The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-03-05


Costa Rican forces, it was learned to-
day.
This action was accepted in official
circles here as foreshadowing Ameri-
can intervention.
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua,
March 5.-Bocas del Toro, capital or
the Panaman province of the same
name and situated at the southern END
of Columbus island, off the east coast
of Panama, has been taken by Costa
Rican forces.
Many casualties were inflicted upon
the Panama troops and the Costa
Ricans took $50 prisoners, it is said in
reports reaching here. Gen. Jorge
Volio is marching from San Jose with
1000 men to the vicinity of Coto on
the Pacific end of the frontier between
Costa Rica and Panama.
Cross Panama Frontier.
Panama, March 5.-Costa Rican
forces have crossed the Panama from
tier and appear to have overrun the
northeastern section of the province
of Bocas del Toro.
After crossing the Sixola river
which forms the boundary between
Costa Rica and Panama, the Costa
Ricans captured the town of Guabito,
and advanced southwark, reaching
Almirante, twenty miles from the
frontier yesterday afternoon.
Unorganized Panaman forces in AL
mirante evacuated the town and re-
treated without opposition.
Bridge Is Blown Up.
A bridge across the Sixola river
owned by the United Fruit company
has been blown up, it is reported.
National defense measures passed
final reading in the national assem-
bly, yesterday afternoon and will be-
come laws upon approval by Presi-
dent Porras.
They authorize, the expenditure of
100000 for arms, the formation of
national army of whatever strength
the president decides and the flotation
of a 100000 internal loan for ten
years at per cent. All men between
the ages of Is and 40 who have been
called to the co1ors will be examined
at once.
Many foreigners in Panama are
joining a legion that is being organ
lied by John Sheridan. Military or
ganization plans here are being held
in allegiance, however. because of the
lack of arms for the soldiers.
President Sends Message.
"If Costa Rica does not abandon her
offensive against Panama" the latter
will be compelled to attack, President
Porras, Panama, declared in a cable
After Panaman forces recap
tured the city of Ccto, Costa Ricans
have attacked our forces three times
failing each time.
'In the first attack, We captured a
big gasoline launch, flag and arms.
The second time. we captured a small
steamer, arms, flag and a great guam
tity of ammunition and many prison.
ers. The third time, we captured an
other gasoline launch, ten prisoners
and great quantities of supplies.
Costa Ricans have invaded the
province of Boca Del Toro, passing the
international bridge and advancing to-
ward Almirante. We did not make
resistance here, in order to avoid dam
aSe to properties and employees of the
United Fruit company, but if Costa
Ricans do not abandon their offensive
we will be compelled to attack them
to defend our territory.
Costa Rica had not made a dec
laration of war. Panama has protested
before the council of the League OF
Nations.
Panama assembly is enacting law
to authorize the government to get ar
interior loan for the national defense
Costa Rica Blames o. S.
San Jose, Costa Rica. March s.
Reports os fighting along the Pana-
man frontier and the announcement
of the death of Colonel Obregon al
Coto have aroused the people of Costa
Rica and large numbers of men are
volunteering for service in the army
1t is said here that Colonel Obregon':
small detachment at Coto was over.
whelmed by a force of 1000 Pana.
mans.
There is some disposition to lay
responsibility for the present situation
on the United States governments, il
being declared that no pressure wa,
brought to bear upon Panama to Sc
cure that country's assent to the from
tier arbitration award handed dowr
in 1914 by Chief Justice White