The evening Republican., 1902-09-11
lNSJRCENT VICTORY.
Colombian Government Force
Defeated at Santa Marta.
HORRIBLE ATROCITIES COMMITTED.

Attack of Revolutionists EntireI,
Unexpected-.Larse Force CoIIect-
ing Between Panama and Co.
lon-Business Suspended.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, Sept 18th.
German steamer Valencia, from New
York Aug. % for Cape Haitien ant
other ports, which arrived here from
Santa Marta, capital Of the department
of Magdalena, Colombia, brings new.
of victory at Santa Marta by the Co
lombian revolutionists over the gov
eminent forces.
Captain Gronmeyer Of the Valencia
says that last Friday the reyolutionists
made desperate attack on the out
skirts of Santa Marta. The government
troops were overwhelmed and forced
to retreat, leaving behind them 100
dead. Immediately after the with
drawal of the government forces the
rebels started to destroy the railroad
tracks They derailed several trains
at various points, demoishing engines
and cars, the latter being chiefly fruit
vans. Several lives were also lost in
these wrecks.
Saturday the revolutionsts occupied
the banana district of Senega, where
they continued to wreck the railroad
and at the same time keeping up their
advance toward Santa Marta. When
the Valencia sailed from Santa Marta
MnnInu hn n1,,t;a ;ctt,
near the town that Captain Gronmeyer
could see the flashes of their guns.
Several buildings in Santa Marta were
then blazing, having been ignited by
the few troops left there to oppose the
attack of the reyolutionists. The town
at that time was expected momen-
tarily to surrender
Officers of the Valencia say that hor-
rible atrocities were committed during
the fighting by the rebels, who chiefly
used machetes. Almost all of the gov
eminent troops killed were found along
the railroad track, their bodies being
terribly mutlatcd. They were partial
ly covered by branches of banana
trees.
Santa Marta is entirely cut off from
communication with outside points,
and the residents Of The port have sent
an appeal by sea to Colon for protcc-
ton. 1t is feared that the revolutions
lists will sack Santa Marta when they
capture it. The stores there are closed,
and the greatest terror prevails.
The attack Of the reyolutioniats was
entirely unexpected, and owing to the
superior numbers Of The revolutionists
was half hearted
Tho British steamer William Cliff
has just reached here from Colon, Co
lombia Her officers report considera.
bic activity Oh beth sides Of the 18TH.
mus when the vessel left Colon Mon
day and that the rcvolutionsts had al
ready occupied Culebra, on the rail
road between Panama and Colon, and !
were advancing in strength.
General Benjamin Herrera is said to
be in command Of the revolutionary
forces, which seem to be concentrating |
at point about midway between Pan |
ANA and Colon. There are strong GOV |
eminent forces at both ends Of tn |
railroad, and re-enforcpmpntS are com |
ing in. EreastWorks are being erectet |
at Colon and Panama. Owing to tht |
fact that the government does not |
know where TO expect an attack j |
keeps its soldier. moving along the for
ty miles of railroad
The reyuutionsts gained posScsH;ol
of tuIeln without opposition, uu0
their possession of that point has not
been disturbed. The government i, !
maintaining an attitude Of defense anQ
Il desperate engagement is expected
shortly. Business Oh the isthinus i
suspended, and the people are very
fearful, especially since the revolution
iSt victory at Aqua Dulce.