Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-10-08
ALMOST A FIGHT.
Spanish and American Troops
Clash at ManzanilIo.
Actual Conflict Prevented Only BY
| Col. Rays Goodness.
His Little Force Greatly 0utnumbered Bu
He Carries The Day.

Will be day long to be remembered
in the history of Manzanillo. A fight
was narrowly averted between the
Spanish garrison under Col Parron
andthe United States troops under Col
Ray, who have arrived here from San
tiago to take possession of the city.
At Z o'clock, this morning, Col Ray,
not having heard from Gen. Lawton
to the contrary, sent word by Adjutant
Collins to Col. 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
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 s o'clock, the battalion was in
motion with colors flying. Col. Ray
marched toward the city, but before
the troops reached the city gate, Adju-
tant Collins arrived with Col. Parron's
reply. The latter said he had no OBJ
lection to surrendering the custom
house at once, provided that the Amer
lean flag was not raised. Col. Ray re-
torted that the United States was not
accustomed to taking possession with
out displaying the insigia of it's SOW
ereignity.
The march was then continued to-
ward the city. When the troops pass
ed the guard atthe gate a body of Is of
the latter lined up and saluted. The
report quickly spread through the city
that the Americans had arrived with
axv:,, e,kro
thronged by apparently the whole pop
ulation, men, women and children
turning out by thousands as the regi-
ment marched toward the square,
where it halted.
At this point a Spanish buglar
sounded the call to arms and the Span
ish garrison turned out to the number
of 500 men on the other side of the
square.
Col. Ray visited Col. Parron at the
palace and somewhat stormy inter
view took place between them, with the
aid of Spanish interpreter.
The Spanish commander said he I'M
derstood from Col Ray that matters
were to remain over until Oct. 10, and
that he considered himself tricked.
Col. Ray explained that he had never.
said anything of that sort, that his in
structions were to take possession of
the city on Oct. Z, and that he had
cabled for further instructions and, not
having received any, proceeded to act
upon his original orders.
Thereupon Col. Parron said the
American troops must be removed at
once. Col. Ray Eefused. Col Parron
declared he would use force. Col. Ray
answered:
IF you wish to precipitate further
hostilities with the United States l am
unable to prevent. But so far as 1 am
convened. 1 have certain orders which,
as a soldier, 1 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 upon I believe the men who
are with me are quite able to take care
of themselves, even though little out
numbered and although l am opposed
to all useless waste of life 1 shall face
the issue in any way it suits YOU
ColS Parron said he would immedi-
who allowed the American troops 70
pass the city gate.
Col. Ray retorted: 'If he had refus-
ed should have been under the I'M
pleasant necessity of shooting him and
OF then forcing an entrance"
After considerable discussion and
many requests on the part of Col. Par
ron. that Col. Ray should take his men
out of the city until Gen. Blanco could
be communicated with, it was decided
not to take action until the cable office
had closed at o'clock, this afternoon,
Col. Ray asserting that if within the
time no further instructions had been
received he would take action immedi-
ately before nightfall.
In the meantime the United States
troops were to be marched up to the bar
racks which the Spaniards left, last
night, on departing for Cienfuegos, Col.
Ray conserving to encase the colors out
of Difference to Col. Parron's fear that
the sight of the American flag might ex-
cite 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
just intime to prevent a collision be-
tween their forces. 1t appears that some
Spanish officers who had misundersto God
an order from Col Parron, had just noti-
fled the American troops that they must
leave Immediately. Capt. Frost, in COM
mand during Col. Rays absence. refused
to comply, whereupon he was told that
the blood of his men would be upon their
own heads.
AT this moment Col Ray came up and
Capt. Frost reported the occurrence. Col
Parron promptly ordered his over-zealous
subordinates away.
Then began the march of a mile to the
barracks through the crowded streets
most of the on-lookers being evidently
pro-Spanish, judging from their scowling
looks and uncomplimentary remarks. The
march led around the square. AS the
Americans passed the Spanish garrison
the latter presented arms. The barracks
We're found in a healthy locality and in
good condition. 1t was Col. Rays firm
intention to take action as soon as the
cable closed. and twas evident that the
soldiers on both s..ies were quite ready
to try conclusions, the Spanish officers
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