The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1898-07-20
OLD GLORY FLOATS
over SANTIAGOI

Compiled from Reports.
Washington, July 1.-THE war
department posted the following bul.
letin at SIS p. m:
Santiago de Cuba, July II.
Adiutant General United States
Army, Washington, D. c.:
I have the honor to announce that
the American flag has this instant,
II o'clock noon, been hoisted over
the house of the civil governor in the
city of Santiago. An immense con.
course of people present; squaulon
of cavalry and regiment of infantry
presenting arms and band playing
national air. Light battery fred
salute of 2l guns. Perfect order is
being maintained by municipal gov
ernment. Distress is very great;
bpt little sickness in town. Scarcely
any yellow fever. A small gunboat
and about 200 seamen left by Cervera
have surrendered to me. Obstruc-
tions are being removed from mouth
of the harbor. Upon coming into
this city I discovered perfect en-
tanglement of defenses. Fighting,
as the Spaniards did the first day, it
would have cost 5000 lives to have
taken it. Battalions of Spanish
troops have been depositing arms
since daylight in armory, over which
have guard. Gen. Toral formally
surrendered the plaza and all stores
at 9 a. m.
My ordinance officers report about
1000 rifles turned in today and 600,
900 cartridges. At the mouth of the
harbor there are quite number of
line modern guns, about 6,incb; also
two batteries of mountain guns
together with saluting battery OF
IS old bronze guns. Disarming and
turning in will go on tomorrow. List
of prisoners not yet known.
Shafter.
Major General Commanding.
WHAT SECRETARY ALGER SAID.
Secretary Alger expressed his deep
qualification at the elimination of
the Santiago campaign. He had
fully expected the surrender to be
formally carried out at o'clock this
morning, according to Gen. Skaters
telegram last night, yet it was a
relief to know that the last chance
for parley and Spanish diplomacy
had passed, and that our flag was
now flying over the city. 1T is a
magnificent achievement" said he,
land most of all it is bravery,
pluck and endurance of our Ameri
can soldiers. Now that their efforts
have brought final and complete sue
cess. I believe their campaign will
be recorded as one of the most glori-
Gus pages of our military history.
Not more than 10000 men were
engaged when the most serious
fighting occurred, but they pushed
forward and created condition
which has brought the surrender Of
$4,000 men,"
Santiago de Cuba, July II, noon
Amid impressive ceremonies the
Spanish troops laid down their arms
between the lines of the Spanish and
American forces at 8 o'clock tn
morning.
Gen. Shafter and the American
division and brigade commanders
and their stays were escorted by a
troop of cavalry and Gen. Toral and
his staff by 100 picked men.
ro,,r'c Cu-opr> u,SDrD p,c1- no 1rr,r
Trumpeters on both sides saluted
with fourishes. Gen. Shafter re-
turned to Toral the latter's sword
after it had been handed to the
American commander.
Our troops, lined up at the trench
es, were eye-witnesses Of the cere-
mony. Gen. Sbafter and his escort,
accompanied by Gen. Toral, rode
through the city, taking formal pos
session.
CITY HAD BEEN SACKED.
The city had been sacked before
they arrived by the Spaniards.
At the palace elaborate ceremonies
took place. Exactly at noon the
American flag was raised over the
palace and was saluted by p guns
by Capt. Clpron's battery. At the
same time all the regimeutal bands
in our line played The Star Span
gled Banner" after which President
McKinley's congratulatory telegram
was read to each regiment.
The 18Th and 9th regiments Of
infantry will remain in the city to
enforce order and exercise municipal
authority. The Spanish forces are