New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-31
WINNING PORTO RICO.
THE INHABITANTS WELCOME
AMERICAN TROOPS.
SPANISH FORCES WILL PROBABLY BE
CONCENTRATED AT SAN JUAN-SEN-
ENTY LIGHTERS CAPTURED.


transmisslon)- )-The American conquest Of Porto
Rico has begun auspiciously. The Spanish have
abandoned Ponce, the principal port on the
southern coast OF the island, and In many re-
spects It's most progressive city. Last night
General Miles landed. and this morning took
possession and raised the Stars and Stripes. The
inhabitants received the Americans with open
arms. and gave them the widest and most ex-
aggerated welcome, indicating that the popua-
tlon was ripe for the revolt which was pre-
dicted as soon as the American troops touched
the shores
The forces landed al Guanica on Monday have
been moved. and now hold the terminus of the
railway connecting Yauco with Ponce. They
encountered no opposition except on Tuesday
morning at daylight, when the advance skir-
mishers pushed into force of Spaniards occu-
pyine house on the Yauco road. The skirmlsh
ers under a hot fire fell back. and then again
came galantly forward driving the enemy for a
mile from the fcrtifcatlon into the bush. In the
encounter three Americans were wounded: Cap
tain Edward J. Gibbons. Company A, shot In
the left leg: Captain p. A. Bostwick. Company
L. in the left arm slightly. and Private James
Drummond. Company X in the neck. The ene-
my lost three killed and fourteen wounded.
CAPTURE OF THE CITY.
After the action It was believed that the enemy
intended TO contest the advance from Guanica,
and General Miles made preparations TO send
General Wilson's troops to Ponce. with View
Of throwing them between Ponce and the enemy
and closing in on the latter from both directions
He sent word TO Captain Hlggnson. Of the bat
tle-ship Massachusetts, yesterday. to be ready
to cover the landing to-day. An officer accord
ingly was sent ashore yesterday afternoon TO
formally demand the surrender OF the port OF
Ponce three miles from the city Of Ponce The
officer was greatly surprised to learn that not
only the port but the city Of Ponce was ready
to capitulate.
The Spanish commandant. Julison San Mar
tin. with thousand men without artillery. had
been taken completely by surprise by the in
vasion occurring in this quarter. on the advice
Of the British Consul he decided to make no re-
sistance. A force OF marines was Immediately
landed from the Annapolis. and the American
flag was hoisted over the Custom House in the
port of Ponce In the night the Spanish troops
retired from the city along the high road toward
General Macias will eventually concentrate all
the Spanish forces in the island.
In the morning General Miles established head
quarters at the Custom House, and raised the
American flag.
PRIZES IN THE HARBOR.
Among the prizes found in the harbor were
seventy lighte : used in loading sugar on ships.
and these were used instead Of cutters to con-
ba asb. nla
was injured in the debarkation.
The scene when the soldiers reached the
wharves along the water front remarkable.
Thousands OF residents Of the cty men. women
and children lined the water front. and shouts
of 10y and cries Of "Viva los Amcricanos-'
"Buenos das"' and Puerto Rico Libre" greeted
them. The soldiers were received like lbera
tors rather than ntiuders. The redshirted
bomberOs (fremenD came down TO the wharf In
9 body and cheered Justify Captain Lyons. with
Company OF the 18th Regiment. Immediately
marched 10 the city and established a provost
guard in the municipal building. the soldiers
being bilIeted in tn" frescoed and goli-decorated
room OF the alcal1e.
on every hand the greatest satisfaction was
shown. Women dressed themselves In their
brightest gowns. and waved their hands and
smiled as the troops marched through the
streets. Public vehicles did a thriving business
in conveying the curious to the harbor TO view
the American ships. The doors Of the merchant
houses were opened and the whole city present
ed the appearance Of celebrating a festival. The
poor are especially happy
A PICTURESQUE CITY.
The city of Ponce is romantic and picturesque.
with buildings Of old Moorish and Spanish arch
lecture. Its broad plaza and blue pink and green
tinted houses present pleasing appearance. and
its streets are clean and we'll paved. The in
habitants are mostly native Porto Ricans. a
well-denned race. resulting from n blend Of
Spanish and original Caribs. with sprinkling
Of foreigners mostly French and Germans and
a few English and Americans.
All the approaches to the city are carefully
guarded tonight General Henry will effect a
junction with General Wilson here as soon as
possible. and their troops will await the ar
rival Of the other troops now on the way. The
military road to san Juan is broad and well
beaten. and will offer no such difficulty to the
passage Of artillery and supply trains as did
the soggy and almos. unbroken trails Of Cuba
to the advance Of General Shafter.
FIRING NORTH OF PONCE.
The Spanish made a stand at a snail town.
resisting General Henrys advance seven miles
north Of Ponce tonight Artillery fire could lie
seen distinctly as the dispatch boat bearing this
news left the harbor at o'clock IN the even
ing
Information received by General Miles indl-
Gates that there are less than 700 Regulars
and 800 volunteers in the island.
Generals Miles and Wilson with their STATS.
accompanied b. the British. French, German
and Danish consuls. called upon the Acalde
this afternoon. the latter gave them a gracious
welcome and asked 10 be advised as 10 Gen
eral Miless desires with regard TO the govern
ment Of the city General Miles Informed him
that 1t was not his purpose TO interfere In any
way with the local government. and advised
the Acalde 10 conduct his administration as
usual. He said. hC hCwever, that all persons hav-