Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1898-07-21
STANTON SPECTATOR AND vINDIoAToR

this side of the Atlantic foz the pur-
pose of embarrassing this government
in it's attacks on Porto Rico and
Spain.
The ceremony of hosting the stars
and stripes was worth all the blood and
treasure it cost. Ten thousand people
scene that will live forever in the minds
of all the Americans present.
Finer stage setting for dramatic
episode it would be difficult to imagine.
The palace, picturesque old dwelling
in the Moorish style of architecture,
faces the Plaza de La Reina, the prin-
cipal public square. Opposite rises an
imposing Catholic cathedral. On one
side is d quaint, brilliantly painted
building with broad verandas-the San
Carlos club-on the other building
of much the same description. known
as the Cafe de La Venus.
Across the plaza was drawn up the
Ninth Infantry, headed by the Sixth
Cavalry band. In the street facing the
palace stood a picked troop of the Sec
ond Cavalry, with drawn sabres, under
command of Captain Brett. Massed
on the stone tagging, between the
band and the line of horsemen, were
the brigade commanders of General
Skaters division, with their stats.
On the red-tlled roof of the palace
stood Captain Mckittriek, Lieutenant
Miley and lieutenant Wheeler.
Immediately above them, upon the
arms and the legend 1.-The Alfonso
Kill" All about, pressing against the
veranda rails, crowding to windows
and doors and lining the roofs, were
the people of Santiago, principally wo-
men and non combatants.
As the chimes of the old cathedral
rang out the hour of 10 the infantry
and cavalry presented arms. Every
American took off his hat and Captain
McKittrick hoisted the stars and
stripes.
As the brilliant folds unfurled in a
gentle breeze against cloudless sky
the cavalry band broke into the strains
of THE Star Spangled Banner" max
| ing the American pulse leap and the
American heart thrill with joy.
At the same instant there drifted in
the sound of the distant booming of
Captain Capron's battery, firing a
salute of twenty one guns.
When the music ceased, from all di
rections around our line came floating
across the plaza the strains of the regi-
mental bands and the muffied, hoarse
cheers of our troops. The infantry
came to "order arms q moment later,
after the flag was UP and the band
played Rally Round the Flag Boys
General McKibbin called for three
cheers for General Shafter, which were
given with great enthusiasm, the band
pie yiug Sousa's 1.-The Stars and Stripes
Forever"
The ceremony over, General Shafter
and his staff returned to the American
lines, leaving the city in the possession
of the municipal authorities, subject
to the control of General McKibbin.
The Thirteenth and Ninth Regiments
of infantry will remain in the city to
enforce order and exercise municipal
authority. The Spanish forces are to
encamp outside of our lines.
The list of Spanish surrendered is
%, 769, and does not include about TO-.
600 outside of Santiago. Gen. Shafter
states that he has secured ten million
rounds of Mauser ammunition.
PROSPECTS FOR PEACE.
A late telegram from London says the
Spanish capinet has decided to sue for
peace, and has requested the British am
basSad0r to ascertain the terms that the
United States will -ranIlirp