The evening times., 1898-10-08
American and Spanish Forces
Face TO Face.
TROOPS EAGER TO FIGHT
Colonel Ray Enters MankanillO with
CoIors Flying and Takes Possess
sion Despite the Protest and the
Threats OF CoI"beI Parrcn, Conn
mander of the Spanish Garrison.

ManZdnlllO. n nSnt was IdFfO"lS dNSAN-
ed between the Spanish garrison under
Col. Parron and the American troops
under Col. Ray, who have arrived here
from Santiago TO take possession OF the
city.
The arrival Of the Americans had taken
the Spanish commander 10y surprise and
he had represented TO Col Ray that he
had received word from Gen. Blanco in
forming him that the date for the Ameri-
can occupation had been postponed TO Oc-
tober TO- He requested Col. Ray TO cable
for additional instructions The latter
consented 10 do so, and sent a dispatch
TO Gen. Lawton at Santiago.
Col. Ray, not having heard from Gen.
Lawton to the contrary, at O'Clock this
morning sent word 10y Adjutant Collins to
Col. Parron that, in accordance with his
Instructions, he should march his men 10
the city from the dock, a mile away, where
the American transport Reina de los
Angeles had moved at the request OF Col.
Parron, and would take possession of the
public buildings in the name OF the United
States
The regiment was in motion al o'clock,
with colors flying. Col. Ray marched
toward the city, bat before the troops
reached the city gate Adjutant Collins ar
rived with Col. Parrons reply. The lat
ter said he had no objection 10 surrender
ing the custom house at once provided
the American flag was not raised. Col
Ray retorted that the United States was
not accustomed 10 taking possession
without displaying The insignia of its
sovereignty.
The march was then continued toward
the city. When The troops passed the
guard al the gate body Of twenty-five
Of the latter lined up and saiuted. The
report sooI spread through the city that
the Americans had arrived with colors fly
Ing. and the streets were soon thronEed
by apparently the whole pOpu!ation-men.
women and children turning out by
thousands as the regiment marched to-
ward the principal square, where ii halt
ed.
At this point a Spanish bugler sounded
the call 10 arms, and the Spanish garri-
son turned ont TO the number OF so men
on the other side Of the square.
Col Ray visited Col. ParrOn al The pal
ace, and a somewhat stormy interview
took place between them. with the aid of
an Interpreter. The Spanish commander
said hc had understood from Col. Ray
that matters were to remain over until
October 10 and thar he considered him
self tricked. Col. Ray explained that he
had never said anything of that sort;
that his instructions were TO take pos
session OF the city on October :, and that
he had cabled for further instructions.
and, not having received any. that he
had proceeded to act upon his original
orders.
ThereupOn Col. ParrGn said the Ameri-
can troops must be removed AZ once.
Col Ray refused. Col. Parron declared
he would use force.
'1f you wish 10 precipitate further hos
tilties with the United States ! am un-
able to prevent II. But so far as I am
concerned. have certain orders. which.
as soldier ! am bound to carry out
] appreciate the position in which YOU
ind yourself but am unable to help Won
II the United States troops are fired upon
j believe the men who are with me are
quite abe TO take care Of themselves.
even though little outnumbered: and
although ] am oDpOsed to a useless waste
OF life ] shall face the issue in any way
ii suits vou.'
Col Palron said he would immediately
order the arrest Of the officer who allow
ed the American troops TO pass the city
gate.
Col Ray retorted: IF he had refused
i should have been under the unpleasant
necessity Of shooting him. and Of then
forcing an entrance"
After considerable discussion and many
IftutotS bi lHc part OF Col. BdrrUn than
Col. Ray should take his men out Of the
city until Gen. Blanco could be communi-
Gated with, it was decided not to take ac-
ton until the cable office had closed at
clock, Col. Ray asserting that If at
that time no further instruction had been
received he would take action immediate
ly. before nightfall.
In the meantime the American
troops We're to be marched up to the bar
racks which the Spaniards left last night.
on departing from Cienfuegos. Col Raw
conseuting to encase the colors ont Of
Difference to Col. Parron's fear that the
sight of the American flag might excite
the Spanish element beyond restraint and
SO provoke some overt act leading 10
blOodshed
On leaving the palace the two colonels
walked 10 the square where they arrived
just In time to prevent collision be-
tween their forces. II appears that some
Spanish officer, who had misunderstood
an order from Col Parron had Just mott
lied tie American troops that they must
leave Immediately. Capt Frost. in com
mand during Col Rays absence. refused
10 comply wheroupon he was told that
the blood OF his men would be upon their
own heads
At this moment Col. Ray came ND and
Capt Frost reported the occurrence Col.
Farron promptly ordered his ONer-Zeal-
Gus subordinate 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 scowline
looks and uncomplmeutarily 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.
Ii was Col. Rays firm intention to take
action as soon as soon as the cable clos
ed, and it was evident that the soldiers
on both sides Were quite ready TO try
conclUEons, the Spanish officers especial
ly not taking at all kindly TO evacua-
ti0n.
But some time before the cable closed
Col. Ray received a dispatch from Gen
Wade explaining that the commander of
the Spanish troops at Manzanillo had re-
that the formal evacuation was there
fore, postponed. The American troops
remain in the barracks by permisson Of
Col. Parron.
Have You Cafarrh Taint.-Here's
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Agnews Catarrhal Powder: For years
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until / had procured and used nr 40