The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-08-24
PORTO RICO RESIDENTS
SYSTEMATICALLY DECEIVED AS
TO WAR NEWS
THE SPAN[ARDs INUNDATED
But They Will Swallow Their Pride
and Become Citizens Of the
United States
Associated Press Special Wire

Associated Press Special Wire
NEW YORK, Aug. pa dispatch to the
Herald from Ponce says:
Senior Ramon Lopez. editor Of La Cor
respondencia de Puerto Rico, the principal
journal of the island, which is published in
San Juan, has arrived at Ponce.
"San JUAN" he said, has been cut off
from the world since the war began.
could only print official bulletins issued by
the government regarding the progress Of
the war. 1t was weeks after the battle of
Manila before the government issued a
bulletin admitting defeat.
THE news of the destruction Of Ger
vera's fleet reached San Juan the day after
1t happened, but I was not permitted to
print even a rumor for ten days. Later
Captain-General Macias issued bulletin
stating that six American vessels had been
sunk. He declared the six included two
battleships.
THE truth was never published in San
Juan but the facts leaked out unofficially.
The same secrecy was observed when
Santiago surrendered. Early in the war
the citizens Of San Juan, who are entirely
pro-Spanish, credited the official announce
ments Of victory; but after Santiago fell
they lost hope. Even the most rampant
Spaniards began to admit that Spain was
not able to fight the United States.
Before the Americans landed in Porto
Rico many citizens of San Juan organized
a regiment to defend the island. After the
landing they began to hear stories of the
strength and efficiency of the American
army, and the regiment was disbanded.
We had little news Of the progress Of the
campaign in Porto Rico, but could easily
tell that things were going against the
Spaniards. I was permitted to print moth
ing about the American success. neverthe-
less the fact crept into San Juan, greatly
discouraging the Spaniards among the pop
ulation.
''Macias preserved a bold front and main
tanned his waning authority. For weeks
1 have been expecting to be awakened dur
Ing the night by shells bursting. We feared
bombardment and Siege. Everybody real
lied that the city could not be success
fully defended.
when the news OF peace came every
body rejoiced- Even the Spanish officers
knew the war was hopeless and had better
be brought to an end soon. The terms
caused little modification, but the Span
sh residents seem now to be resigned. They
say now they prefer to be an American
territory rather than a Porto Rican re-
public. Most Of the Spaniards will swallow
their discontinue and remain on the ISL
and and become American citizens.
Those of the better class naturally feel
Inundated, but II the government of the
island is to be changed they prefer to be a
part Of the United States. They expect an
era Of great commercial prosperity from
American rule. They no longer call Amer
leans pigs and towards. The war brought
great respect for the American flag.
ut is reported that natives accused Of
the murder Of Spaniard near Yauco
were arrested.
Yesterday the famous guerrilla Fiagaro,
was captured near Coamo and brought to
jail here. He is accused Of burning the
village Of Colo. He denies his guilt en-
phatically, but admits having slain several
Spanish soldiers while skirminshing in the
mountains. General Macias announced his
intention to detect and punish the per-
petrators Of the GALES massacre"