The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-07-31
PEOPLE OF PONCE REJOICE
WELCOMED THE AMERICANS AS
THEIR LIBERATORS
Spanish Soldiers Precipitately Leave
the Town Upon the Arrival of the
American Troops, but Make II
Stand Seven Miles From Ponce
Police and Firemen Cheer the
Soldiers as They Dfsembark.

PONCE, Porto Rico. Thursday, July
2S (via st. Thomas, July 29l. - The
American conquest Of Porto Rico has
begun auspiciously. The Spaniards
have abandoned Ponce, the principal
port on the southern coast of the ISL
and, and in many respects most pro-
greSSive city. Last night Gen. Miles
landed, and this morning took possess
sion and raised the Stars and Stripes.
The inhabitants received the Amerl-
cans with open arms, and gave them
the widest and most exaggerated well
come, indicating that the population
was ripe for the revolt which was pre-
dicted as soon as the American troops
touched the shore.
The scene when the soldiers reached
the wharveS along the water front was
remarkable. Thousands of residents or
the city, men, women and children, lin
ed the water front and shouts Of JOY
and cries of viva los Amerlcanos,
"Buenos Dias," puerto Rico libre,"
greeted them. The soldiers were re-
ceived like liberators, rather than in
truders. The police and firemen came
down to the wharf in a body and cheer
ed Justify Capt. Lyons, with Company
K, of the Sixteenth regiment, imme-
diateiy marched to the city and es-
tablished proVosts guard in the
municipal building, the soldiers being
billetted in the frescoed and gold deco
rated room of the alcalde.
Or every hand the greatest satisfac-
ton was evidenced. Women adorned
themselves in their brightest gowns
and waved their hands and smiled as
the troops marched through the streets.
Public vehicles did a thriving business
in conveying the curious to the harbor
to view the American ships. The doors
Of the merchant houses were opened
and the whole city presented the ap-
pearance Of celebrating a fete. The
poor are especially rejoiced.
All the approaches to the city are
carefully guarded tonight. Gen. Henry
will effect junction with Gen. Wilson.
here, as soon as possible, and their
troops will await the arrival of the
other troops now on the way. The mill
tary road to San Juan is broad and
Well-beaten and will offer no such diff
Guilty TO the passage Of artillery and
supply trains as did the soggy and al
most unbroken trails of Cuba to the
advance Of Gen. Shafter.
SPANIARDS MAKE A STAND.
The Spanish made stand at a small
town, resisting Gen. Henry's advance,
seven miles north Of Ponce, tonight.
Artillery firing could be seen and
heard distinctly as the dispatch boat
bearing this news left at Z o'clock in
the evening. Information received by
Gen. Miles indicates that there are no
less than 1000 regulars and 5000 vol
unteers in the island.
Gems. Miles and Wilson, with their
staffs, accompanied by the British,
French and Danish consuls, called
upon the alcalde this afternoon. The
ri
and asked to be advised as to Gen.
Miles desires with regard to the gov
eminent Of the city. Gen. Miles in
formed him that it was not his pur-
pose to interfere in any way with the
local government, and advised the al
calde to conduct his administration as
heretofore. He said, however, that all
persons bearing arms given by the
Spanish must give them up or be
treated as enemies. The alcalde said
this should be done. At the conclusion
Of the conference, which was brief,
the American officers stepped to the
balcony Of the municipal building, ov-
erlooking the plaza, where several
thousand people, including the fire de-
partn2ent and a number Of bands
were assembled. The crowd cheered
Gen. Miles, and the American bands
played national airs.
Surgeon Greenleaf said today that
there was no yellow fever in Ponce Or
its vicinity, but there were few
cases Of small poX.
United States Consul Hanna, who is
g. personal friend Of Captain General
Machias, telegraphed to the latter to-
day, urging him to advise the Madrid
government to surrender in the name
Of humanity, as the Americans are
certain Of victory.