The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1885-05-01
arson, PILLdGE AND ROBBERY.

Particulars of the Burning Of Colon or As
pi,a,caH- n Scene of Riot and Btoodshed.
Advices By mail from Panama give the story
of the burning OF Colon or Aspinwall 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 Zipburu, 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 20 the
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 Galcna 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 fight About
noon on the Goth men from Panama number
ing some 100 advanced upon the town and a
heavy fire ensued. The scene in the town beg
rectlons, and the terrified populace, abandon
ing their homes and fortunes, were seeking
safely in fight. The town was entirely con-
structed of wood, and the bullets passed
through the houses as If they had been card
board When defeat became certaiu to Pres
ton the fires commenced. Many declare that
Preston personally fired the government house,
where the first fire originated. Preston is now
together with a conn anton close prisoner on
board the Galena. Directly one FIRE started a
l..
strong wind was blowing, and pandemonium |
of fire, robbery, shooting and misery ensued |
All who, could, fl, d on board the ships. Few |
saved anything, and thousands foclled to the |
new town lately built by the canal |
f sompadny on tnt the ground 10 they have
nal. while others took refuge in a few houses
which remained standing on the beach. The
machine shop and round house of the latter
company were saved but an immense quantity
of rolling stock was destroyed, together with
local merchandise and transit cargoes. The
United States marines and sailors are report
ed to have acted admirably. Troops from the
English gunhoat Lilly were also landed and
assisted in keeping guard, but were with
drawn after the canal company had formed q
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 Galena. All caught red-hand-
ed were immediately tried and on the follow
ing Gay SnOt fl1ty-elgnt persons, among
whom it is believed were several innocent per-
sons, were thus summarily dispatched. Dur
ing the fight between the troops which went
hence and Preston's people some twenty Or
thirty were killed, while many more were
All these were burned during the
ire, and the charred remains of all yet encum-
Der the streets. Flames flashed through
houses, in hundreds of which powder, alcohol, 8
liquors and general merchandise were stored :,
n immense quantities. and the frequent explo-
ions from which added terror TO the scene. I
The panic stricken populace were almost with /
nut provisions or water for two days. The c
'anama Railroad Company's superintendent, q
'Ir. G. A. Burt, and the director general of the
canal Company Mr.. Jules Dingler, have done
in their power to alleviate the mis- e
ny and distress, and vessels in the bay Of all {
automobiles were freely opened to the re-
ueees. Whilst the troops recklessly sent from
ere by General Comma to fight in the streets Z
f Colon were thus leading to the destruction p
f that town, the streets of Panama were re- c.
ounding with rifle shots. Conferences had d
cen held during the previous days by the com "
lission sent here to discuss matters with Gen. !,
-izpare. He, however, d, manded the uncon- II
itional surrender of Comma, which was al
nally accomplished after some further sharp
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