The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-10-08
ALMOST A FIGHT.
A Clash Betwees Asserscans and spaniards
at Manzanillo.


at M~anzanfIlo.
M%anzanillo. Oct. 7.-(Afternoon.)-
This will be a day long to be remem-
bered In the history of M~anzanillo. "A
fight was narrowly averted between
the Spanish garrison, under Colonel
Parron, and the United States troops.
under Colonel Ray, commanding me
battalion Of the third immunes. who
have arrived here from Santiago to
a X possession OF the city.
The arrival Of the Americans had
taken the Spanish commander by sur
prise. and he had represented to Colonel
Ray that he had received word from
General Blanco. informing him that the
date for the American occupation had
been postponed to Oct. 10. He request
ed Colonel Ray to cable for additional
instructions. The latter consented to
do so. and sent a dispatch to General
Lawton at Santiago.
At Z O'Clock this morning, Colonel
Ray. not having heard from General
Adtutant Collins. to Colonel Parron,
that In accordance with his instruc-
tions he should march his men to the
city from the docks. a mile away, where
the United States transport had moved
at the request OF Colonel Parron. and
would take possession of the public
buildings in the name Of the United
States.
At s o'clock the battalion was in mo-
ton with colors flying. Colonel Ray
marched to the city, but before the
troops reached the city gate Adjutant
General Collins arrived with Colonel
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
retorted that the United States vas not
accustomed to taking possession with
out displaying the insignia of its SOW
ereignty.
The march was then continued to-
ward the city. When the troop passed
the guard at the gate, a body Of rs.
lined and saluted. The report soon
spread through the city that the Amer
lean had arrived with colors flying and
the streets were 500 thronged by APP
parently the whole population, men,
women and children turning out by
thousands as the regiment marched
toward the principal square,, where IL
halted. At this point a Spanish bugler
sounded the call to arms; n the
Spanish garrison urned out to the
number of 500 men on the other side
of the quare
Colonel Ray visited Colonel Parron at
the palace and a somewhat stormy in
terview took place between them, with
the aid of an Interpreter.
Colonel Parron said the American
troops must be removed at once. Col
onel Ray refused. Colonel Parron de-
clared he would use force. Colonel Ray
answered: IF you wish to precipitate
further hostilities with the United
States 1 am unable to prevent II. But
SO far as I am concerned. / have certain
orders which. as a soldier. I am bound
to carry out. I appreciate the position
in which you find yourself. but am I'M
able to help you. II the United States
troops are fired upon I believe the men
who are with me are quite able to take
care OF themselves. even though a lit
tie outnumbered and although I am op-
posed to a useless waste of life, I hall
face the issue In any way IL suits you"
Colonel Parron said he would imme-
diately order the arrest OF the officer
who allowed the American troops to
pass the city gate.
Colonel Ray retorted: "If he had refused
7 should have been under the unpleasant
necessity of shooting him and then fore
ing an entrance"
After considerable discussion and many
requests on the part Of Colonel Parron
that Colonel Ray should take his men out
of the city until General Blanco could be
communicated with. IL was decided not
to take action until the cable office should
be closed at 8 O'Clock this evening. Colonel
Ray asserting that II by that time no
further instructions had been received he
would taxi action Immediately before
nightfall.
On leaving the palace the two colonies
walked to the square. where they arrived
just in time to prevent a clash between
their forces.
Some time before the cable closed Col
onel Ray received a dispatch from Cen
eral Wade. explaining that the
err of the Spanish troops at Ma~nzanillo
had requested a delay until Oct. 10. and
that the formal evacuation was therefore.
postponed.