
of that town. the streets of Panama were re-
sounding with rifle shots. Conferences had
been held during the previous days by the com
mission sent here to discuss matters with Gen.
Aizpare. He, however, d, mandei the uncon-
ditOnal surrender of Comma, which was
finally accomplished after some further sharI
fighting.