The Portland daily press., 1898-10-08

Told Elm He Might-Soldiers Almost
Had a Collision While Chiefs Were
Areueing the Question-The Delay
Finally Granted by Order Of Gen.
Wade.
Manzanillo, October 7-Afterneon-
This will be day long to be remembered
In the history of Manzaniilo. A fight
was narrowly averted between the Span
ish garrison under Col. Parron and the
United States troops under Col Ray,
who have arrived here from Santiago to
take possession of the city. At O'Clock
this morning, Col. Ray, not having heard
from Gen. Lawton to the contrary, sent
word by Adlutant Collins to Col. Parron
that in accordance with his instructions,
ae should march his men to the city from
the dock. mile away, where the United
STATES transport Reina de Los Angeles
had moved at the request of Col. Par
ron, and would take possession of the
public buildings in the name of the
United States.
At 8 o'clo,k the battalion was in mo-
tion with colors flying. Col. Ray marched
toward the city, but before the troops
reached the city gate, adjutant Collins ar
rived with Col. Parron's reply. The lat
ter said he had no objection to surrender
ing the customs house at once provided
the American flag was not raised. Col.
Ray retorted that the United States was
not accustomed to taking possession
without displaying the insignia of its
sovereignty.
The march was then continued toward
the city. When the troops passed the
guard at the gate, body of %, the latter
lined up and saluted. The report quick
ly spread through the city that the Anne
ricans had arrived with oolors flying and
the streets were soon thronged by appar-
emily the whole population, men, women
and children, turning out by thousands
as the regiment marched toward the
principal square where 1t halted.
At this point Spanish bugler sounded
the call to arms and the Spanish garrison
turned out to the number of 500 men on
the other side of the square. Col hay
visited Col Parron at the palace and
somewhat stormy interview. took place
between them, with the aid Of an inter
prefer.
The Spanish commander said he under
stood from Col. Ray that matters were
to remain over until October 10, and
that he considered himself tricked. Col.
Kay explained that he had never said any
thing OF that sort, that his instructions
were to take possession OF the city on
October E, and that he had cabled for
further instructions, and not having re-
ceived any, had proceeded to act upon
his original orders.
Thereupon Col. Parron said the Anne
rioan troops must be removed at once.
Col. Ray refused. Col. Parron declared
"If YOU wish to precipitate further hos
tllities with the United States am un
able to prevent it. But SO far as / am
concerned, have certain orders which,
as soldier, am bound to carry out. l
appreciate the position in which you find
yourself, but am unable to help you.
After the United States troops are fired
mon / believe the men who are with
me are quite able to take care OF them
selves, even though little outnumbered,
and although I am opposed to a useless
waste of life I shall face the issue IN any
way it suits you"
Col. Parron said he would immediately
order the arrest of the officers who al
lowed the American troops to pass tne
city gates. es
I should have been under the unpleasant
necessity Of shooting him and OF shen
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 Gen. Blanoo could be commu-
nioated with, 1T was decided not to take
action until the cable office had closed at
6 o'clock this afternoon. Col. Ray assert
ing that If at that time no further IN
structions had been received, he Wouid
take action Immediately before nightfali.
In the meantime The United States troops
were to be marched up to the barracks
which the Spaniards left last night on
departing for Cienfuegos, Col. hay con-
senting to encase the colors out OF defer
ence to Parron's fear that sight OF She
American flag might excite the Spanish
element beyond restraint and so provoke
some overt act leading to bloodshed
On leaving the palace the two colonels
walked to the square, where they arrived