Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1898-08-05
UNDER AMERICAN FLAG.
Spaniards Surrender the Port and
City Of Ponce, Puerto Rico,
to Our Forces.
DEMAND MEETS WITH NO RESISTANCE.
Entrance OF the Americana IL warm.
" wrlcomed-OId Glory Hoisted-
Gen. Miles Issues q Proclamation
PromisinE to Protect the People,
Gen. Merritt At Manila.

Washington, July so.-The results
thus far achieved by Gen. Miles and
Capt. Higginson, in command OF the
naval squadron, in the occupation OF
Puerto Rico, have created feeling OF
intense satisfaction among officials OF
the administration. Information re-
ceived Friday directly from Gen. Miles
was very gratifying to the president
ind his advisers. 1t indicates, as one
official expressed it, that miles Is
cleaning up everything as he goes"
The surrender Of Ponce. practically
without struggle, IS regarded by the
war officials with especial satisfaction.
In Importance it is the second city Of
the island.
The Surrender Of Ponce.
Washington, July s0.-The navy de-
partment has posted the following bull
lctin:
"st. Thomas, July 81. 8. 8. Mas
sachusetts. - Ponce. Puerto Hico' July
napolis, Wasp and Gloucester, left Guanica
July q to blockade Ponce and capture light
crs. for United States army. Cities OF
Ponce and Playa surrendered to Com
mander Davis upon demand at 1890 q. M.
July Is. American flag hoisted at SIX q.
M. 2Sth Spanish garrison evacuated.
ARRIVED at Ponce from Guanica with
Massachusetts and Cincinnati. Gen. Miles
and Gen. Wilson and transport at GAO a.
m.. 2Sth. Commenced landing army IN cap
tured sugar lighters. No resistance. Troops
welcomed by inhabitants; great enthusi-
asm. Captured 80 lighters. 70 sailing YES
'e Is,ened1 ..H1GG1NsoN."
Washington, July 3o.-The Dixie was
largely manned by the Maryland naval
reserves.
Miles Tells Of the victory.
Washington, July 3O.-The war de.
partment has received tho following
dispatch from Gen. Miles:
port Ponce Puerto Rico. via st. Thorn
as, July 29.-Secretary OF War;. Washing.
ton: On the 26th Garretson had spirited
engagement on the skirmish line Our cas-
ualties, four wounded. all doing we'll Span
isl1 loss, three killed. 10 wounded. Yauca
occupied yesterday. Henry's division there
to-day. -..
"spanish troops are retreating from
southern part OF Puerto Rico. Ponce and
port have population Of $1,000. now un-
der American flag.
"The populace received troops and
saluted the flag with wild enthusiasm.
Navy has several prizes. also 70 lighters.
Railway stock partly destroyed now re-
stored Telegraph communication also
being restored Gable instruments de-
stroyed. Have sent to Jamaica for others.
This is q Q prosperous and beautiful coun-
try. The army will soon be In noun
tai, region; weather delightful; troops In
best of health and spirits; anticipate no
insurmountable obstacle In future. Re-
suits thus far have been accomplished
without the loss Of single life.
NELSON A. MILES. Major General"
Gen. Miles, Proclamation.
Gen. Miles has issued the following
proclamation:
I'm the prosecution Of the war against
the kingdom of Spain by the people Of
the United States, In the cause Of liberty.
Justice and humanity, its military forces
have come TO occupy the island Of Puerto
Rico. They come bearing the banners
Of freedom, inspired by a noble purpose.
to seek the enemies of our government and
Of yours and to destroy or capture all in
armed resistance. They bring you the fos-
tering arms Of a free people, whose great
est power is justice and humanity to all
living within their fold. Hence they re-
lease you from your former political rela-
tons and. 1t is hoped. this will be followed
by your cheerful acceptance OF the gov
eminent OF the United States.
1.-THE chief object OF tho American mill
tary forces will be to overthrow the armed
authority Of Spain and give the people Of
your beautiful island the largest meas
ure Of liberty consistent with this mill
tary occupation. They have not come
to make war on the people Of the coun-
try who for centuries have been op-
pressed. but. on the contrary, to bring
protection not only to yourselves but to
your property. promote your prosperity
and bestow the immunities and blessings
Of our enlightened and liberal institu-
lions and government.
1T IL not their purpose to interfere with
the existing laws and customs, which are
wholesome and beneficial to the people.
30 long az they conform to the rules OF
the military Administered ton. order and JUS
tice This 10 not q war Of devastation and
desolation. but one to give all within the
control of the military and naval forces
the advantages and blessings Of enlight.
ened civilization"