The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-02-26
No Intervention by United
States Is Wanted.
Republic VIII Do Own Settling
With Costa Rica
MUNITIONS THE CHIEF NEED
Two Thousand Volunteers
Answer Presidents Call.
Arms Will Be Obtained From
Private Concerns.

Panama, Feb. 26.-Hostilities have
begun between Panaman and Costa
Rican forces in the vicinity of Coto,
on the Pacific end of the frontier be-
tween the two countries it is said in
unofficial advices received here. Of
fetal confirmation of these reports
is lacking. Formal declaration of
war had not been made up until late
last night
More than two thousand men en-
rolled for military service here yester-
day and reports from other parts of
the republic told of citizens volunteer
ing for the army. Two hundred men
left this city yesterday afternoon for
the Costa Rica frontier, ad it is be-
lieved sthe Panaman forces near Coto
or en- route to that place number
about five hundred. These consist of
national police and Volunteers from
Panama City, and Chiriqui province.
No Word from Washington.
The base of Panaman operations
will be in the small town of Progreso,
near Colfo de Dulce which is con-
nected by narrow gauge railway
with small port constructed by the
Panama Sugar company. The town of
Progreso is also the property of the
same corporation. Progreso is the
focus of trails which lead to David,
the capital of the province of Chiriqui,
which is about 80 miles distant from
Coto.
The Panama canal zone administra-
| ton and the United States legation
here had not received instructions from
| Washington last night. A conference
was to be held this afternoon between
President Porras, William Jennings
Price. United States minister, and Col
Jay J. Morrow, acting canal governor.
but 1t was postponed until Monday.
Arms CHIEF Item OF Interest.
Aside from the enthusiasm incident
to the volunteering of men for mill
tary service, chief interest in this city
| centered today around the question OF
arms. 1t was generally believed the
| United States government held several
| Thousand rifles for the Panaman gov
eminent, and it was supposed the vol
unteers would be armed with them.
1t was learned at the United States
| Legation, however, that some 1,50C
rifles taken over from the Panama
government after the signing of the
most of these guns were sold at public
auction here in 1914. the remainder
were shipped.
Want No Intervention.
While the president has been pro-
| ers in raobilizing the Panaman forces
the authority to declare war rests with
the national assembly, which has moi
Iyet acted. ~ s1
A general exodus of Costa Ricans
from Panama is taking place. while
many Panamans who are in Costa RIGA
| are trying to reach Panama.
| While it was stated in official cir
cles here last night that Panama was
much disturbed over the arms situa-
ton, the government had determine ID
| to settle with Costa Rica without in
ttervention by the United States, and
would purchase sufficient arms from
private munitions concerns. If they
| were not available elsewhere.
Wants Rifles Back Now. ~
Washington, Feb 26.-Immediate
return of several thousand rifles seized
| in 1916 by the American authorities
! in the Panama canal zone is asked by
| the government of Panama which de-
sires to use them in repelling the re-
| ported invasion by Costa RIGA.