Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-02-26
PANAMA VOLUNTEERS
EAGER FOR CHANCE TO
FIGHT COSTA RICANS


Thousands of Panamanians presented
themselves at the mayors Office today
for the purpose of enrolling for mill
tary service against Costa Rica, as a
result of the appeal issued last night
by President Belixario Porras follow
, ing the receipt of official confirmation
| that Costa Rican troops had occupied
the disputed territory Of Coto. Dor
dering on the Pacific frontier of the
two republics.
On reading a Washington respatch
today to the effect that Charge daft
flares Lefevre had asked the good Of
fees Of the United States in order to
prevent bloodshed. the statement was
authorized at the offices of the presi-
dent that the Panaman government
had not asked for mediation and that
a request of this kind. If made by the
charge. was unauthorized.
President Porras this afternoon is-
sued the following proclamation re-
garding the situation:
During moments when we were
preparing to initiate public works in
: which the republic Is much interested,
| unexpected aggression BY the Costa
Rican government obliges US to drop
| the tools Of labor and hasten to de-
fend the country from humiliation
which the government of a people with
| which we have been cultivating good
relations is trying to infiict.
| That government has desired to put
to the test our dignity as a sovereign
and independent nation, and, despite
/ the suddenness of the attack and our
lack Of war material, we have been
found ready to make all sacrifices for
the purpose Of maintaining our flag
! in the regions belonging to us since
colonial times.
1.-THE Costa Rican government has
dislodged our national authorities in
the district Of Coto which they have
seized. We must meet force with
force, and / expect in this moment
! of supreme sacrifice that party differ
ences shall be forgotten and that
united we shall demonstrate that we
know how to be Panamanians and
subject ourselves to every kind of
sacrifice to maintain the national
dignity"
| Details Of the occupation of Coto
received here say that Colonel Zu-
/, niga Mora arrived at Coto, Monday
fevening on board ship with 100
troops. He commanded Manuel Pin
ION, the Panamanian police inspector
at Coto, to surrender. Pinzon re-
fused to comply, but he offered no re-
sistance and transmitted the news
to the town Of David. capital of Chi
riqui province, whence it was relayed
to Panama. 1t is stated that every
male in Chiriqui Immediately volun-
teered for service.
Reports from Coto assert that Mo-
ra on occupying the town announced
| that he was carrying out his govern
ment's orders for the occupation of
territory awarded Costa Rica under
| the recent arbitration decision hand
ed down by Chief Justice White of
the United States Supreme court He
added that Costa RIGA would not re-
cognize the concession given the mu-
nicipality Of Alanje, where Coto is
| located, to exploit the rich cocoanut
groves in the nearby district of Blu
RIGA.
Archibald Boyd. Mayor of Pana-
ma, issued proclamation this after
noon calling on everybody to deposit
arms in the city hail. where receipt
| would be given for them.
Private dispatches received here
report that two Panamanians at San
Jose. Costa RIGA, were attacked last
night by a mob and sought refuge in
the American legation.
Extra editions Of some Of the news
papers here asserted today that PAN
anna had declared war on Costa RIGA
last night. Thus far, however, the
national assembly had not acted in
this respect.