Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1885-04-18
TINE HsrRnUs TROUBLE.
THE BURNING OF COLON.


THE EsrnMUs TROUBLE.
THE BURNING OF COLON.
EEw YoRK, April IL. -Advices by mai
from Panama to the Sth instant are
received. The story of the burning OF
Colon, or Aspinwall, 10 given as follows
A lawyer named Preston seized the on.
portunity in the absence Of the Project
OF Colon with the troops for the purpose
Of meeting Gen. Aizpuere. Who had at
tackled Panama, 10 seize he city of Co
lon. He levied forced loans and col
lected mixed force, which caused
much apprehension among the mer-
chants and citizens. On March 18th
the Pacific Mail steamer Colon arrived
with arms and ammunition. Preston
demanded these arms, and upon a re-
fusal of the demand by the Pacific Mail
officers, he imprisoned them. He sent
word TO the commander of the Galeus
that these prisoners would be released
IL the munitions of war we're delivered
to him, aud that they would be shot if
any marines were landed. Commander
Kane then took charge of the Colsn in
the name of the Uaited states.
Preston subsequently had an engage
ment outside the city with troops from
Panama and was defeated, the Pacific
Mail officers escaping daring the fight.
About noon on March 30th men from
Panama to the number of about
100 advanced on the town, and heavy
firing ensned. The scene in the town
beggafs description. Bullets we're fiy-
ing in all directions and the terrified
populace abandoning their homes and
fortunes. we're seeking safety In fight.
The town was entirely constructed of
wood, and the bullets passed through
the houses as il they had been card
board. when defeat became certain to
Preston the city was set on IRE. Pres
ton is now with many others in close
con hnement. Directly one fire started
dozen were seen in different directions.
A strong wind was blowing and pan
demonium OF FIRE, robbery, shooting and
misery ensusd. Ali who could fed on
board the ships. Few saved anything.
Thousands hoeked to the new town
lately built by the canal company on
ground they have formed at the en-
q ance to the canal, whilst others took
refuge in the few houses which remained
standing on the beach. The machine
shops Of the company we're fortunately
saved, but an immense quantity of roll
ing stock was d. ssroyeG, together with
Iesai merchandise and transit eareoes.
The United states msrinss and sail
ora are reported 20 have acted admira-
bly,. Troops from the English gun boat
Lilly were also landed and assisted In
keeping guard. This guard caught
many 2lunderers, as did also the men of
the Galena. All caught red-hsnded
were immediately tried and on the fol.
lowing day shot. Fifty persons, among
whom IL il believed were several inns-
Dent people, were thus summarily dis
patched. During the fight between the
troops, which went hence. and Preston's
people, some 10 or 30 persons vers kill
ed, while many more we're wounded
All these were burned during the fire
and their charred remains yet incnmbsr
the streets. The flames flashed through
the houses. in hundreds Of which were
powder. Alcohol liquors and general
merchandise we're stirred Ia imm snse
quantities and frequent explosions nd
dsd terror 10 she soenA The panic
stricken populace wcre almost with
eut provisions or water for two
days. The Panama Railroad Company g
Superintendent, MIR. u. A. Bart, and che
Director General Of the canal company
a. Jules DinRleF. have done everything
In their power 10 alleviate misery and
distress, and vessels In tbs bay Of all
nationalities were freely opened 20 ref
ueees.
Whilst the troops reckisssly taken
from here by General Comma 20 figat
In the streets OF Colon were thus lead
ING TO the destruction Of that town, the
streets OF Panama we're resounding
with rifle shots. Conferences had been
held during the day b. commissioners
sent hence 10 discuss matters with Gen.
Aizpusro. He. however, demanded the
unconditional surrender Of General Go
nina. and threatened 10 attack the city
unless he surrendered. Aizpuero sent
notice 70 this effect 10 the foreign Con-
sals. Comma, however, declared that
be VI ul& not accept the challenge, bat
ueuld remain inside the city and await
results. By daylight armed men from
Aixpusro's band had captured the
steeplea Of Santa Maria Church, and
soon drove In Commas ouspests. They
then rushed from the church and from
street corner TO street corner, q heavy
and continuous ride Gre being mean
while kept up. Most OF the houses In
Panama are built Of stone. and afforded
better protection 10 non.cnmhatants
than the buildings in Colon did. ulti-
maseiy the barracks, In which 1onema
had shut hinself, were surrendered. In
all, IL persons were killed and about an
equal number wounded. The attacking
party were orderly and sober. They
were nof soldiers, bnt volunteers, who,
a. they put IL, fought for what they
considered principle. since that date
the city has remained quiet.
Since the destruction Of Colon an ar
laiatics has been agreed or for thirty
DAYS. and the troops, under the orders
OF the prefect appointed by agreement
OF both parties. are 10 preserve order.
some marines are still on shefe in 90
Ion. where many are already clearing
away the ruins prior 10 rebuilding.
Considerable excitement has been
caneed by the announcement that
United States trocpa are en route fos
he isthmus.
UlioA, who 10 nov In charge At Aspin-
vail. b the maa Who 10 reported % have
cnt the cable at Bnena Ventura fort
night ago. He did IL 30 prevent the
news reachinx hefe OF his departure
with troops for this place.
Billy Maheae II an irritable man. and
has the thinnest legs In the world cat