Mexico Missouri message. (Mexico, Audrain County, Mo.) 1899-1918, 1903-11-12
Rapid Rice Of
New Republic
Story Of Adroit and Successful
Move by Isthnnians

city OF Panama and the streets we're
crowded with enthusiastic residents
of the City. Governhr ObRidia was
placed under guard, as were also the
military authorities who were consid-
cred q menace to a peaceful solution
Of the change Of regime. Panama uu-
derwent the change as calm as the
quietest citizen could have desired.
The Government gunboat Bogota
shelled the town, but no particular
damage was done. She afterwards
proceeded hastily to sea, presumably
going to Buena Ventura or TumacO.
Peace prevails in Panama.
In Colon the situation was different.
On wednesday morning the inhabi-
tants were surprised TO see the Colon
bian gunboat Cartagena in the bay.
After coming alongside the Pacific
Mail wharf she landed 400 soldiers,
fully armed. These were distributed
about the town and notice was given
that an attack would be made at noon.
Meanwhile General ToVar, who had
come with the troops from the Carta-
gena, proceeded by the morning train
to Panama, where he was Immediately
arrested. Negotiations were then en-
tered into and the release Of General
Tovar was demanded, 50 that be could
return to Colon and consult with the
provisional municipal council. These
negotiations fell through. A special
train was then sent to Panama, with
the Alcalde Of Colon and other on
cials on board, These held a confer
ence with General Tovar, who decided
not to give orders to the troops in
Colon.
Great excitement prevailed here.
Marines landed from the American
gunboat Nashville and took possession
Of the general ofices of the Panama
Railroad Company. The American
employees Of the company were called
upon to defend the railroads property.
Not only the Americans, but all the
employees Of all nationalities respond
ed, and rifles and ammunition were
supplied to the volunteers.
The stores and Offices in the city
had been closed and business was
everywhere suspended. The day pass
ed, and the terror-strIcken communi-
ty retired at night Those who could
moved to safe quarters. Many took
refuge on the American, German and
British steamers alongside the docks.
There being no military to resist any
onslaught which the Government
troops might attempt, the citizens
feared that the vindictiveness of the
soldiery would lead to incendlarism
and looting. Nothing happened.
Meantime the Nashville's marines
barricaded their position with bales
Of cotton. The businesslike demean-
or of Captain Hubbard Of the Nash
vile, who was aided by Major Black
Of the United States Army, inspired
complete confidence and a feeling of
safety was restored.
Troops Quickly Transported.
BY this time the Cartagena had
sailed for an unknown destination.
The energies of the authorities were
then directed to getting the national
troops out Of the territory OF Panama.
This took time, but at o'clock, when
passenger train pulled out of the
railroad yard, the soldiers were with
drawn from the main street, and soon
afterward it was rumored that the
troops would leave. The rumor was
happily true, and 1t was soon known
that Senior Porfirio Melendez, the chief
authority of the new government on
this side of the isthmus, had conclud-
ed an arrangement with the troops.
They embarked on the steamer ORR
noccO Of the Royal Main Line, which
afterward left the dock on her regular
voyage to oartagena, The sigh of re-
lief on their departure was empha-
sized BY the arrival of the American
transport Dixie, with 400 marines on
board. Business was resumed Friday
at 10 o'clock. The nag of the new re-
public was displayed and squad of
armed police marched through the
streets with the new eOlors.
Praise is due to Major Black and
Captain Hubbard OF the Nashville, her
officers and men for their nerve. Their
steadiness saved the situation.
Colombia Yields.
Panama: A cablegram has been
received here from General Reyes,
containing the information that he
has been appointed by the Govern
ment OF Colombia as Peace Commits
BiOner, with the duty OF making ar
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