The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-11-20
COLON FALLS
AFTER A FIGHT
Liberals in Full Control Of
the Colombian City.
THE AMERICAN MARINES LANDED.
Fourteen Natives Killed and Twen-
ty-TwO Wounded Washing
ton Officials Send Orders
to Keep Isthmus Open

COLON. Nov. 2O--A force OF American
marines was landed at the railroad sta
tion here this morning after the city had
fallen into the hands Of the Liberals.
The Battle Brief.
Colon was taken after a short but brisk
fight. although the troops engaged we're
| not numerous.
Last night $50 men engaged passage
from Las Cascadas by rail They REACHED
here at S o'clock. and upon their arrival
there was a great eommotiou-
The insurgents from Las Cascadas in
mediately attacked the defending force.
Killed and Wounded.
There was sharp firing for about an
hour. and during the fight fourteen men
we're killed. an unusually large loss when
the numbers concerned are considered.
Twenty-Five OF the combatants we're
wounded I; is not known how the cas-
ualties were divided between the contend
ing factions.
Town Prefeet a Prisoner
When victory had come 10 their ban
ners the Liberals made the town prefect
a prisoner.
Traffic has not yet been impeaed, but
there are indications Of further and more
serious trouble.
Omcials OF the state and Navy Depart-
ments today received several dispatches
from United States consular officers con-
irming the tidings OF the capture Of Co
Ion by insurgents.
A despatch was received at the Navy
Department from Lieutenant Commander
NcCrea, commanding the gunboat Ma
ehias, TO the same effect Lieutenant
Commander MeCrea promptly landed
United States marines TO take possession
O. the Colon railroad station. IN accord
ance with the treaty obligations to guar
antee free transit across the Isthnus al
al times
Conferred With President.
Following the receipt Of these messages
a conference was held at the 49, House
between the President, Acting Secretary
o. state Hill. anu Rear Admiral Crown
iushield. Chief Of the Naval Bureau Of
Navigation. The conference resulted in
the despatch OF Instructions to the Unit
ed States Consul General at Panama. and
Captain Perry, OF the battIeship Iowa
at the same place. 10 insist that free
transit across the Isthmus be preserved.
and TO use the naval forces Of the Unit
ed States to prevent any interruption OF
it.
The first despatch received by the state
Department in regard TO activity OF the
Insurgents at Colon did not mentica the
capture OF that place Il was apparently
sent before the town was taken
Mr. Gudger's Message.
This message Was from Consul General
Gudger at Panama In It he said that "a
considerable number" Of Liberals had
taken possession Of the traus-isthmian
railroad AT a certain point. cut he teIe-
graph wire and removed a rail In a later
despatch Mr. Gudger reported that Colon
had been taken.
Further information came from Mr..
Malmros. the United States Consul N
Colon He telegraphed that Colon had
been taken by the rebels last night. and
while all business was suspended. transit
across the isthmUs was not interrupted.
and American life and property were safe
and not likely TO be endangered
The despatch from Lieutenant Com
maDder McCrea notified the Navy De-
partment Of his action in landing ma
Tines 10 take possession Of the telegraph
Office
Precedent for Landing Troops
In their interview with the President
which took place in the Presiden-.s Office
Mr. Hill and Admiral Crowninsh5e-d sx-
plained the situation on the fsthmus with
particular reference TO the prompt action
Of Lieutenant Commander NcCrea in land
ing his men. Authority for that course is.
found in the treaty between the United
States and New Grenada. now the United
states Of Colombia. by which this Gov
eminent obIigat=s itself TO Keep transit
across the isthmus open at all times.
American marines we're landed there IN
the revolution OF 1855.
Since the outbreak OF the present insur-
rectiouary movement frequent notice has
been given to the inhabitants Of the 18th
mus and the Liberal forces by Consul
General GudgeT that the United states
Government would adhere strictly 10 lis
treaty obligations. and that trouble would
be avoided by armed bands if railroad
traffic were permitted TO proceed without
Interference
McCreH'S Course Approved.
President Roosevelt approved the
course Of Lieutenant Commander McCrea
and gave authority for sending instruc-
lions TO Mr. Gudser 10 notify an parties
who are engaged in moIesting or inter
fering wiki free transit across the 18th
mus that such Interference cease. and
directing him TO consult with Captain
Perry, OF the Iowa.
Instructions Of the same character were
sent TO Captain Perry. who was directed
also to land marines II necessary for the
protection Of American citizens and Sc
cure the preservation Of free transit in
accordance with the treaty rights and OBJ
legations OF the United States. at the