Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-10-08
ALMOST A BATTLE.
American and Spanish Troops Come
within Ace of Conflict.

American and Spanish Troops Come
within Ace of Conflict.
MANzANILLO, october 7.-Afternoon.
A fight was narrowly averted to-day be-
tween tho Spanish garrison. under Colo
mel Parron. and the United States troops,
under Colonel 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, ana
he had represented TO Colonel Ray that
he had received word from General Ban
CO, informing him that the date Tor the
American occupation had been postponed
10 October 10th He requested Colonel
Ray 10 cable for additional instructions.
The latter consented TO do so, and sent
dispatch to General Lawton, at santiago.
At o'clock this morning Colonel Ray
not having heard from General Lawton
10 the contrary, sent word by Adjutant
Collins TO Colonel Parron that, In accord
ance with his instructions. he should
march his men to the city from the dock,
a mile away. where the United states
transport Reina de los Angeles mad
moved. at the request of Colonel Parron,
and would take possession of the public
buildings in the name of the United
States At o'clock the battalion was in
motion. with colors flying.
OBJECTION TO FLAG-RAISING.
Colonel Ray marched toward the city,
but before the troops reached the city
gate Adjutant Collins arrived, with Colo
mel Parron's reply. The latter said he
had no objection to surrendering the GUS
tom-house at once. provided the Ameri-
can flag was not raised. Colonel Ray re-
torted that the United States was not ac-
customed to taking possession without
displaying her insignia Of it's sovereignty.
The march was then continued toward
the city.
When the troops passed the guard at
the gate, a body of twenty-five men. the
latter lined up and saluted. The report
spread through the city that the Ameri-
cans had arrived, with colors flying, and
the streets were soon thronged, as the
regiment marched toward the principal
square, where it halted. AT this point
a Spanish bugler sounded the call to arms,
and the Spanish garrison turned out TO
the number of 800 men, on the other side
OF the square.
STORMY INTERVIEW
Colonel Ray visited Colonel Parron, at
the palace, and a somewhat stormy in
eerview took place between them, with
the aid of an Interpreter. The Spanish
commander said he had understood from
Colonel Ray that matters were TO remain
over until October 10th. and that Re
considered himself tricked. Colonel Ray
explained that he had never said any
thing of that sort; that his instructions
were to take possession of the city on
October 7th; that he had cabied lof
further instructions, and not having re-
ceived any. had proceeded TO act upon his
original orders.
Thereunon. Colonel Parron said the
American troops must be removed at
once
PARRON THREATENS FORCE.
Colonel Ray refused. Colonel Parron
declared he would use force. Colonel Ray
answered: IF you wish 10 precipitaJe
further hostilities with the United States
1 am unable to prevent it, but so far as
I ann concerned. | have certain orders,
which. as a soldier, | am bound to carry
ont. l appreciate the position in Which
vou find Yourself. but am unable to help
Won II the United States troops are
Nred upon. | believe the men VINO arc
With me are quite able to take care OF
themselves, even though little outnun-
bered. and although ! am opposed TO d
useless waste of life | shall face Inc
Issue in any way it suits you.
Colonel Parron said ne would immedl-
atelv order the arrest of the officer VINO
ailowed the American troops to pass the
CITY gate. Colonel Ray retorted, III ne
had refused. ! should have been under
the unpleasant necessity OF shootihs
him, and then forcing an entrance
ACTION POSTPONED.
After considerable discussion and many
reouests on the part of Colonel Parron
tbat Colonel Ray should take ms men
out of the city until General Blanco
could be communicated with, III was ue-
cided not TO take action until the cable
office closed at O'Clock this afternoon,
Colonel Ray asserting that IL az that
time no further instructions had Deen
received. he would take actloh before
nightfall. r...5 c.otos
troons were TO be marched up 10 the
barracks. which the Spaniards LEFT last
night on departing Tor CleniueSos' Colo-
neI Raw consenting TO encase the coiors,
out of Difference to Coiohei i IaIIon "a, a.,
mat the sight of the American nag
might excite the Spanish element beyond
restraint and so provoke some overt act
ieading TO bloodshed.
on leaving the Palace the Two coIonelsS
walked to the square, where they arrived
INST i'm time TO prevent a collision De-
tween their forces.
TROOPS ALMOST IN CONFLICT.
II appears that some Spanish olncer,
who had misunderstood an order IRON
Colonel Parron had Just notiiieu a,,e eme
immediately. Captain Frost in command
dnring Colonel Rays absence, refused 10
comnly. whereupon he was told that the
MOOD of his men would be upon thelr
own heads. At this moment ColoneI Ray
cerna nm and Captain Frost reported the
occurrence. Colonel Parron promptly
ordered his overzealous subordinate
away. oA 90 . ,,ua 20
tho barracks. through the crowded streets,
,nost of the onlookers being evidently
mo -Spanish. Judging from their scowllng
inoLs and uncomplimentary remarks.
The march lsd around the square AS
,hn Americans passed the Spanish gar
riSon the latter presented arms. Inc
harracks were found i'm a healthful To-
caiitv and In good condition.
WADE ORDERS DELAY.
II was Colonel Rays first intention to
- action as soon as the cable Office
cInSed and IL was evident that the SOL
diers on both sides were quite ready 10
trv conclusions. the Spanish officers not
taking at all kindly 10 evacuation. But
some time before the cable once closed,
Colonel Ray received dispatch from
General Wade. explaining that the COM
monder of the Spanish troops at Mama
riIlo had requested a delay until October
INN and that for the present the for
,naI evacuation was postponed.
The United States troops remain in the
barracks. by permission OF Colonel Par
ron.
European Troops In Pekin.
prt<IN october IA detachment OF
s,xtv-six Russian soldiers. with two L
A.rA ri