The Washington times., 1901-10-25
HOSTILlTIES IN COLOMBIA.
Naval Officers Report Conditions Tn
interesting and Unchanged.

communication in regard to hostili-
| ties in Colombia and describing the con-
ditions on the lsthmus of Panama has
| been recef<ed at the Navy Department
from Capt. Thomas Perry. command
| ing the Iowa. dated Panama, October Il.
| Captain Perry says:
Il have the honor to report that the
state of affairs in Panama and on the
isthmus remains Just as quiet ana un-
| interesting as ever. There has been no
| interruption of or interference with the
transit at any time since the incident Of
August last.
Il mentioned in my letter of October
! that the british gunboat lcarus had
left here for Tumaco to investigate the
reported firing upon the Pacihc Steam
Navigation CompanyS steamer Quito,
flying the English flag. by the insurgents
at that place. The Icarus returned tc
Panama on the 10th instant, and the
news she brings is interesting
1t appears that the insurgent forces
under General Perez one night during the
litst week of September. captured Ell
9dorro Island, near Tumaco. his force be-
ing about 1000 strong About so were
Killed on one side and more than IOJ on
the other during the attack. the Govern
ment troops finally retiring to Tumaco
me lnsurgent force has six three FOUNDER
guns, mounted on FL MORO Island, which
completely command the channel leading
to Tumaco With these guns but without
any vessel, the insurgents then estab-
1
the Pacific Steam Navigation Com
p1nys steamer Quito. flying the
English flag, passed on her way to
her regular port Of call-Tumaco-she was
nred upon by the iusurgent force without
warning. one of the three-pounder pro-
lectiles penetrating her side and explod-
ing In the cargo. She subsequently pro-
touched at Tumaco.
When the fcarus arrived at Ell Morro
Island, her commanding officer held an
interview with the insurgent general,
Perez, the result of which was Il salute
of twenty-one guns fired by Perez to the
English flag. hoisted at his headquarters,
and in the presence of several of the lea
rus officers and many of the insurgent
troops; but Perez maintained his right to
continue the blockade, and averred that
he would fire upon anv merchant vessel
attempting to enter Tunaco after warn
ing her not to do So His apology in the
Quito case is given because he had neg
lected to warn.
AT this point desire to state that the
Pacific Steam Navigation Company issued
instructions after the firing on the Quito
that their vessels would not call at Tu-
maco for the presentso there are not like
Iy to arise any complications by further
firing on British vessels
Lieutenant Commander Henry McCrea.
commanding the u. S. s. Machas, under
date of Colon, Republic of Colombia. Oc-
tober II, has made the following report:
There are no material changes in the
condition of affairs here in Colon. though
one hears of wars and rumors of wars at
various points all over the Republic of
Colombia.
From reliable sources learn that the
Liberal leader Diaz. feeling much encour-
aged over the reported successes of his
party at Bocas del TOro. and the well
known discomfort existing among the
Government troops on the Isthmus. due
to their having received no pay for five
weeks. has issued a proclamation calling
upon all loyal Colombians to join him
near Panama, where he has plenty of
arms and ammunition for everybody.
Diaz has also invited General Aiban to
meet him outside the city limits. the only
known reply being that General Alban is
building stone barricades on the outskirts
of Panama toward La Boca-
''All this at Panama. Colon has not
even this much to break the monotony,
everything being most peaceful, and the
normal traffic of peace goes on without
interruption.
Il am pleased to report that we have
no sick, and that the shore doctor says
smallpox has disappeared from Colon en-
tireiy.. OF course, shall continue to take
every precaution to maintain the health
Of the crew, and to that end have ordered
the coal delivered alongside in lighters,
which makes it cost about 10 cents more
per ton