Show DIAZ DECLARATION The Mexican Congress Pays Barrios n Little Attention Particulars of the Pillaging of the City of Colon Secretary Wliituey Sends Marines to the Scene of Trouble Mexico Irritated by Barrios CITY OF MEXICO via Galveston April 2 Congress convened this evening even-ing The Presidents message warmly opposes the attCmpt of Barrios for a forcible forci-ble unification f the Central American republics There is a strong sympathy for San Salvador and Nicagagua among the members CITY OF MEXICO via Galveston April 2Congress opened last evening and President Diaz in his message says In regard to the attempt of General Barrios against the independence of Central American states there are especial duties imposed on Mexico by its honor and sentiments sen-timents of justice its neighborhood to the belligerents and its peculiar relations rela-tions with the aggressor President Diaz says I answered General Barrios I Bar-rios frankly condemning his act The Mexican people have approved of my action Grave without doubt are the difficulties which international inter-national emergency may produce on account ac-count of the crisis which now afflicts the public treasury nevertheless the executive execu-tive is resolved to sustain the attitude befitting national honor and counts on the patriotic cooperation of Congress to maintain intact the national honor and interests PANAMA April 2The particulars of the battle of Colon and the burning of that city are still meagerly reported The attack upon the rebel chief Preston by the Colombian troops was led by Colonel Ullvas Prestons forces were utterly routed after a severe engagement As soon as Preston became convinced that it would be impossible for him to maintain his position he set fire to the city in various places and then made his escape Only a few of his followers suceeded in getting away with him The city is almost a complete ruin Only three houses are left standing and much distress prevails among the people Everything is quiet here at Panama and there is no serious apprehension of an attack at-tack from the insurgents WASHINGTON April 2In answer to a telegram sent last night to the president of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company New York relative to the number menthe men-the companys vessels can take to Aspin wall without delay the following reply was received this morning We can carry 200 men in the City of Para tomorrow tomor-row at noon and 600 in the Acapulco next Monday Secretary Whitney replied We will ship 200 men by your steamer tomorrow with tents and camp equipage equip-age The Tennessee with Admiral Jourett will leave New Orleans today with an extra ex-tra complement of marines for Aspinwall This will place four ships and between 400 and 500 available men at Aspinwall for land service As Mondays steamer will communicate hereafter men will betaken be-taken from the Brooklyn Navy Yard In reply to a telegram to Commander Kane of the Galena the following was received re-ceived today Transit is closed Steamship I Steam-ship property safe and in my possession pos-session also railroad property at north end of the island It is advisable to send another vessel When it was learned in the Navy Department this morning that the Secretary had determined I deter-mined to protect American interests at the Isthmus by force there was considerable excitement among naval officers on duty here A number of them immediately volunteered their services to go to Aspinwall The selection selec-tion of officers however has been left to a board of detail which convened at 1130 oclock It is understood that Major Charles Haywood of the marine corps who is in charge of the marine barracks at Brooklyn will have immediate command com-mand of the marines Naval officers of rank however Will probably be detailed to command the expedition PORTSMOUTH N H April 2A dispatch dis-patch was received from Secretary Whitney Whit-ney today ordering ninety marines to Brooklyn for Panama They left by the I first train II I I |