The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1898-10-12
Ray and Spaniards
Have a Little Row.
Fight Narrowly Averted at
Manzanillo.

Mauzanillo, Oct. I, afternoon =
a fight was narrowly averted to-day
between the Spanish garrison under
Col Parron and the United States
troops under Col. Ray, who have
arrived here from Santiago to take
possession of the city.
The arrival Of the Americans had
taken the Spanish commander by
surprise and he had represented to
Col. Ray that be had received word
from Gen. Bianco informing him that
the date for the American occupation
had been postponed to October 10.
he requested Col. Ray to cable for
additional instructions. The latter
consented to do so and sent a dis
patch to Gen. .Lawton at Santiago.
At u o'clock this morning Col Ray
having not heard from Gen. Lawton
to the contrary. sent word by Adj.
Collins to Col Parron that, in accord
ance with his instructions. be should
march his men to the city from the
dock mile away where the United
States transport, Reina de los An
geies, had moved at the request of
Col. Parron, and would take posses.
sion of the public buildings in the
name of the United States.
At 8 O'Clock the battalion was in
motion. with colors flying. Col. Ray
marched toward the city gate, Adj
Collins arrived with Col! Parron's re.
ply. The latter said he had no
objection to surrendering the Gus.
tom house at once, provided the
American flag was not raised Col.
Ray retorted ,ha. the United States
was not accustomed to taking posses
sion without displaying the insignia
of it's sovereignty.
The march was then continued to-
ward the city. When the troops
passed the guard at the gate-a' body
of 25--the latter lined up and saluted
The report spread through the city
that the Americans ha6 arrived with
colors flying and the streets were
soon thronged as the regiment
marched toward the principal square,
where it halted
At this point Spanish bugler
sounded the call to arms /; and the
Spanish garrison turned out to the
nnmber of 500 men On the other side
OF the square. Col Ray visited Col.
Parron at the palace and somewhat
stormy interview took place between
them with the aid Of an interpreter.
The Spanish commander said he had
understood from Col Ray that mat
ters were to remain over until October
10, and that be considered himself
tricked. Col Ray explained that he
had never said anything of the sort !;
that his instructions were to take
possession Of the city on October 7 /;
that be had cabled for further instruc-
tons, and not having received any,
had proceeded to act upon his origi-
nal orders
Thereupon Col. Parron said the
American troops must be removed
at once Col Ray refused Col.
Parron declared he would use force.
Col Ray answered : "lf you wish to
precipitale further bostilities with
the United States, l am unable to
prevent it But so far as | am con
cerned have certain orders, which,
as soldier, am bcuad to carry
out appreciate the position in
which yoc find yourself. hut am
unable TO help you If the United
States troops are fred upon, | believe
the men who are with me are quite
able to take care of themselves. even
though a little outnumbered. and
although am opposed to useless
waste Of life, l shall face the issue in
any way it suits you"
Col. Parron said he would imme.
diateIy order the arrest of the officer
who allowed the American troops to
pass the city gates
Col. Ray retorted: eff he had re.
fused, should have been under the
unpleasant necessity of shooting him
and then forcing an entrance "
After considerable discussion and
many requests on the part Of Col.
Parron that Col. Ray should take his
men out of the city until General
Blanco could be communicated with,
it was decided not to take action uu-
til the cable Office had closed at six
O'Clock this afternoon. COL Ray as.