Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1898-08-03
TUESDAY, JULY 26.

TUESDAY, JULY %.
A detachment OF Gen.
4 Shght Miles army, pushing for
ShTmtSh IN ward from Guanica, where
Porto Rico. the landing was made,
toward the railroad town
OF fanco, had a skirmish with small
number of Spaniards. Four Americans,
all members OF the Sixth Massachusetts,
regiment, were slightly wounded. The
Spaniards were soon driven back. Gen.
Miles reports the Spanish loss as three
killed and thirteen wounded.
THURSDAY, JULY IS.
The American flag was to-
Ponce day raised over the city OF
!Surrenders. Ponce on the south coast OF
Porto Rico, and the largest
on the island, both in population and
commercial Importance.
The surrender was made to the COM
mander OF the little auxiliary gunboat
''Dixie", who had been sent to blockade
the port, and went to perform that duty
without the least suspicion that he WAS to
be honored by receiving the surrender OF
the city. When the "Dixie" and two
other vessels OF the auxiliary fleet APP
peared off Ponce, instead OK armed re-
sistauce they were received with demon-
STATIONS OF joy. The formal terms of sur
render were soon agreed upon, and the
American flag Was raised above the city.
The Spanish garrison, $50 men, retired
in haste from the city, leaving 100 rifles
aud 1900 rounds Of ammunition. Ia the
Ina flr Xt-sra atN iifrIt
twenty sailing vessels, ali OF which We're
seized. The lighters were Immediately
put in use landing troops from the trans
ports which had proceeded from Guanica.
The army also has control OF the rail
road from lanco to Ponce, and the troops
which had been landed at Guaniea and
marched to Vance, proceeded to Ponce by
rail. The army WAS enthusiastically
welcomed by the Porto Ricans, who
yelled themselves hoarse shouting =" I'iran
los Americanos". The day was observed
holiday.
Gen. Miles issued the following procla-
nations:
In the prosecution of the war against the
kingdom of Spain by the people of the I nited
states, IN the cause OF liberty Justice and hu-
mauity, it, military forces have come to oceupy
the island of Porto Rico. They come bearing
the banner of freedom, inspired by noble
purpose to seek the enemies OF government
and Of yours, and to destroy or capture all In
Armed resistance.
They bring you the fostering arms of a free
people, whose greatest power Is justice and hu-
mauity TO all living within their fold. Hence
they release you from your former political rela-
tions, and 1t Is hoped this will be followed by
the cheerful acceptance OF the government of
the United States.
The chief object of the American forces will
be to overthrow the armed authority of Spain
and give the people of your beautiful island
the largest measure of liberty consistent with
this military occupation.
They have not come to make the peo-
pie of the country, who for centuries have been
oppressed; on the contrary they bring protec-
ton not only to yourselves but to your prop
erty. They have come to promote your pros
perity and bestow the immunities and blessings
of our enlightened and liberal institutions and
government 1t is not their purpose to inter.
1erc with existing laws and customs, which are
wholesome and beneficial to the people SO long
they conform to the rules OF the military ad.
mnistrat!on, order and justice. This Ia not a
war of devastation and dissolution, but to
give all within the control of the military and
naval forces the advantages and blessings of
emil htcned civilization.
SATURDAY, JULY 30.
In reply to the
The United States note from Spain
Replies to making peace over
SPANS Peace Note. lures, the United
States to-day for
warded its answer through the French
am bassador, the same source through
which SPANS note was received. The
text OF the United States reply WAS not
made public, the following official state
ment concerning it being issued Tine
reply OF the United States has been hand
ed to NJ. Cam bon, the French ambassador,
representing Spain. 1t would not be
proper to make it public before Spain has
received it,"
SUNDAY, July 81.
This afternoon the ad-
Adrance vance of the American
in Porto Rico. army in Porto Rico
reached the town OF Juan
Diaz, twelve miles from Ponce, on the
road to San Juan. The Americans met no
resistance on the way, and their entry
into the town was an occasion for an en-
thusiastic demonstration on the part of
the Porto Ricans.