Your ShelfYour Projects

COLOMBIA

13%

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 3, 1901

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 78, No. 49.

Read the full edition

COLOMBIA.

By F. J. HUTCHINS

BOCAS DEL TORO.—The situation in this part of Colombia is now changed considerably. Last Friday night, September 13, the government soldiers made a landing on Old Bank side, by means of canoes and small boats. They divided their forces into three companies, and about noon on Sabbath attacked the rebels in their stronghold. We could hear the shooting, the volleys pouring in on both sides almost all the afternoon. At the same time that the soldiers made their attack on the rear, the marines, in their launches, came at them from the bay, so that the rebels were surrounded.
They retreated, and at midnight the government soldiers had the entire situation at their mercy. Their mercy was very unmerciful. They looted every house in Old Bank, whether of foreigner or native. They turned everything upside down, and took everything they could make use of. All the men had left the place but a few, and these were taken prisoners and their houses wrecked. The few women that were left were made to stand aside, while their homes were plundered.
In the morning the general came over, and declared the port open. So we went over to see the situation. The soldiers met us on the wharf, and we were welcome to go about the place, and see all. It was a pitiable sight—houses broken open, and desolation and destruction of household property everywhere. Twenty-four had been killed on one side, and eighteen on the other. They were thrown into the sea for a burial. The rebels seem to be scattered for the present, and many think that we will have better times now for a while.
Though it is sad to see men killed who are unprepared for the life to come, this was the sure outcome of the situation, and we are thankful the suspense is broken for the present. While we do not participate in the spirit of warfare on either side, we are glad to see things shaping again, seemingly, for the better, so that we may carry on the work of the Master, in laboring for the salvation of perishing souls.
It is hoped that in a few days we will be safe to go about as usual. We had our first evening meeting last night, but the people are so stirred up over war news, that we had a very small attendance. I suppose it will take several days for the excitement to wear off. May the Lord help us to improve the minutes, if we have granted to us another time in which we can work unmolested. Some of the leading men here think that the government will soon have the revolution put down, and things will be better. We do not know how to judge, so will have to wait and see. I hope that peace will be restored, and that things may brighten up a little for the sake of all.
We have been spared from all dangers and losses so far, and we still trust in the power of God for safety.
F. J. HUTCHINS.