The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1921-03-01
TWO COSTA R|CANS
DIE IN FIGHT WITH
FORCESOF PANAMA
U. S. Sends Note to Two Gov
ernments Urging That They
Settle Dispute Through
Mediation
BY Associated Press

bt Ahtottsttcu IEprs
Panama, February 2S.-Tw0
Costa Ricans were killed and nine
wounded and two Panamaians
were wounded in fighting mt Coto,
on the Pacific side of Costa Rica-
Panama frontier. The entire Costa
Rican forces which occupied COto
was captured.
Thirty-five additional prisoners were
taken when a Costa Rican launch was
captured by the Panamanians. Their
arms and a machine gun also were
taken.
1t is not known here whether the cas-
Qualities occurred when Coto, which was
seized a week ago by the Costa Ricans,
was retaken by the Panamians, OF
whether they resulted from the engage
ment today when the armed launch was
captured
Coto was reoccuppied by the Panama
ians, headed by force of 100 cavalry
commanded by Col. Laureano Castor.
Another demonstration against Presi-
dent Porras took place this afternoon.
AMERICANS are still guarding the presI-
Dental palace.
Several persons taking part IN Il DEM
opstration before the national palace
shortly before noon we're wounded, one
probably mortally United States soldiers
were then sent to guard the palace. the
central squares and stores, where arms
and Ammunition were available
Crowds gathered this morning in the
center of the city and appointed COM
mittee to wait on President Porras to
demand his resignation because of n
statement made by him for publication
to the effect that war between Panama
and Costa RIGA over valueless land was
an absurdity.
President Porras refused to accede TO
this. whereupon the committee retired
Later a crowd broke into the palace
through the back entrance. Guards fired
and several Of the demonstrators were
wounded.
II has not been learned who called
upon United States authorities for pro-
lection, but soldiers appeared throughout
che city early in the afternoon.
The Star Herald. which published the
Interview With President Porras, mas
been ordered to suppress all mention Oh
political matters
Previous dispatches concerning the
trouble between Costa RIGA and Panama
have contained no references to DEM
onstrations against President Porras, OF
have there been any intimations that
| American forces were guarding the
presidential palace.
u. S. SENDS NOTES
washington, February 2S.--Final
settle ment Of the boundary dispute be-
tween Panama and Costa RIGA 10 pre-
| vent a recurrence OF the armed hos
| tilities which cable advices said mad
ended yesterday with the surranier
Of the Costa Rican toree at Coto, $
sought by the United states in notes
dispatched to the two governments
today by the state department.
The suggestions made by the United
| states do not amount to an offer OF
| m edi ation or arbitration, Under Sec
rotary of state Davis declared today,
but the state department, he ADDED
had expressed firm attitude of OPP
csition TO war as a substitute for ar
bitration as means Of settling the
question.
Although cable advices received
| here today by the Panama legation
stated that the Costa Rican force oc-
Gupying Coto. in the disputed area, had
been surprised and had surrendered,
M account Of the situation was re-
lceiyed from Costa Rican sources. The
state department had not been ad-
iyised. Secretary Davis said, VIII ether
| the occupation Of the territory IN
lcuestion was formal move on the
ipart of Costa Rica or simply the ACT
| Of an Independent expedition OF Costa
| Ricans.
IN any event" Mr.. Davis said. "the
lcosta Rican course Of taking posses
\ sion nv force Of the territory awarded
them by an arbitral decision was not
Itha hest method. The state depart
n:enrs communications to both coun-
tries suggested the advisabili.y OF
Getting together and coming to an
agreement. r
panama's request for the return OF
arms seized by the Canal Zone au-
lthorities in 1916 received by the state
department today, will not be complied
with. Mr.. Davis said. The arms and
ammunition. he stated. had been
! shipped to the United States and sold
and the proceeds returned to Panama
| The Panama force at Coto was indi-
Gated as numbering about $50 men. Of
whom SO were regular. ponce. opposeo
Inv a much smaller force Of Costa
Ricans.
| rha legation message announcing
lthe recovery of the disputed territory
Tread:
| Yesterday the forces Of Panam re-
tcovered Coto where Colonel Iunisa
iand all his troops surrenderei un-
icondltloni,lly No Panaman losses.
Panama. Charge Lefevre said, was
willing to accept COED offices Of the
limited states in settlement with her
Ineighbor but said his government had
advised him overtrures to that END
iwould not meet favorable consldera-
Ition until Costa Rica had Withdrawn
: All troops from the territory claimed
BY Panama.