St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-04-18
Thrilling Account of the GOnhagration--A
Reign Of Terror Inaugurated on
the Isthmus.
Lawlessness, Violence and War Sweep
Like a Simeon Over the Central
American Republics.
Mysterious Movements Of the British
Government After Receiving Dis
patches from Their Envoy.
The London Press is Not 50 Warlik'
and British and Russian Stocks
Go Up.
Burning of Aspinwall.

The story of the burning OF Colon, or AS
pinwall. is given as follows: A lawyer
named Preston seized the opportunity OF
the absence of the project of Colon with all
the troops, for the purpose OF meeting zen.
Sizpurn, who had attacked Panama, 10
seize the CITY of Colon. lie LEVIED forced
loans and collected a mixed force, which
caused much apprehension among the
merchants and citizens. On March 30 the
Pacific Mail steamer Colon arrived with
arms and munition. Preston demanded
these munitions, and upon refusal to de-
liver them by the Pacific Mail officials, he
imprisoned them. He sent word to the
commander of the Galena that these pris-
'oners would be refused if the munitions
were delivered to him, and that
THEY WOULD BE SHOT
If any marines were landed. Commander
Kane then took charge of the Colon in the
name of the United States. Preston subse-
Ouently had an engagement outside Of the
city with troops from Panama and was
defeated. the Pacific Mail of
fcers escaping during the fight.
About noon on the Both the men from
Panama. numbering some 120, advanced
upon the town and heavy fire ensued.
The scene in the town beggars description.
Bullets were flying III all directions and the
terrified pOpulace abandoning homes and
fortunes were seeking safety in flight The
town was entirely constructed Of wood and
the bullets passed through the houses as if
they had been card board. When defeat
became certain 10 Preston, the fires com
menced. Many declare that Pres
ton personally fired the government
house, where the first fire originated. while
others assert that the Haytian general,
SortseZal, was the
AUTHOR OF THE OUTRAGE.
Fe IS the same man who fired JOcmel in
Haytf some months ago. There is thus
far fair grounds for this belief. He is now,
together with q companion, a close prisoner
on board the Galena Directly as one fire
started dozen were set in different direc-
tions. \ strong wind was blowing and a
pandemonium of fire, robbery, shooting
and misery ensued. All who could fled on
board the ships. Few saved anything
Thousands tocked to the new town.
lately built by the canal company on the
ground they have formed at the entrance to
the canal, whilst others took refuge i'll the
few houses which remained standing on the
beach. The machine shops and round house
of the latter company were fortunately
stock was destroyed, together with local
merchandise and transit cargos. For days
thousands Of the populace occupied flat and
box cars, which were hurriedly run out
along the track and which completely
blocked all communication between
THE RUINED CITY
and Gatlln for more than fOrty-eight hours.
The United States marines and sailors are
reported to have acted admirably. Troops
from the English gtmbOat Lily We're also
landed and assisted in keeping guard, but
were withdrawn after the canal company
had found 4 guard for the protection of
their houses and property which had re-
manned intact This guard caught many of
the pllnderers, rs did also the men of the
Ga alena. Al caught red-haRded We're
Immediately tried, and on the fol-
lowing day shot. Fifty-eight persons,
among whom it was believed were several
innocent people were thus summarily dis
patched During the fight between the
troops which went hence and Preston's peo-
pie some twenty or thirty people We're
killed. while many were wounded. All
these were burned during the fire. and the
Chalrcd bodies encWmbercd the streets The
flames flashed through the houses, in hun
dredS of which powder, alcohol, liquors
and general merchandise were stored in i'm
mense quantities. and the frequent eXplo-
sions of which added terror to the scene.
The
PANIC-STRICKEN POPULACE
were almost without provisions or water for
two dayS. The Panama Railroad company's
superintendent, G.. \. Rust, and the gen.
eral director of the Canal company. Jules
Diuger. have done everything in their
power to alleviate the misery and Distress
and vessels in the bay of all natiOnalitieS
were feely open To the refugees. Whilst
the troops reckleSsly sent from here by
Gen. Comma to fight on the streets of Colon.
We're thus leading to the destruction of that
town, the streets of Panama We're reSound-
ing with rifle shots Conferences had been
held during previous days by
the commissioners sent hence To
discuss matters with Gen. Aizpune.
He, however demanded the unconditional
surrender of Gen. Comma, and threatened
10 attack the city unless he surrendered.
AiZpWe sent notices to this effect to the
foreign consul. Comma, however declared
he would not accept the challenge, but
would remain inside the city and await re-
suits. BY daylight armed men of Aizpune'S
band had captured the steeples of Santa
Anna church and soon
DROVE IN COMMAS oUTPosTs.
They then dashed from church to church.
and from street corner 10 street corner, a
heavy and continuous rife fire being mean
while kept up. Most of the
houses in Panama are built OF stone
and afforded better protection TO
non combatantS than the buildings in Colon
did. Ultimately the barracks in which
Comm had shut himself were surrounded.
and at o'clock in the afternoon had sur
rendered. Twelve persons i'll all were
killed and about an equal number wounded.
The attacking party were orderly They
were not soldiers but volunteers. who. as
they put it, fought for what they conSid-
ered principle. Since that date the city
has remained quiet. Since the
DESTRUCTION OF COLON
an armiStjce has been agreed on for thirty
days and the troops under the order of a
pueieCt appointed by agreement of both par
ties are preserving order. Some marines
are still on shore in Colon, where many are
already cleaning away the ruins prior to re-
building. The land on Manzillo island is
owned by the Panama railroad. the dire,,-
tors of which have determined that the new
city shall be built on I better plan than the
former one. More room viii De obtained
for traffic requirements, and the streets viii
be wider On the 4th inst Gen. Aizpune
issued the following proclamation:
- understand that rumors are being circu-
lsted with the object OF disturbing the peace
o. mind Of the inhabitants OF this CITY Ii i
my duty. therefore. As do hereby. TO inform
the honorable representatives of friendly
powers. also al foreigners and natives, that
the government has adopted the necessary
steps demanded by the peculiar situation
Of the country and that il viii spSre no efforts
% prevent disorders, and severely Furnishing
the authors Of the crimes that have been or
VIII lie committed. With this eud in view. all
residents. both foreigners and natives, ought