The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-10-08
1t Was Narrowly Averted
at MalZanillO.
COL. RAY HAD ARRIVED,
But the Spanish Commander Did
Not Want TO Withdraw.
DISPATCH PREVENTED FIGHT.

Manzanillo. Santiago, Oct. s.-One bat
TALON Of Colonel Rays third immunes
arrived Wednesday night at Calioito, en-
route for Manzanillo. Calicito Is a
small port belonging to the Cubans and
surrounded by sugar plantations, a few
miles south OF Manzanilo. The troops
were received With enthusiastic cheers
by the insurgents, who are apparently
lat and hearty. The nsurgent major
In command promptly called upon Col
onel Ray and reported conditions that
are notably better than those prevailing
In most other portions of the province.
lie said he had on hand a quantity of
corn and vegetables. Colonel Ray visit
ed the Ramenos plantation, which is
used by the Cuban camp. and found
valuable machinery undamaged.
Thursday morning Rays command
Manzanillo, To the evident astonishment
Of the Spanish authorities, who claimed
that they had not expected the United
States troops Cor few days. Colonel
Ray. accompanied by Collector Dom
aldson of Santiago and an Interpreter.
visited Colonel Parron, in command of
the local garrison. numbering 200. He
Informed the colonel that he had ar
rived TO take charge of the government
buildings and To assume military COM
mand OF the city In accordance with the
agreement reached between the United
states and Spanish evacuation com
missioners at Havana Colonel Parron.
VINO was exceedingly courteous well
coined the American officer. said he had
received a telegraphic communication
from General Blanco informing him
tnat the date for the American occupa-
ton had been changed TO Oct 10. and
requested Colonel Ray TO cable General |
Lawton at Santiago for further instruc- |
tons. Colonel Ray offered to take over |
the customs house and TO allow the other |
buildings 10 await formal surrender |
until next Tuesday. Colonel Parron |
objected TO this. saying that all or none |
should be delivered. 1t was finally ar
ranged that both commanders should |
telegraph their superiors.
The next question that arose was re-
sarding the landing OF troops. Colonel
Farron wanted Colonel Ray TO pitch his
camp two miles off. for fear Of a clash.
Colonel Ray objected to this, saying that
nc wanted his men in the city and. more
over. to have them on land Friday
fe pledged his word that there would
be no clash so far as his men were con-
cerned. Colonel Parron answered that
ne also could answer for his own gar
rison. but he feared the Cuban element.
The Spanish commander courteousIy Of
Tered the American officer half his ccm-
rfssariat supplies, If necessary. Col
'nel Ray thanked him for the offer. but
ieclined to take advantage OF IT,
Colonel Ray. not having heard from
'eneral Lawton TO the contrary. sent
word to Colonel Parron that in accord
ince with his Instructions he should
march his men 10 the city from the dock
mile away where the United States
transport had moved at the request of
he Spanish commander. and would take
ossession of the public buildings in the
ane OF the United States AtSo'cIock
ne battalion was in motion. with colors
ying. Colonel Ray marched toward
he city. but before the troops reached
ne city gate, Adjutant Collins arrived
18th Colonel Parron's reply. The lat
er SAID he had no objections to sur
the customs house at once
roVlded the American flag was not |
hlsed. Coonel Ray retorted that the
hited states was not accustomed 10 |
ikihs possession without displaying the ,
isignia OF It's sovei eighty. The march /
as then continued. When the troops
assed the guard at the gate. a body of q
: the latter lined up and saluted. The v
port quickly spread through the city q
lat the Americans had arrived with (
'lors flying; and the streets were soon n
lronged by apparently the whole pom p
atfon' men women and children turn y
& out by thousands. as the regiment
arched toward the principal square
here II halted.
AT this point Spanish bugler sounded r
e call TO arms, and the Spanish garri- IA
N turned out TO the number OF 500 men 81
the other side OF the square. Col Il
lel Ray visited Colonel Parron at the 81
Ilace and somewhat stormy inter p
ew took place between them. with the Il
Of an interpreter. The Spanish com. q
ander said he had understood from s,
'lonel Ray that matters were tn re n
ain over until oct TO- and that he NJ
nsldered himself tricked Colonel q
~ explained that he had never said al
ything of that sort: that his instruc- 81
ms were To take possession of the a
" Oct. Z: that he had cabled for fur Inf
er instructions, and, rot having re- IN
Ived any had proceeded to act upon or
} original orders. Thereupon Colonel III
irron said the American troops must in