Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1902-01-24
FIERCE NAVAL FIGHT
Colombian and Insurgent Vessels
Have an Engagement.
Government Wnrship Lnutnro Is
sunIS-Heavy Loss OF Life Report
ed Gen. AIbnn, Colombian
Leader. Is Killed.

Panama, Colombia, Jan. 21.-Mak-
ing their long-eXpected attack on
Panama from the sea Monday morn
ing, the Colombian liberals, or eX-
revolutionists, precipitated within the
sight of the citizens a naval battle
greater than Panama has seen in
many years. They set on fire and
sank the Lautaro, n government ship,
and one of their vessels the Darien,
was beached. There was heavy loss
in killed and wounded, especially on
the government side. Sailors from
the United States cruiser rescued
many of the wounded.
Gen. AIban Killed.
More far-reaching in effect perhaps
than the naval fight is expected to be
the death of Gen. Alban the civil and
military governor of Panama and the
northern coast of Colombia and prac-
tically dictator in his district. He
was killed leading his men in person
on the steamer Lautaro, which only
a few days ago was seized from
Chilian company. Standing on the
quarter deck, encouraging his men
after the ship was afire, he was
struck by bullet from rebel gun
boat. He died quickly, and not long
afterward his men were in full re-
treat from the burning ship. She was
deserted by her crew within an hour
after they lost the inspiration of
Gen. Alban's leadership.
Taken by Surprise.
Slipping into Panama bay Monday
morning at six o'clock, the revolu-
tionary vessels Almirante Padilla,
Salvadorean gunboat, the Darien and
the Guiteau practically surprised the
Lautaro, the largest of the govern
ment ships. The Padilla, which has
an excellent equipment of rapid-fire
guns, went close TO the Lautaro. and
before that ship could make effective
reply to the fire killed or wounded
scores of the Lautaro's crew.
The Darien and Guiteau started in
the direction of n long government
sea wharf near the city. This wharf
had been fortified by Alban as the re-
suit of the capture recently of a let
ter that outlined the insurgents
plan.
With the Boyaca, which had been
chartered from the Panama Canal
company, absent getting troops at
Chiriqui, the only other government
vessel effective was the Chicuito,
which had been chartered from the
Pacific Steam Navigation company.
The Chicuito attempted To cut Off
the Darien and Guiteau, and the Pa
dilla sent three shots from her
heaviest guns at the Chicuito. This
vessel replied with rapid-fire guns,
and the Padilla moved away Il little,
evidently inconvenienced.
Moving Off. the Padilla got within
range of the guns of Las Bovedas, a
fortress. and several shots fell close
to the ship. So far as could be seen
there was no evidence that the vessel
was struck, except that she moved
slowly after the exchange with the
Chicuito. There was n great deal of
maneuvering, without any damage be-
ing done.
Trcnchery Suspected.
Fire appeared on the Lautaro about
ten o'clock. or one hour before Gen.
Alban was killed on her decks. The yes
sci was practically deserted afterward
and by IL o'clock many of her dead were
being buried in Panama. The fire grew
in strength rapidly and within an hour
after the generals death drove the las
faithful ones off the ship. II was ru-
mored here that the Lautaro was fired
as the result of treachery.
Americans Extend Ala.
Shooting ceased about the time the
fire gained sway over the Lautaro, and
the revolutionst ship Darieu then
steamed close to the United States
steamship Philadelphia. American
sailors were by that time busy rowing
to the Lautaro and taking off the
wounded and fugitives from the fire
The men from the United States shiI
next endeavored TO extinguish the fire
on the Lautaro, but failed.
The Darien, it seems. asked for aid
as she later went ashore. About two
o'clock, despite all efforts to save her
the Lautaro sank. There was great
excitement in the city meanwhile, the
troops being busy throwing up en-
trenchments and the citizens crowding
all available points in the hope of get
ting good views of the battle.
Snow VIII Help Wheat.
Lincoln, Neb., Jan. 21-Beginninn