Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-12-17

colon. Dec. 17.-The United State
cruiser Atlanta, Commander Turner
returned here last night from the dui
az Darien. She discovered on Dec. 10
detachment of Colombian troops num-
herring usually about 500 men, but ac-
cordfng to their statements totaiins
5oo or 1000 men, at Ti.umati on ths
western side of the gulf, just north o.
the mouth of the Atraso river Ine
commander of the Atlanta sent ashore
offieers who conversed With the Coiom-
hdan's commander. The latter pro-
tested energetically against the pres
arca NJ American warships in Colon
him waters, and insomuch as war De
tween Colombia and the United STATES
had not been declared politely re-
ouested the Atlanta to .eave the guii
because IT belonged to Colombia. Com
mander Turner ignored the reanes'
and the Atlanta returned to Colon TO
report to Rear Admiral Coghlan.
The Colombians clearly are busy
with protective strengthening meas
ures Altho they treated the Ameri-
cans courteously they decidedis re-
sent4u the presence Of the Atlanta
handing party. A Colombian force,
composed partly of men. was landed
recently at the Atrato river by the CO.
1omb,an cruisers Cartagena and Gem
eral Pin5on.
Early in the morning OF December
ib the Atlanta sighted q small schoof-
er in the center of the gulf OF Darieh
and followed her to the western snors,
where the schooner attempted to hide
behind an inlet. Lieutenant Perriii. OF
the Atlanta, was ordered to BOARD her.
and thereupon whaleboat was low
cred and pulled towards the schooner.
The correspondent of the Associated
Press accompanied the party. It was
FOUND the schooner had on board 1"o
armed Colombians, commanded py
General Rafeal Novo, who said General
Daniel Ortiz, commander u
the Colombian forces, had large camp
q mile away on the main land NoVo
requested Perrill to land anu CONFER
with Ortiz. Great excitement prevailed
among the Colombians on the whale
boats approach and there We're repeat
ed cries OF viva Colombia and sud
den concentration of 150 Colombian
soldiers on the beach For some mo-
ments the situation appeared danger
GUS and had the appearance of an am
buscade. Ortiz appeared on the beach
when Perrill went ashore, the whale
boat in the meantime lying close to the
beach. Ortiz insisted Perrill should
ny the Colombian flag at the bow of
the whaleboat, or lower the American
nag at her stern. because she. was In
Colombian waters. Perrill replied he
didn't have Colombian flag and re-
fused to lower the stars and stripes.
Ortiz did not insist upon so doing. but
protested in writing against the pres
ence Of Americans in Colombian wa
ters Perrill accepted the protest AMI
conveyed 1t to Commander Tucker,
who handed 1t to Rear Admiral Cogh-
Ian on his arrival here.
During the conference with the CO..
ombians ashore. Perrili was surround
ed by Ortizs staff. while a few pacss
away there was a semi circle of armed
eentinels. The beach in both directions
was also lined with sentinels. Ortiz
did not permit Perrill to leave the
point on the beach where he landed,
While Perrill was awaiting the Col
ombian protest. First Lieutenant Main
waring, commanding the marine guard
OF the Atlanta, rowed up in cutter
for the purpose of communicating with
Perrill and to gain certain military in
forma ton.