[XXVI-23] In assuming the executive office, Correoso found no money in the treasury. He at once resorted to the device employed by his predecessor Colunje of arresting the prominent citizens of the capital, whom he kept in confinement till they paid the amounts severally demanded. The same outrage was afterward practised in the interior. The result was an increase of poverty from day to day.
[XXVI-24] The government was left for the transaction of local affairs in charge of Juan Mendoza, governor of the capital. Pan., Boletin Ofic., Oct. 9, 1868. During this revolution, the U. S. consul was directed by his government to warn Am. citizens from taking part in the broils of the country. He was also to see that unoffending Americans were not compelled to do military service, or to contribute in the form of forced loans or otherwise. S. F. Call, Dec. 4, 1868; S. F. Times, Dec. 4, 1868. Nevertheless, the government doubled the commercial tax against the solemn protests of foreign consuls, and much foreign property was seized. Pan. Star and Herald, Oct. 24, 1868; Pan., Boletin Ofic., Nov. 14, 1868.
[XXVI-25] The fighting took place between 9 and 12 o'clock of the 12th of Nov. Both sides behaved well, but Correoso's men, having better arms, were victorious. According to Correoso's account there were in all about 200 killed and wounded, Gen. P. Goitia being among the latter. Correoso's Statemt, MS., 6. The negroes with relentless ferocity gave no quarters to the greater part of the prisoners, who were shot. They also plundered to their heart's content. Maldonado, Asuntos Polít. Pan., MS., 25. Arístides Obaldía was slain and his untimely end was much regretted. He was severely wounded early in the action, and his friends took him out of harm's way; but during the route some of Correoso's men discovered and put him to death. His remains were interred with military honors by Correoso's orders. Pan. Star and Herald, Nov. 19, 1868; Pan., Mercantile Chronicle, Nov. 17, 1868; S. F. Times, Dec. 4, 11, 1868; Nic., Gaceta, Nov. 28, 1868.
[XXVI-26] Cervera appointed J. M. Lleras his secretary of state, and on the same day called several officers of the militia to active service, the chief, Col. Rafael Aizpuru, being made comandante gen. of the forces of the state. Gaceta de Pan., Apr. 19, 1873.
[XXVI-27] The farce was performed to have Neira chosen president, and Correoso 1st designado; and then it was expected that the former would after a while resign, and enable the latter to again assume the presidency without violating the constitution. The elections took place as desired. Pan. Star and Herald, Apr. 8, 1873.
[XXVI-28] One hundred men occupied the railway station, and 100 were stationed in the town hall. Capt. Kennedy, of the Brit. war ship Reindeer, offered his coöperation if needed.
[XXVI-29] This arrangement was arrived at through commissioners; namely, Gregorio Miró and Francisco Ardila for the Pichincha no. 8; José Agustin Arango and Florentino Dutari, for Cervera. Pan. Star and Herald, May 10, 13, 1873. Correoso claims that upon hearing in Costa Rica, where he was then accredited as Colombian minister, of the revolution against Neira, he returned in haste to Panamá, and by his influence induced the revolutionists to replace Neira. Statement, MS., 6; S. F. Bulletin, May 19, 26, June 6, 1873; S. F. Alta, May 20, 1873; S. F. Chronicle, May 20, 26, June 7, 18, 1873.
[XXVI-30] The latter resigned the command June 23d, Gaceta de Pan., June 7, July 5, 1873. Aizpuru, who had been kept a prisoner was afterward released.
[XXVI-31] Senators: Pablo Arosemena, B. Correoso, and Agustin Arias. Representatives: Fernando Casanova, Man. de J. Bermudez, Juan C. Carranza, Marcelino Villalaz, and José de la Rosa Jurado. A corresponding number of suplentes or substitutes was also chosen. Gaceta de Pan., July 19, 1873.
[XXVI-32] During its occupation over 500 women and children sought its protection. The whole force retired about the 7th or 8th of October. Pan. Star and Herald, Sept. 25-30, 1873.