File No. 822.00/363.
[Untitled]
Quito, February 26, 1914, 2 p.m.
After an hour’s fighting the prisoners at the penitentiary overcame the guards this morning at 10 o’clock, took their arms and are now in control. It is expected that the Government soldiers will attack them this afternoon or to-morrow. The people of Quito are greatly excited and it is believed that unless the Government forces succeed in the coming battle with the prisoners a general plundering of the city will take place. At the request of Mrs. Plaza I have received her three little sons and their nurses in the Legation and shall give them and other proper applicants refuge here until the danger is over. Mrs. Plaza and two daughters are at the Chilean Legation. I will take every precaution to protect the Legation and its inmates from injury. The penitentiary is so strongly constructed and so situated as to make it a fort overlooking the city. I will keep the Department advised.