The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-08-02
FROM PORTO RICO
THE ADVANCE UPON SAN JUAN
COMMENCED
A SURRENDER IS PROBABLE
The Dixie Sings Shot at the Fort
But Gets No Reply-Spanish Vol
unteers Continue to Desert
Associated Press Special wirs

Associated Press Special Wirs
ST. THOMAS, D. w. l., Aug. 1, s p. M
Copyright, 1898, by the Associated Press. !
The American troops have reached Coamo,
about 16 miles northeast Of Ponce, on the
road to San Juan. Thus far they have met
with no resistance.
1t is believed that Gen. Miles has sue
ceeded in his plan of intercepting the troop
transports before they reached the point
In Eastern Porto Rico originally selected
for their landing, and in diverting them to
the excellent harbor he has secured.
The Dixie's Def
ST. THOMAS, d. w. l.. Aug. 1. The
United States auxiliary cruiser Dixie left
here Saturday morning for Ponce. She
secuted along the north coast of Porto
Rico, spoke the Prairie, Montgomery, Pur-
itan, New Orleans and four transports,
overhauled an English bark, and, passing
IN close to San Juan, fired defiant six
pound shot, striking the base of Ell Moro.
The Spaniards made no reply. In the
entrance to San Juan harbor the Dixie saw
two masts and chimney, evidently those
OF steamer sunk by the Spaniards TO
block the passage.
The Dixie arrived at Ponce Saturday
evening. where she found the Columbia,
Massachusetts, Cincinnati, Gloucester and
ten transports. The cruiser New Orleans
arrived here yesterday Sunday, accom-
panied by collier. The latter remained off
the harbor, the New Orleans signaling her
not to enter, as the cruiser would not be
permitted to take her coal. Later in the
day the collier proceeded westward.
Going to Pieces
PONCE, Porto Rico, July 81, 10 a. M, by
Associated Press dispatch boat. via st.
Thomas, D. w. l., Aug. l, a. m.-(Copy-
right, 1898, by the Associated Press.) In
spite of the brave words of the pronuncia-
miento of Captain General Macias, Spanish
power In Porto Rico is rapidly crufnblng.
Mr.. p. Hanna, United States consul at San
Juan until the war was declared, gives the
Associated Press the following text Of
dispatch received by him today by Span
ish official in the northern part of the
islands:
Resistance Is impossible. The volunteers
have refused to march and we have no
ammunition.
Mr.. Hanna declined to give the name of
his informant, but 1t Is known that he has
excellent secret sources of information. He
has all along insisted that the native Porto
Ricans were eager for a change from Span
ish to American rule and that the only
danger in the island was found in the Span
ish regiments under the command of the
captain general.
Gen. Miles has not yet directed general
forward movement in advance of the ar
rival of the main body of the troops.
Col Hulings Is still at the front and to-
day occupied Juan Diaz, the first important
town on the road to San Juan. The fn11ab-
itants. crazy with delight, met the troops
with home made American flags.
Col. Hulings assured them that their
lives and property would be protected.
Pickets have been thrown out today In
order to feel for the enemy. Deserters from
the volunteers, who are coming in con-
stantly, report that there Is small force
of Spanish regulars at Cosmo, on the road
to San Juan. They also say that Gen.
Otega is on the way with reinforcements,
and that the main body Of regulars is con-
centratlng at Albointo. A small skirmish
recently occurred at Fortuna, between a
few regulars who were foraging and the
residents Of the village. Today 1870 volun-
teers, including fifteen officers have signed
the parole.
At Guayamo, twenty-seven miles east
of Ponce, Spanish regulars, under instruc-
tons from the captain general, seized the
funds Of the town. The Inhabitants re-
sisted and Gen. Miles was appealed to for
help. He Arst advised naval demonstra-
ton In front Of the town. 1T is possible that
this will be made tomorrow. Troops may
be sent II the reported presence Of the
Spanish regulars is confirmed. Tales of
looting and outraging continue, the ships
covering numerous small towns III the
province Of Ponce.
News Of the Troops
PONCE, Island of Porto Rico, July 30, 3
pm, via the Island of st. Thomas, b. W.
1.-MaJor-General Miles hourly expects
the arrival of the transports having on
board Brigadier-General Schwan's division
of 5000 men, and also the Mohawk with the
Fifth Regular Cavalry.
General Henry's division, consisting Of
$500 men and including twenty-six pieces
Of artillery, has been ordered to march I'M
mediately from Yauco to Ponce to be ready
to join the movement north to San Juan.
The Sixteenth Pennsylvania regiment
was sent this morning toward Juana Diaz,
eight miles north of Ponce, en- route to San
Juan.
Word reached here this afternoon that
the Spaniards were numbering native
Porto Ricans, violating women and in
dulging In general outrages
The Sixteenth Pennsylvania regiment
will be reinforced II necessary.
The first real resistance Is expected
when our troops reach Aibonito thirty
five miles northeast of here. Aibonito has
a thousand feet elevation.
General Miles says he has no intention
of making landing Of troops at San Juan,
especially as the place is only a road