Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 November 1901 — HOW COLON WAS CAPTURED [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

HOW COLON WAS CAPTURED

Columbian Forces and City Taken by Surprise. FIGHT LASTS THREE HOURS. American Troop* Landed at Colon Traffic, Across Isthmus of Panama to He Maintained Under Treaty flight*— Mattleshlp lowa on Hand. Colon dispatch: Later reports show that the city of Colon was captured by the Liberal insurgents after a short fight. Twelve or fifteen men were killed, including General Patino of the attacking party, Judge Jean of the criminal court, and several other officials. Thirty or forty were wounded. The United States gunboat Machias landed a force of 100 bluejackets. The sailors are guarding the railroad station. There has been no obstruction of free transit so far. Trains will be crossing the isthmus as usual tomorrow. The city was taken by surprise. On receipt of the news that General Alban, the military commander of the isthmus, had started to attack the Liberals at Chorrera, near Panama, the latter detached 160 men, under General Patino, to attack Colon. This force embarked on board a train bound from Panama to Colon yesterday evening at Las Cascades station, previously cutting off telegraphic communication across the isthmus. On arriving at the outskirts of Colqn, where the government usually maintained a small guard, the Liberals left the train, and in the initial skirmish, which began soon afterward, Patino was killed. The command of the Liberals then devolved on Colonel Frederico Barrera, and they continued their march on Colon, arriving there a few minutes after the train, thus surprising the whole town. Action at Washington. Washington, Nov. 22.—The United States will maintain free transit across the Isthmus of Panama, using force if necessary. The revolutionary leaders at Colon were notified to this effect. The confirmation of the reported capture of Colon by the Columbian Liberals resulted in conferences between Secretary l.ong and Rear Admiral Crowninshield and between the rear admiral and Acting Secretary of. State Dr. Hill. the two last saw President Roosevelt. This was the first time since 1885, when Rear Admiral Jouett opened up transit across the Isthmus of Panama, that communication had actually been stopped. Assistant Secretary Hill cabled Consul General Gudger to notify all parties who are engaged In molesting or interfering with free transit across the isthmus that such interference must cease. Captain Perry, the commander of the battleship lowa, at Panama, was ordered to land marines if necessary for the protection of free transit across the isthmus. He was enjoined to avoid bloodshed if possible. Meanwhile news came that Commander McCrea of the Machias, at Colon, had landed a force of bluejackets and had occupied the railway station. General and Mrs. Corbin have returned to Washington from their bridal tour In New York and Canada.

MAP SHOWING SITUATION OF COLON, WHICH HAS BEEN TAKEN BY COLOMBIAN INSURGENTS.