Milford chronicle., 1885-04-10
TROUBLE ON THE IsTHmUs.
The steamer Colon Seized by Columbia
Insurgents-United States officials Al
rested.


PANAMA, March 81, tss5.-The steamer Colon
was seized at Aspinwall by the revolutionists,
who demanded the delivery OF shipment Of
arms on board for the revolution.
The agents refused delivery Mr.. COnnor
local superintendent of the Pacific Mail Com
pany, was first arrested, aud later the captain
and purser Of the steamer were placed under
arrest on board.
Subsequently Captain Dow, general agent Of
the Pacific Mail Company; Mr.. Wright, the
United States Consul, and lieutenant of the
American man-of-war Galena were arrested
and marched of to the cuartel. They were re-
leased at 6 o'clock, on condition that the arms
should be delivered, and the condition was
complied with.
The American and English war ships did
nothing TO protect foreign interests because the
revolutionary chief declared he would resist
their interference by force The Americans
are indignant at the insult to the flag and the
outrage to their persons and property.
Troops go from here to attack the revolu-
tionists, who, however, are in strong force, and
with the arms from the Colon will probably be
able to control events in their own way and in
their own interests.
United States Consul General Adamson, at
Panama, has telegraphed to the Secretary Of
State as follows:
Preston, the rebel leader, has seized the
Pacific Mail Stean. ship at Colon, imprisoned
the captain, purser, agent Of the company,
Consul Wright and other Americans. l urge
Commander Kane Of the Galena, to rescue
citizens and property at all hazards. Instruc-
tions desired.
Upon receipt of this dispatch the Secretary
Of State and Secretary Of the Navy held a con-
sultation. Secretary Whitney then ordered by
telegraph Admiral Jouett, now at New Or
leans, to proceed to Key West with the Ten
nessee and the Swatara and to await further
instructions. An order was also sent to the
commander Of the Alliance, now at Key West
instructing him TO proceed at once to Aspin-
wall. The Secretary also telegraphed to Com
mander Kane, Of the Galena, which is at As
pinwal, and asked why he had not protected
American citizens and property during the re-
cent trouble. The following is the text Of the
dispatch
You were ordered to AspinWall to protect
American interests and the lives and property
OF American citizens. All that is implied in
these words is expected to be done by you, to
the extent Of the force under your command.
II the Colon has been seized restore her to her
officers if in your power.
The revolutionists, under General Aizpurn,
have been particularly active. Fearful that
Colon would be recaptured by the government
troops, they were determined that the con-
quest should be barren one.
The insurgents set fire to the town in several
places. The fire spread quickly. The inhabi-
tants were panic stricken and abandoned their
houses. The United States and British con-
sulates were among the first buildings to be
burned. No structure Of any Importance, ex-
eept the Pacific mail wharf, escaped the flames
The United States sloop-of-war Galena,
which is lying here sent boats ashore with
men to protect property. The inhabitants
hocked around the sailors inploring assistance.
Many found refuge on board the Galens, and
she is now crowded with unfortunate people,
The condition Of the inhabitants is sad.
They wander about the streets helpless and
shelierless. They have nowhere to go, as the
railroad property and the canal property at
Crispol are the only buildings saved.
The shipping is uninjured, and every avail
able vessel is crowded with men and women.
General Aizpurn, after the town was laid in
ashes, left for Panama. BE declares he will
shoot every American there. He has a large
party of insurgents encamped outside Pam
anna, and may canse a lot of trouble
On March 30, General Barrios attacked the
Salvadorian frontier position, Ell Coco, thus
breaking the promise given by him to the
United States Minister not 10 invade Salvador. |
and commencing operations without deolara- |
ton Of war.
The battle ragged iercely until nightfan, |
when the Salvadorian forces concentrated |
upon Chalchuapa. At daylight on the 3Ist |
lighting commenced around San Lorenzo.
After a severe engagement which lasted ten i
hours the G1atemaan forces under BarriOs /
we're completed routed. Their losses were 4
heavy.