FIGHT AT PANAMA.

West Coast Times, Issue 4925, 6 June 1885, Page 1 (Supplement)

FIGHT AT PANAMA.

The U.S. Marines, about 1200 stron?, now on the Isthmus to look after American interests and keep the railroad transit open, were fired on by the Panama soldiery ou April 22. In ths afternoon of April 23> barricades were erected, enclosing the Central and South American Cable Companies, aad great preparations were mode for a fight, but three columno of Americans entered the city at 2.30 the same afternoon, knocking down all obstructions as they passed through the street?, and had full possession in about ten minutes. The Columbian Guards withdrew into their quarters. The American Admiral Joet telegraphed to the Nary Department at Washington as follows :— •" It was absolutely necessary to occupy Panama to protect the transit and American property. The safety of Panama and American interests is secured by this. More Government officials will arrive soon when everything will be turned over to them and we will withdraw."

A New York Tribune special of April 26 says the American troops began to withdraw from the city on the ni«ht of April 25, under agreement with General Aizpara and the French Consul. The evacuation of tbe city has destroyed American prestige on the isthmus, and there was wild rejoicing among the insurgents and their sympathisers. The Americans were tauntingly called cowards.

Experienced naval officers at Washington consider that Admiral Joet acted wisely in withdrawing the troops, and it may become a serious question if the United States cannot be held responsible for damage resulting to merchants in Panama from rioting.

The final settlement of the trouble was by the withdrawal of the revolutionist General Aizapa from the city, which, together with the revolutionary armament, was handed over to General Madaya, who landed on May Ist with an expedition of 850 Government troops. Madaya assumed the military and civil governorship. A great deal of irritation was caused among American residents on the Isthmus by a remark of the French Consul to the effect that tke U.S. Marine wcie scared out of Panama by a protest from Paris. The American Consul demanded a retraction, but the Frenchman denied ever having made the remark. That he did, is proved by his letter to the Commandant of Cuartel, printed and extensively circulated in the city.