PANAMA.
(PBOM THE PANAMA STAB AND HERALD, JUNE 29.) * On Saturday night, about half-past ten, a party of about 150 men, under one Segurbia, entered the city in small squads, armed withniatches, and proceeded to the barracks, with the intention of seizing the arms there, and afterwards capturing the guard at Las Monjas, and finally possessing themselves of the city. Their movements were well known to the authorities, and the rebels were intentionally led into a trap, where many of them were killed and the rest taken prisoners. This revolution, it appears, has been in contemplation for some time past, and, from what we can learn, was directed by a Venezue- I lan, General Level de Goda. This person ! had made overtures to Colonel Villareal, in charge of Las Monjas, and promised him promotion if the rebels succeeded. The latter appeared to agree to the proposition, and it was arranged that 200 stand of arms and ammunition should be placed in the barracks, and the place left unguarded, so that when the revolutionists came into the city they could go direct there and arm themselves. Meanwhile Colonel Villareal informed the authorities of what was going on, and to encourage the rebels into the snare set for them, sent the arms into the cuartel in daylight. General Olarte, in command of the troops stationed at Campo J Allegro, was also notified of the movement, and at daik had his troops moved in the outskirts of the town, to await the movements of the enemy. The plans of the Government were well arranged, and everything kept so quiet that all suspicion was removed from the minds of the insurgents, who, as we have stated, entered the city unopposed, in the confident expectation that Colonel Villareal and his men would join them, and the Government fall an easy and bloodless conquest into their hands. On reaching the barracks and taking possession of the arms, they soon discovered that the cartridges furnished them were too large for the muskets, and whilst they were engaged in the attempt to hammer the bullets into the barrels, General Olarte's troops pounced on them, and as they tried to escape from what proved to be their prison, shot' down a number of them. Six of the rebels and one soldier; whose head was cut open in a fearful way, were killed on the spot ; others fell over the wall into the sea, and were either washed away by the tide or carried off by their friends, and some twenty were badly wounded, besides about 100 taken prisoners. Outside the walls, also, where a Government guard was stationed, several persons were shot, among them an unfortunate Jamaica woman, who, whilst sitting at her door, had a ball pass right through her head, killing her instantly. So far as we can learn, about seventeen persons, all colored people, were killed, altogether, though there may be many more who have not been heard of. Among them are Segurbia and Buril, both ringleaders, and very troublesome people, who are well out of the way. Among the prisoners is General Level de Goda, who was captured at the time of the outbreak, whilst in the act of asking Colonel Villareal to hand over the keys of the barracks and magazine to him, and Mr Thomas Casis, editor of '"La Cronica, 1 ' of this city. We learn that the latter gave as an excuse for being found in company with the rebel leaders, the fac f that he was rather inebriated. On the following morning, Mr Victor Plise and Mr Cajar were arrested on suspicion of being promoters of the revolt, and Dr Manuel Morro was also arrested, but it is reported that he succeeded in making his escape to Central America, on the Guatemala, yesterday* Great credit is given to General Olarte for the shrewdness and energy displayed by him in quelling the uprising with such promptitude and quietness , the whole affair not occupying over twenty minutes ; and, it is said, had he not interfered, the whole of the rebel forces would have been slaughtered in the barracks by his enraged soldiers, as they were perfectly helpless, being armed only with knives. We trust the sudden check given to this uprising against the Government will be the means of keeping our city quiet for some time to come, as it is very evident the Commander-in- Chief is determined to have no child's play with those who attempt to trifle with his soldiers or disturb the tranquility of the isthmus. The , official account, published at a late hour yesterday, gives no information of importance regarding the revolution.
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Bibliographic details
West Coast Times, Issue 247, 7 July 1866, Page 3
Word Count
773PANAMA. West Coast Times, Issue 247, 7 July 1866, Page 3
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