Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1898-08-04
AN EASY VICTORY.
Spaniards Surrender Port and Town
of Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Demands of Gen. Miles Meet with
Little Resistance-Our Casualties
Are Four Men Wounded-Troopx
Welcomed by Inhabitants.

Washington, July 30.-The results
thus far achieved by Gen. Miles and
Capt. Higginson, in command of the
naval squadron, in the occupation OF
Puerto Rico, have created feeling oil
intense satisfaction among officials OF
the administration. Information re-
ceived Friday directly from Gen. Miles
was very gratifying to the president
and his advisers. 1t indicates, as one
official expressed it, that miles is
cleaning up everything as he goes"
The surrender of Ponce, practically
without struggle, is regarded by the
war officials with especial satisfaction.
In Importance it is the second city of
the island.
The Surrender of Ponce.
Washington, July 3O.-The navy de-
partment has posted the following bull
letin:
''St Thomas. July gu. S. S. Massa-
chusetts. = Ponce, Puerto Rico. July
2S.-Commander Davis, with Dixie, An
napolis, Wasp and Gloucester, left Guanica
July II to blockade Ponce and capture light
ers for United States army. Cities of
Ponce and Playa surrendered to Com
mander Davis upon demand at 2:3O a. m.s
July 2S. American flag hoisted at six a.
M, 2Sth. Spanish garrison evacuated. Pro
visional articles of surrender until occupa-
ton by army; first, garrison to be allowed
to retire; second, civil government to re-
main in force; third, police and fire brig
ade to be maintained without arms; fourth,
captain of port not to be made a prisoner.
Arrived at Ponce from Guanica with
Massachusetts, and Cincinnati Gen. Miles
oy,1 A,,l O.ln
M. 2Sth. Commenced landing army in cap
tured sugar lighters. No resistance. Troops
welcomed by inhabitants; great enthusi-
asm. Captured 60 lighters, 20 sailing ves-
sells and 120 tons of coal.
"(Signed) HIGGINSON."
Washington, July 30.-The Dixie was.
largely manned by the Maryland naval
reserves.
Miles Tells of the Victory.
Washington, July 30.-The war de-
partment has received the following
dispatch from Gen. Miles:
Port Ponce, Puerto Rico, via ST. Thos-
as, July 29.-Secretary Of War, Washing
ton: On the 26th Garretson had spirited
engagement on the skirmish line. Our cas-
ualties, four wounded, all doing well. Span
ish loss, three killed, 13 wounded. Yauca
to-day.
Last evening Commander Davis, of the
Dixie, moved into this port, followed by
Capt. Higginson with his fleet early this
morning. Gen. Wilson, with Ernst's brig
ade. now rapidly disembarking.
Spanish troops are retreating from
southern part of Puerto Rico. Ponce and
der American flag.
1.-The populace received troops and
saluted the flag with wild enthusiasm.
Navy has several prizes, also 20 lighters.
Railway stock partly destroyed now re-
stored. Telegraph communication also
being restored. Cable instruments de-
stroyed. Have sent to Jamaica for others.
This is prosp erous and beautiful coun-
try. The army will soon be in noun
tain region; weather delightful; troops in
best of health and spirits; anticipate no
insurmountable obstacle in future. Re
suits thus far have been accomplished
without the loss of single life.
Port Ponce. Puerto Rico, July 2S.-Secre-
tary Of War, Washington: In the affair
of the 26th, Capt. Edward j. Gibson, COM
pany A, was wounded in the left hip; Capt
]. H. Prior, company l., slightly wounded
in hand; Private James Drummond, COM
pany X, two wounds in neck, and Private
Benjamin F. Bosbick, company L, slight
wound in right arm. All of Sixth Massa-
chusetts. All doing WELL The Spanish re-
treat from this place was precipltous, they
leaving rifles and ammunition in barracks
and 40 or 90 sick in hospital. The people
are enjoying holiday in honor of our ar
rival.
(Signed) MILES.
How Miles Took Guanica.
Washington, July 81. = The war de-
partment at II: 80 p. m. posted the fol-
lowing:
est. Thomas, July 26, 9:35 p. m.--Secre-
tary of War, Washington: Circumstances
were such that I deemed it advisable to
take the harbor of Guanica first, Is miles
west Of Ponce, which was successfully ac-
complished between daylight and III
o'clock. Spaniards surprised. The Glouces-
ter, Commander Wainwright, first en-
tered the harbor; met with slight resist
ance; fired few shots. All the trans
ports are now in the harbor and infantry
and artillery rapidly going ashore This
is a well-protected harbor. Water sum-
GENTLY deep for all transports and heavy
vessels to anchor within 200 yards OF shore.
The Spanish flag was lowered and the
American flag raised at II o'clock to-day.
Capt Higginson, with his fleet, has rem
dered able and earnest assistance. Troops
in good health and best of spirits No
MILES.
major General Commanding Army"
lGuanlCa, the point Oh ueUdihdtioi "
the Puerto Rican expeditionary force, is
small town OF LOCO Inhabitants on ths
southern coast of the island. On a rough
calculation 1t is less than 20 miles air
line distant from Ponce and 60 miles from
San Juan. against which the assault Is to
be directed. Guanica Is about six m1leA
south of Yauco, of which city 1t forms the
port and with which 1t Is connected by q
good road The town is situated on a bay
Of the same name, which forms one of the
best ports in the whole island. The banks
to the right are, steep and form good
natural wharf. Three vessels can lie along
side and unload by means of gang planks.
Vessels of 80 feet draft can enter the bay
easily and proceed close in shore. The con-
spicuous advantage of this port. aside from
the excellent harbor facilities for the
transports. is the utter absence of fortifica-
lions or mines.1
Ordered to Join Camara.
Gibraltar, July 3O.-The Spanish