The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-04-18
The Destruction OF the Town OF Aspiu.
wall During the Fighting on
the Isthmus or Panama.
A Graphic and Vivid Description
of the Scene and Complicated
Disasters Attending It.
THE ISTHMUs OF PANAMA.
A Graphic Description of the burning of
Colon, or AspinwaII.

AAO cAOty VI tuc burning OF colon, or ASDlQ-
wall, is given as follows:
A lawyer named Preston seized the oppor-
tunity Of the absence of the Project of
Colon with all the troops, for the purpose OF
meeting General Aizpurn, who had attacked
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 20 the Pacific Mail steamer Colon
arrived with arms and ammunition, and
Preston demanded these munitions, and on
refusal to deliver them by the Pacific Mail
officials, he imprisoned them. He sent
word to the commander OF the Colon that
the prisoners would be released If the NUM-
tons were delivered them, and they would
be shot il any marines were landed Com
msnder Kane then took charge of the Colon
in the name OF the United States.
Preston suhsequ emily had an engagement
outside the city with troops from Panama,
and was defeated, the Pacific Mail officers
escaping during the fight. About noon on
the Both the men from Panama, numbering
some 10, advanced upon the town and
heavy ire ensued. The scene in the town
beggars description. Bullets were hying in
all directions, and the terrified pOpulace,
abandoning homes ana fortunes, were seek.
ing safety in flight. The town was entirely
constructed OF wood, and the bullets passed
through houses as II they had been card
board. When defeat became certain to Pres
ton the fires commenced. Many declare that
Preston personally fired the Government
house, where the first fire originated, while
Others assert that the Haytien General, Par.
tuzea was the author of the outrage He is
the man who fired Jacamel, in Hayti, some
months ago. There Is thus fair ground for
the belief He is now, together with a com.
panion, close prisoner on board the Galena.
A strong wind was blowing and pande.
monium OF fire, robbery shooting and
misery ensued. All who could flsd on board
the shiIs. Few saved anything. The ma.
chine shops and round house OF the Panama
Railroad Company we're saved, but an inn
mense quantity OF rolling stock was de-
stToyed, together with local machines and
transit cargo. For days. thousands OF the
populace occupied fiat and box cars, which
were hurriedly run out along the track aud
which completely blocked all communica-
ton between the ruined city and Gatun for
more than iorty.eight hours. The United
States marines and sailors are reported to
have acted admirably. Troops from the EGG.
lish gun boat Lilly were also landed, and as
sisted in keeping guard. bnt were Withdrawn
hiAeI TUG NAuut company nhQ IOuuu kuaru
fer the protection OF their houses ana proc.
erly, which had remained intact This guard
caught many OF the plunderers, as did also
the men OF the Galepa; all caught red.
handed were Immediately tried and on the
following day shot Fifty-eight persons,
among whom II Is believed were several in
nocent people, were thus summarily dis.
posed Of
During the fight between the troops which
vent hence and Preston's people, some
twenty or thirty persons were killed. while
many more were wounded. All these were
burned during the hIe, and the charred
bodies OF all yet cucumber the streets. The
flames flashed through the houses, in hun
dreds OF which powder, alcohol, liquors aud
general merchandise we're stored in immense
quantities and the frequent explosions from
which added 10 the horrors oil the scene, the
panic stricken popuace were almost without
provisions or water for two days
The Panama Railroad Company's Superin-
tendent, Mr.. Burt, and the Director OF the
Canal Company, M. Jules Dungler, have
done every thing In their power to alleviate
the misery and distress, and the vessels in
the hay, OF all nationalities were freely
opened to the refugees. While troops reck-
lessly sent from here by General Comma to
tight In the streets OF Colon, thus leading
to the destruction of that town, the streets
OF Panama were resOundiDg with rife shots.
Since the destruction OF Colon an srms.
tice has been agreed upon for thirty days,
and the troops under the orders OF Pre-.
feet, are 10 preserve order.
Some marines are still on shore in Colon,
where many are already clearing away the
ruins pricr to rebuilding.
The land on Mansillo Island is owned by
The Panama railroad, the directors Of which
have determined that the new town shall be
built on a better plan than the old one
On the 4th inst General Aizpurn issued
the following prOclamation:
understand that rumors are being circulated
with the object of disturbing the peace OF mind OF
the Inhabitants OF this city. liz s my duty, there
fore, as do hereby, 10 inform the honorable rep
Tesentatiyes OF friendly powers also ioreig and
natives, that the Government has adopted the
ton of the country and that IL will spare no ef.
forts TO prevent disorders. severely furnishing the
authors OF the crimes that have been, o. will be.
committed. With this end in view all residents.
both foreigners and natives, ought 20 lend their
decided and timely support 10 the government, In
Destroyed by the criminal excuses that have been
committed IN the city OF Colon, the authors OF
Tbe w No e es hal me se is weight ii sne s
Cd BE- re II al give their support 20 the government
and the authori Ties
Considerable excitement has been caused
by The announcement that United States
troops are Ell route for the Isthmus
Ullos, who is now in charge at Aspin wall,
is the man who is reported To have cut the
cable at Buens Ventura fortnight ago. He
did il to prevent news reschipg here OF his
departure with troops for this place. Three
months have elapsed since letters have been
received from the Capital. Much desultoTy
lighting has taken place. IL u said that the
Conservatives have CAPTURED Buens Ventura
and will advance on this place.
Gsitan, In charge of the revolutionary
forces, is closely beseRing Carthsgens. He
has taken possession Of some of the prnci.
pal forts and has been shelliDg the town. Ii
- cd hat al ka hsarU y,
greater part OF the city. The greatest dis
IIess prevails among the inhabitants. Who
are said to be starving How long ths Gov
eminent troops will hold out il is i'm nos .ibe
to predict. The American and English men
of.war have been of the greatest assistance
to the unfortunate garrison. In fact, the
commander OF one Of the latter, Captain