Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-11-26
FIGHTING ON THE ISTHMUS
GOVERNMENT FORCES AND REBELS
CLASH AT EMPIRE.
Not Certain Which Side Had the Best
of 1t - Marine Guard.
Ing Trains.

dispatch from Colon last night says:
There has been fierce fighting at Empire
station, on the railroad line between Pana-
ma and Colon, between the insurgents and
the troops of the Colombian government,
| with heavy losses on both sides.
There is no jubilation, which is evidence
that the liberal army is not advancing to-
ward Panama. 1t is reported to have been
defeated at Matachin by General Alban S
command. The latter is said to be pushing
on Colon
An armed guard of marines from the
United States battle ship Iowa has Ee-es-
tablished the transit across the isthmus
and details from the Iowa's marines are
now protecting each passenger train.
The government gunboat General Pinzon
left her anchorage, close to the other war
ships last night, and has not yet returned.
Her whereabouts is unknown.
At conference held at 1 o'clock this
morning on board the British cruiser Tri-
bune, at which General Ignacio Feiaco
Senior de la Rosa, secretary to General Diaz,
and the commanders of the foreign war
ships were present, the general agreed, at
the request of the naval commanders, and
on the ground of humanity. having in view
the large foreign population of Colon, not
to land troops here or open fire. on the town
before o'clock Friday evening.
GunbOat Needs Supplies.
The gunboat is badly off for provisions
and the commanders of all the warships
agreed to supply her with the necessary
stores.
According to reports from Panama re-
ceived here this afternoon, the schooner
Clapet and a barge returned there yester-
day, bringing $50 men from Chorrera, be-
ing the remainder of General Adams ex-
petition.
Great crowds gathered at the wharf to
witness the landing Of the soldiers They
were received with bands of music, but the
music sounded mournful and the airs
sounded more like a funeral march than
the joyful strains of welcome to a vic
toriOus army. General Alban looks his
usual calm self and acted more like man
on whose hands time hangs heavily for
want of something to do than one coping
with grave responsibilities under trying
circumstances.
Gen. AIban Leaves Panama.
At $3.50 o'clock yesterday afternoon, at
the head of 700 men, General Alban left
Panama by train for Empire station, where
the liberals were reported to be in fairly
strong numbers. His purpose was to sur
prise and rout them. The train bearing
these troops was held up just before it's ar
rival at Culebra station, owing to the lib
erals opening fire on Adams advance
guard. Alban disembarked his men from
the train, which returned to Panama The
fighting at Culebra lasted from 4:40 until
pm.
The Revs. Loveridge and Jacobs, Baptist
and Wesleyan ministers, respectively, mar
rowly escaped being shot. Their house in
Culebra was riddled with bullets.
The government troops advanced and
the fighting was stubborn all along the
railroad line until Empire station, a mile
and a half distant, was reached. The lib
erals retreated slowly, Adams men fol-
lowing them until the latter eventually
reached Matachin station. Here General
ry of the Iowa, who was returning from
Colon on an armored train. 1t Is under
stood that Perry will not allow the railroad
to transport troops, consequently General
ahead on foot. 1t is said here that they
thus reached San Pablo, where the liber-
ais are in force and that fighting is taking
place there. The liberals are under the
command of General Lugo. s+.t
Dead and Wounded Seen.
Between the stations of Culebra and EN-
pire over $50 killed and wounded men could
be seen along the track The sight was
gruesome. There is no proper Red Cross
organization and the wounded lack care.
The liberals at Colon declare the major
servative troops, and that the rebels are
still in force along the railroad.
Three hundred of the Iowa's marines were
landed at 80 yesterday afternoon at Pan
anna to protect the property of the railroad
and to insure the continuance Of transit
across the isthmus.
In government circles in Panama there
Is still entire confidence in General Alban,
and it is believed there that this conserva-
tive general is able to cope with the pres
ent situation and successfully overcome the
apparently unsurmountable difficulties be-
fore him.
1t is estimated the conservative govern
ment has 400 men at Panama.
The breastworks on the railroad bridge
that leads into Panama, well as those
erected inside the city, have been demol-
ished by the government.