The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-30

WASHINGTON. July 29.-The most i'm
portant news received at the War Depart
ment to-day was two cablegrams from
General Miles announcing the excellent
progress being made in southern Porto Rico
and the capture of Ponce. The Navy De-
partment also received a dispatch annou C
ing that the navy had captured the city of
Ponce and landed the forces under General
Miles. Both departments are very much
satisfied with what has been accomplished,
that the rivalry between the army and navy
for honors in the Spanish war is not at an
end The department expects an easy con-
quest of Porto Rico, and, notwithstanding
the overtures for peace made by Spain, the
war will be prosecuted vigorously in that
island The first message from General
Miles was dated Port Ponce, July 29, via
st. Thomas, West Indies It read:
"On the 18th General Garretson had
spirited engagement on the skirmish line.
Our casualties were four wounded all doing
we'll. The Spanish lost three killed and thir-
teen wounded. Yauco was occupied yester-
day. Henry's division went there to-day.
Last evening Commander Davis, of the
Dixie, moved into this port, followed by
Captain Higginson, with his fleet, early this
morning. General Wilson, with Ernsts
brigade, is rapidly disembarking. The
Spanish troops are retreating from the
southern part of Porto Rico. Ponce and its
port have population of $4,000, now under
American flag The populace received the
troops and saluted the flag with wild enthu-
siasm. The navy has several prizes, also
seventy lighters. The railway stock was
partly destroyed, but is now restored. Tele-
graphic communication is also being re-
stored. The cable instruments were de-
This is prosperous and beautiful country.
The army will soon be in the mountain re-
gion. The troops are in best of health and
spirits. Anticipate no insurmountable OBJ
stacles in the future. Results thus for have
been accomplished without the loss Of
life"
THE WOUNDED.
The second cablegram from General Miles
was also dated Port Ponce, July 2S. 1t
gives the casualties in the fight of the 26th
as follows:
CAPT. EDWARD ]. GIBSON, Company
A; wounded in left hip
CAPT. ]. H. PRIER, Company L; slightly
wounded in hand.
PRIVATE JAMES DRUMMOND, Com
pany X; two wounds in neck.
PRIVATE BENJAMIN F. BOsBICK,
Company L. slight wound in right arm. All
the above are members of the Sixth Massa-
chusetts; all are doing well. The general
says: THE Spanish retreat from this place
was precipitous, they leaving rifles and am
munition in the barracks and forty or fifty
sick in hospitals The people are enjoying
a holiday in honor of our arrival"
The Sixth Massachusetts and Sixth Ilu-
nois went to Porto Rico on the Dixie. The
Dixie is largely manned by the Maryland
naval reserves.
The Navy Department posted the follow
ing dispatch from Captain Higginson, of
the battle ship Massachusetts, which was
dated Ponce, Porto Rico, July 2S:
Commander Davis with the Dixie. An
napolis, Wasp and Gloucester, left Guanica
July q to blockade Ponce and capture light
ers for United States army The city of
Ponce and playa surrendered to Commander
Davis on demand at 1890 a. m. July 2S. The
American flag was hoisted at 6 a. m. on the
2Sth. The Spanish garrison evacuated. Pro-
visional articles of surrender until occupa
ton by army: First, garrison to be allowed
to retire; second. civil government to re-
main in force; third, police and fire brigade
to be maintained without arms: fourth. cap
tain of port not to be made prisoner. Ar
rived at Ponce from Guanica with the
Massachusetts and Cincinnati and General
Miles and General Wilson and transports
at $40 a. m. on the 2sth. Commenced land,
resistance. Troops welcomed by inhabi-
tants. Great enthusiasm. Captured sixty
lighters twenty sailing vessels and 12O tons
of COAL"
MILES TO HAVE A CABLE
General Greedy has received information
from Colonel Allen. of his corps. that ar